faq

I bring a wealth of knowledge & experience in holistic health, the Vedas, and integrative wellness. My educational background & certifications include the following ::

Vedic Studies

• Integral Vedic Counselor & Ayurvedic Psychology Consultant Certification (CVC/APC) | 2022-2023

  • Student of Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri) D.Litt., American Institute of Vedic Studies

• Ayurvedic Health Counselor Certification (CAHC) | 2022

  • National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA)

• Bachelor's Degree in Ayurveda Wellness & Integrative Health | 2020-2022

  • Maharishi International University, Recognized by Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America, Inc. (AAPNA) USA

• Ayurveda Health/Lifestyle Consultant Certification (BA/CAC) | 2020-2022

  • Maharishi International University

• Iyengar Yoga Intensive | 2019

  • Student of Josh Vincent, Josh Vincent Yoga

• Yoga of 12 Step Recovery Leader & Teacher / Peer Support Specialist / Space Holder Certification (RYT) | 2018

  • Y12SR - Yoga of 12 Step Recovery

• Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Certification (TIYT) | 2017

  • Student of Lisa Danylchuk, EDM, MFT, E-RYT, Yoga For Trauma (Y4T) | Center for Yoga & Trauma Recovery (CYTR)

• Yoga Teacher Certification (RYT) | 2015

  • Vinyasa Yoga Asana, Students of Trevor Hawkins, E-RYT & Lindsay Russo, E-RYT, re:form YOGA + FITNESS | Yoga Alliance

Integrative Health and Addiction Recovery

• Integrative Health Professional & Coach Certification (INHC) | 2017

  • Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN)

• Alcohol & Drug Technician Registration (RADT) | 2017

  • California Consortium of Addiction Programs & Professionals (CCAPP)

Ongoing Professional Development

• Mentorship with Shaman Jac Kalea Patio of Golden Light Healings

  • Focused on personal healing, spiritual growth, deepning of my mission as a healer, teacher, and guide, and embodying the highest versions of Self.

• Mentorship with Dr. Matt Van Auken, MD, MPH, ABOIM, DipABLM, E-RYT, YACEP - Ayurvedic Physician of The Buddha's Medicine

  • Focused on deepening my understanding of Vedic Psychology, Ayurvedic principles, and their application to mental health & well-Being to further develop & nourish my counseling practice. (Read my article on my experience!)

My comprehensive background allows me to offer a unique, holistic approach to wellness that integrates ancient wisdom with modern practices.

My choice to practice as a Vedic Counselor rather than a licensed clinical counselor is a deliberate one, rooted in my holistic approach to healing and personal philosophy:

1. Holistic Healing Perspective: I believe in viewing each person as a whole being, not just a set of symptoms or diagnostic codes. The human experience is complex and multifaceted, and healing is a lifelong journey that encompasses mind, body, and spirit.

2. Beyond Diagnosis and 'Fixing': My approach isn't about "treating" clients as medical cases or aiming to "fix" a diagnosis. Instead, I focus on supporting individuals in their overall well-being and personal growth.

3. Alignment with Vedic Principles: As a Vedic Counselor, my practice aligns with ancient wisdom that views health and healing as a harmonious balance of various life aspects. This holistic view often extends beyond the scope of traditional clinical counseling.

4. Seva - Service with Purpose: The core of my practice is rooted in the concept of 'seva' or selfless service. This aligns more closely with Vedic counseling principles than with the more clinical approach of licensed counseling in the current U.S. healthcare system.

5. Freedom in Approach: Not being bound by the constraints of the traditional medical system allows me to offer a more flexible, personalized approach to each individual's unique journey.

6. Focus on Empowerment: Rather than positioning myself as someone who "fixes" problems, I aim to empower clients with tools, knowledge, and practices that support their ongoing growth and self-discovery.

While I deeply respect the work of licensed counselors and the important role they play in mental health care, I've chosen a path that allows me to integrate various holistic practices and ancient wisdom traditions into my work. This approach enables me to serve my clients in a way that I believe best supports their overall well-being and spiritual growth.

It's important to note that if you're seeking treatment for clinical mental health conditions, working with a licensed mental health professional may be necessary. I'm always happy to provide referrals or work in conjunction with licensed professionals when appropriate.

My practice integrates various holistic approaches to wellness & personal growth. Here are some of the key labels that describe my role & expertise ::

1. Integral Vedic Counselor: This reflects my training in Vedic wisdom and its application to modern life challenges. I use Vedic principles to guide clients towards balance & Self-understanding.

2. Ayurvedic Psychology Consultant: I apply Ayurvedic concepts to psychological well-Being, helping clients understand their mental & emotional patterns through the lens of Ayurvedic Psychology.

