About Namaste Counseling ServicesI am the founder of Namaste Counseling Services and have a Bachelor's of Science as well as a Master's Degree in Nursing. Also, I am credentialed as a RN as well as a psychiatric nurse practitioner with prescription privileges in Oregon and as a Clinical Specialist in Adult Mental Health by the American Nurses Association.
I have been practicing as a psychiatric nurse practitioner since June of 1996 and have taught at the college level, provided psychiatric & mental health services within community mental health clinics, as well as the prison system, and acted as a psychiatric/medical consultant to the Department of Human Services in Oregon to determine if their clients' medical or mental illness would interfere with their ability to work. In all of these settings, I have practiced autonomously as well as with other licensed medical practitioners and with clients, aged 6 to the elderly. I opened Namaste Counseling Services to provide clients the opportunity to work with a professional, who combines western approaches to mental health with a spiritual focus.
Spiritual Journey
My spiritual journey began in ernest at 18 years of age when I was ordained as a minister within a fairly conservative religion. The original responsibilities were limited, but they became greater as I participated more in the spiritual growth as well as development of others. As this path expanded, my understanding of God or Spirit grew and this greater level of awareness allowed me to see as well as experience the powerful and healing energy that can come from seeking God or Spirit.
I frequently felt inspired and uplifted by Spirit, especially when I would preach, pray and meditate, and participate in certain ordinances or rituals, such as baptism. As I continued along this path, I eventually became a pastor and felt an even greater responsibility in fulfilling the role of spiritual leader. I was blessed with wonderful opportunities to participate in the spiritual growth of others and to bring comfort, as well as peace, by invoking Spirit to those who were willing to receive it.
I eventually moved out of that role and lost touch with the importance of spirituality as I pursued a higher level of education and, upon completing school, traveled throughout the week to treat those with mental illness in rural areas of Oregon. However, I knew Spirit had never left me during those travels and was still a guiding force.
My connection with God was truly tested when I became divorced after 19 years of marriage. I was temporarily lost in my own sea of misery and emotional pain, which was the starting point of redefining my concept of God or Spirit. But I apparently needed a catalyst to begin this different journey and that came in the form of my beloved friend. She introduced me to different concepts of spirituality, as well as love, and I now know Spirit resides within me because I am a divine being with unlimited potential. I feel that most traditional religions indirectly teach us to have a relationship with God or Spirit based on fear and guilt. However, I would propose that God or Spirit sees us as divine beings because Spirit resides within, not outside of, us.
I have found great peace and comfort with this shift in my conceptualization of God or Spirit and I feel part of my purpose is to help others know, as well as experience, this truth. I've always pursued the path of being a healer and helping others to become aware of their own purpose, which is ultimately derived from Spirit. Today, I see myself as a constant seeker of truth according to Spirit and this knowledge or understanding has come through meditation, prayer, reading, and the use of mantras.
Finally, I consider each client that walks through my door a gift and an expression of Spirit and I would be honored to be your guide in your journey to wholeness.
Copyright 2007 Namaste Counseling Services
