Orcas (Orcinus orca) are highly intelligent, highly social ocean mammals. They are known for their unique hunting techniques and vocal patterns, seen as “animal culture”. They also participate in mourning behaviors. Not to anthropomorphize, but I find it comforting to see ritual for big experiences like loss in animals, and helps me connect to the universality of the world of living beings.
Religion & spirituality services
Rachael assists clients who are struggling with their sense of spirituality, processing religious trauma, or trying to find meaning and purpose in life.
You may be a spiritual person, you may be feeling disconnected from that sense of connection or awe. You may be grieving and questioning your God. You may be interested in finding meaning in a ritual that is removed from religious institutions. Whatever the need, Rachael can help gently you guide you to living a life more aligned with your purpose.
"This is the longing in all spirituality: to come in out of the winter of alienation, self-division and exile and into the hearth of warmth and at-one-ment... it is in the giving of oneself to the fire that ultimate transfiguration and renewal comes."
- John O’Donohue
Secular, Compassionate Approach
Rachael weaves her training of mindfulness meditation and secular Buddhist psychology to help clients live more fully in their religious and spiritual identities. Clients are invited to find more presence, compassion, and non-judgement for themselves through the concepts underlying secular Buddhist theories.
Religious Trauma
Oftentimes religious institutions can knowingly or unknowingly inflict harm on individuals through religious practices and beliefs. This can create a lot of shame, confusion, and even moral injury. Rachael can gently and flexibly help you explore the religious trauma, guiding you to find a healthier and more autonomous relationship with your spirituality.
“Raised in the deep south, I had the unique experience of seeing how Christian protestantism can be a safe haven for community and connection, but can also be the source of personal shame and systemic oppression. With conscious practice, I use my lived experiences with religion to help others reconnect to what they want and need their spiritual lives to look like.”
~Rachael