3. Ayurvedic Health Counselor: This role involves guiding clients in using Ayurvedic principles for overall health & wellness, including diet, lifestyle, and daily routine.

4. Integrative Health Coach: I take a comprehensive approach to health, considering physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-Being.

5. Yoga Instructor: With various Yoga-focused certifications, including trauma-informed Yoga, I incorporate Yogic practices into my counseling approach when appropriate.

6. Holistic Wellness Practitioner: This umbrella term encompasses my diverse training in various holistic health modalities.

7. Spiritual Guide: While not a religious role, this label reflects my ability to support clients in their spiritual growth and Self-discovery journey.

8. Mindfulness Coach: I teach & guide clients in mindfulness practices to enhance Self-awareness & emotional regulation.

9. Codependency Recovery Support Specialist: With my background in addiction recovery, I offer support for those on the path of codependency recovery & healing.

10. Lifestyle Transformation Coach: I help clients make sustainable changes in their daily lives to support their overall well-Being & personal goals.

These labels reflect different aspects of my training & approach. In practice, I draw from all these areas to provide a personalized, holistic support system for each client's unique needs & goals. My role is to be a guide, supporter, and educator on your journey to optimal wellness & Self-discovery.

Seeking support is a personal decision, and everyone's journey is unique. However, there are certain signs that might indicate you could benefit from the holistic guidance & support I offer ::

1. Feeling Out of Balance: If you're experiencing a sense of disconnection between your mind | body | spirit, or if different aspects of your life feel out of sync.

2. Seeking Deeper Understanding: You're curious about Vedic wisdom &/or holistic approaches to well-Being and want to apply these principles to your life.

3. Navigating Life Transitions: Whether it's a career change, relationship shift, or personal transformation, you're looking for guidance to navigate these changes with grace & mindfulness.

4. Stress Management: You're struggling with stress, anxiety, or overwhelm and are interested in learning holistic techniques to manage these feelings.

5. Health Concerns: You're dealing with recurring health & well-Being issues and are interested in exploring how Ayurvedic principles might support your overall well-Being.

6. Spiritual Growth: You're on a path of spiritual discovery and would like support in deepening your practice &/or understanding.

7. Codependency Recovery Journey: If you're in recovery from codependency or other challenging life experiences and are seeking holistic support to complement your healing.

8. Lifestyle Transformation: You're ready to make significant changes in your diet, daily routine, or overall lifestyle but need guidance & accountability.

9. Emotional Healing: You're working through past traumas &/or emotional challenges and are interested in integrating mind | body | spirit practices into your healing process.

10. Self-Discovery: You're at a point in your life where you want to deepen your Self-understanding and explore your true potential.

11. Preventive Wellness: Even if you're not facing any immediate challenges, you might be interested in learning how to maintain & enhance your well-Being proactively.

12. Intuitive Pull: Sometimes, you might just feel an intuitive pull towards this type of Self Work. If you're drawn to holistic approaches and feel a resonance with the services I offer, that itself can be a sign!

You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from support. Many clients find that regular sessions help them maintain balance, gain new insights, and continue growing even when life is going well.

If you're unsure, I offer initial consultations where we can discuss your current situation & goals. This can help you decide if my approach aligns with your needs. Trust your intuition – if you feel drawn to this work, it might be worth exploring further!

Absolutely! My holistic approach to wellness can work hand-in-hand with traditional medical treatments. Here's how ::

1. Holistic Perspective: While Western medicine often focuses on treating specific symptoms or conditions, my approach considers your overall well-Being (mind | body | spirit). This approach provides a more comprehensive health strategy.

2. Lifestyle Support: I can help you implement lifestyle changes that may enhance the effectiveness of your medical treatments, such as dietary adjustments, cognitive restructuring techniques, and paradigm shifts, just to name a few.

3. Mind-Body Connection: By addressing the mental & emotional aspects of health, my services can complement physical treatments, potentially improving overall outcomes.

4. Preventive Measures: Ayurvedic & Vedic practices often emphasize prevention, which can support your long-term health alongside medical care.

5. Stress Management: Techniques I teach, such as dhyana (meditation) or Yoga asana (postures), can help manage stress, panic, and anxiety that often accompany medical conditions & treatments.

6. Personalized Approach: I can tailor holistic practices to your specific needs, taking into account your medical condition & treatments.

It's important to note that my services are not a replacement for medical treatment. I always encourage clients to maintain open communication with their healthcare providers. If you're currently under medical care, please inform both me & your providers about all treatments & practices you're engaging in to ensure coordinated, safe, well-balanced care.

I take the confidentiality & privacy of my clients very seriously. Here's my approach ::

1. Strict Confidentiality: All information shared during our sessions is kept strictly confidential. This includes personal details, discussions, and any records I keep.

