“Medicine” whether mental, emotional or physically oriented utilizes are variety of descriptors, labels and jargon words often difficult to understand. In the mental health field, professional titles such as “Counselor” and “Therapist” are frequently interchangeable.

When beginning my practice I chose to use the word “Psychotherapy” to describe the services I offer. This choice was based upon the spiritual and deep psychology associations of the word and how the story of its origins best described the philosophy which underlie my practice and the variety of services I provide.

The word, “Psychotherapy” is Greek in origin. Psyche is the Soul. Originally a mortal, Psyche suffered many trials and was eventually granted immortality and reunion with Eros, her lover and Heart. Psyche’s travail is a metaphor for our inner journey from fragmentation to reunion with our Whole Self.

“Psycho” in psychotherapy represents the human spirit journeying through suffering to healing. “Therapeia” meaning “service” and also “attendant” (theraps), provides an interpretation of “Psychotherapy” as a service to help a client move through suffering to healing and spiritual re-connectedness. I see my role as psychotherapist as a midwife of sorts, guiding this process toward Wholeness and manifestation of our highest human potentials.

“Soul Friending or Soul Friend” is a term recently, re-emerging from the Celtic tradition and described in Gaelic as “anam cara”. Philosopher and writer, John O’Donohue, has beautifully presented this tradition in his book, “Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom. (HarperCollins Publisher, 1997)."

O’Donohue relates that “anam cara” originally referred to a teacher, companion or spiritual guide, to whom you would “reveal your innermost self, your mind and your heart.” The sharing is “offered without mask or pretension.” This transparency, accepted by the soul friend with open hearted compassion and love, allows the other to experience a feeling of ”recognition and belonging.” When we can recognize being held in this way, though it be by even one friend, we can then more easily carry this acceptance into relationship with others, open ourselves to “exploration of the Great Mystery” and what is often the more difficult, be willing to create and accept a loving friendship within ourselves.

With thanks to John O’Donohue for reawakening us to this tradition, I seek to incorporate the essence and spirit of “Soul Friending” into the Transpersonal Psychotherapeutic healing services I offer.