About
For the past 17 years, clients continuously thank me for sharing with them tools they can use in daily life to resolve their anxiety or trauma as well as rediscover peace of mind. Having been trained in the United States and Japan along with work experience in the United States, Indonesia, and Thailand, I have a comfort level with different cultures and views. My home office with walking trails allows me to offer connecting with nature practices.
Highlights
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Caroline L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
A phone discussion often begins the process followed by meeting face-to-face or online to review issues. Addressing a priority concern, you get to experience how I work and methods I use. We end the first session by making a decision to proceed or not. If we decide to proceed, we clarify the desired objectives for the therapy. We confirm an hourly rate, recognizing that I am an out-of-network provider.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BA in Psychology
M.Div. that included graduate hours and practicums in counseling
Certification in Mindfulness Instruction
Certification in Methods of Japanese Psychology
Certified Addiction Specialist
Training in Applied Existential Psychotherapy, Group Therapy, CBT, Sensorimotor Therapy and Horticultural Therapy
Ordination as a Buddhist Priest by Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha. 13 years service leading a temple with as well as offering spiritual counseling. Also, I trained spiritual and mental health professionals in Japanese Methods of Psychology and mindfulness in the United States, Indonesia and Thailand. I used by Clinical Pastoral Education training to serve as a part-time Hospital Chaplain for a year.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
I am an out of network provider and for those whose insurance companies do not cover such, I offer a sliding scale.
How did you get started in this business?
My interest began in college when working with emotionally disturbed children. Later in life as a minister, with so many coming to me for mental health services, I wanted more than spiritual training. To supplement my M.Div., I was trained and certified in several mental health practices. Watching the healing process in more depth as body, mind, and spirit in action, I made a commitment to offering practical therapy using a blend of Eastern and Western psychotherapeutic approaches.
What types of customers have you worked with?
Adults of various ages with European, American and Asian backgrounds. Current clients range in age from 26 to 99.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Young women in a detention facility reminded me how powerful mindfulness can be in supporting change.While preparing for my weekly mindfulness class, the door to the training room in the facility burst open. In strode a young black woman who was active in the gangs. She walked up to me and loudly sated, "OK. I did it. I did what you told us to do!"
After asking her to help me understand, she explained how she had used one of the mindfulness exercises I had given her to stay out of a fight. She smiled as she kept repeating and shaking her head, "I didn't respond to da taunts. I watched the fight! That's the first time I just watched." She touched my heart as she said, "My name will be on a list, but I'm gonna leave da gang." With tears of joy in my eyes, I knew she was no longer owned by anyone.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Use the first session to explore whether you and the therapist along with their approach are a fit.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
What changes do I want to make in my life?
What is my definition of 'improvement'?