“Never tell a child, ‘You have a soul.’
Teach him, ‘You ARE a soul; you have a body.’”
What is The Soul?
What I mean by “Soul” is the essence of a person, the immaterial and unique presence each person brings to the world. The soul is felt in a person’s laugh and their company in quietness; it is where love resides and God speaks. I believe that each person is a unique and special soul, designed to experience life in its fullest measure of love, joy, and peace.
Certain aspects of our lives impact our souls… and are unchangeable: biology/genetics, our childhood, personality development, human nature, and trauma. While these aspects of our makeup and our past cannot be changed, I believe therapy can help the soul to heal and overcome.
“there is one spectacle grander than the sea, that is the sky; there is one spectacle grander than the sky, that is the interior of the soul.”
What is The Psyche?
“Psyche” is sometimes used interchangeably with “soul,” but although they are very closely linked, I mean it to be the mind – all our perceptions, thoughts, reasoning, memories, and consciousness. The psyche changes continuously, bending to meet the needs and pace of life and developing habits of thought to cope with difficulty. Many times we are not even aware of these changes and can feel powerless against them. Through therapy, you can explore your psyche and its impact on your life and emotions. You can learn to challenge your perceptions, replace your thoughts, and redefine your memories.
Greek mythology also tells of Psyche, a mortal woman who becomes goddess of the soul, whose quest to reunite with her husband, the god of love, takes her on a long and difficult journey. The beautiful myth of Psyche takes her through four impossible tasks which are all accomplished through receiving unexpected help. This story serves as a wonderful illustration of the therapy process… facing what seems to be impossible, accepting help along the way, and being transformed through dedication and struggle.