2. Secure Record-Keeping: Any notes or records I maintain are stored securely and are accessible only to me.

3. Digital Security: For online sessions & digital communications, I use the secure, encrypted platform Practice Better EHR to protect your privacy.

4. Limited Exceptions: There are rare circumstances where I may be legally or ethically obligated to break confidentiality, such as:

   • If there's a risk of imminent harm to yourself or others

   • In cases of suspected abuse of children or vulnerable adults

   • If required by a court order

5. Informed Consent: Before we begin working together, I'll provide you with a detailed explanation of my confidentiality policies, which we can review together if necessary.

6. Respect for Your Boundaries: You're always in control of what you choose to share. I respect your right to disclose information at your own pace & comfort level.

7. Professional Ethics: As a CAM practitioner, I adhere to strict ethical guidelines that prioritize client confidentiality & privacy.

Your trust is paramount to our work together. If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality, please don't hesitate to discuss them with me.

The timeline for seeing results can vary significantly from person to person, as each individual's journey is unique. However, here are some general guidelines ::

1. Short-Term Benefits: Many clients report feeling more balanced, centered, nourished, &/or gaining new insights even after the first few sessions.

2. Lifestyle Changes: If we're working on implementing new habits or routines, you might start noticing changes in your daily life within three weeks.

3. Mental & Emotional Shifts: Significant changes in thought patterns or emotional responses often become noticeable within three months of consistent work.

4. Physical Changes: If we're addressing health concerns through Ayurvedic practices, noticeable physical changes might take three to nine months, depending on the issue and your consistency with the practices.

5. Deep-Rooted Issues: For long-standing or complex issues, it might take six months to a year or more to see substantial, lasting changes.

6. Ongoing Growth: Personal & spiritual growth is a lifelong journey. While you'll likely see meaningful progress along the way, there's always potential for further development.

Factors that can influence your timeline include ::

• Your commitment to the process

• Consistency in applying practices & recommendations

• The complexity of the issues we're addressing

• Your individual capacity for change

The process of healing & growth are not linear. You might experience rapid changes in some areas while others take more time. We'll regularly review your progress together and adjust our approach as needed.

The key is to be patient with yourself and trust the process. Every step, no matter how small, is progress on your journey to well-Being.

Spirituality is an integral part of my holistic approach to counseling, but it's important to note that I respect each client's individual beliefs and level of comfort with spiritual concepts. Here's how spirituality factors into my practice ::

1. Holistic Perspective: I view spirituality as one aspect of overall well-Being, alongside physical, mental, and emotional health.

2. Non-Denominational: My approach to spirituality is non-denominational and inclusive, drawing from various wisdom traditions while respecting all belief systems.

3. Connection to Self: I use spiritual concepts to help my clients deepen their Self-awareness, connect with their inner wisdom, and nourish their relationship with Self & Source.

4. Meaning and Purpose: Spiritual perspectives can often help in exploring questions of life purpose, meaning, and personal values.

5. Mindfulness Practices: I incorporate mindfulness & dhyana (meditation) techniques, which have spiritual roots but are also scientifically supported for their mental health benefits.

6. Vedic Wisdom: My background in the Vedas informs my spiritual approach, offering insights from this ancient tradition when appropriate.

7. Transpersonal Psychology: I integrate concepts from Transpersonal Psychology, which explores experiences and states of consciousness beyond the ordinary, helping clients connect with broader aspects of human experience & potential.

8. Spiritual Alchemy: I draw on the principles of Spiritual Alchemy, which uses symbolic language and processes to describe personal transformation. This can offer powerful metaphors for inner growth and the integration of different aspects of the self.

9. The Wheel of the Year: I incorporate the cyclic nature of The Wheel of the Year, a concept found in various spiritual traditions. This can provide a framework for understanding personal cycles, seasonal energies, and the rhythm of life changes.

10. Energy & Balance: Concepts like prana (life force) & chakras (energy centers) may be explored as ways of understanding personal energy & balance.

11. Interconnectedness: I may introduce ideas about the interconnectedness of all things to help shift perspectives on personal challenges.

12. Tailored to You: The degree to which spirituality is emphasized in our sessions is always tailored to your comfort level & interest.

13. Optional Integration: Spiritual concepts are offered as & tools for growth and understanding. You're always free to engage with or set aside these ideas as you see fit.

14. Respect for Science: While I incorporate spiritual concepts, I also respect & integrate scientific understanding in my approach, especially in regards to consciousness.

15. Transformative Potential: I believe that engaging with spirituality can offer transformative insights and experiences, but this is always explored at your own pace & discretion.

You're always in control of how much or how little spiritual content we incorporate into our work together. My goal is to offer a range of tools & perspectives to support your growth & well-Being in a way that feels authentic & meaningful to you.