Spirituality and Trauma

Both as spiritual director and coach, I have a special interest in the legacy of trauma, particularly childhood trauma, as it plays out in our adult lives. Though not trained as a therapist, I have a deep understanding of family systems and how they affect our emotional patterning. Having worked through my own history of traumas, I am privileged to co-navigate the often intricate journey of healing from trauma with my clients. And I support all of my clients sorting through trauma in seeking the guidance of an experienced therapist as well.

I believe that our psyches, like all of nature, are always seeking equilibrium. I see our personalities and living strategies as a resourceful and often brilliant response to challenges we faced as children, whether or not these challenges reached the level of trauma. I help my clients see these strategies with wonder and gratitude, even if they’ve outlived their purpose. Because all of our ages, like the rings of a tree, are present in who we are now, this is a journey of self-compassion and empathy with our younger and current selves; and it frees us for a life of greater compassion for ourselves and others.

I have come to the conclusion that human beings are born with an innate capacity to triumph over trauma. I believe not only that trauma is curable, but that the healing process can be a catalyst for profound awakening—a portal opening to emotional and genuine spiritual transformation.

                                                                                                                                               —Peter Levine, Healing Trauma: Restoring the Wisdom of Your Body

  

Coaching

Coaching differs from spiritual direction in that it need not take an explicitly spiritual focus (nor does it exclude one). As with coaching for sports or acting, life coaching relies on the natural ability of the client to “play” the game of life. It is the coach’s job to see that ability in their client, to help clients see that ability in themselves, and to draw it out to create strategies for moving forward in the context of what has come before and what is happening now. For me, this often means moving away from scripts and learning to do life as improv, with a more limber, spontaneous approach.

Coaching may address a specific life circumstance, such as deciding about a new career path, and can work in the short term. It may also be an ongoing practice of discernment about how one wants to navigate life with its ever-changing circumstances, both personal and collective. It can help us discern and grow into who we want to be in this world in keeping with our deepest values, relationships, and commitments. When clients use coaching for this purpose, I have the privilege of being coach, cheerleader, and fan club all at the same time.