Individual Spiritual Companioning and Counselling
“We think we are human beings having a spiritual experience, when in truth we are spiritual beings having a human experience.” Teilhard de Chardin
These words of the late theologian, philosopher, and palaeontologist Teilhard de Chardin are the starting point in listening to, and supporting, the soul-work and personal therapeutic journey. Anne offers clients a safe space, encouragement in self-awareness, and deep inner listening towards inner healing and transformation. Experienced grief counsellor. Sessions by Skype, face time and phone available. Contact Anne
A Sample of Workshops
Woman’s Wisdom: the Heart of Matter
Befriending our Bodies
The substance of our physical body is important! This workshop is designed for personal healing and transformation through a gentle safe exploration, which includes guided meditation, movement, story-telling and rest. Letting go of negative attitudes towards our body and our sexuality, which have been influenced by cultural and religious traditions, will allow participants to access a powerful source of inner guidance and wisdom. Sisters! We will create sacred space together! It’s time to befriend our bodies, feel at home in our own skin, and know from within that our body is as sacred and miraculous as any other part of creation. As we heal ourselves, we heal our world.
Next offered Oct 29-30, see events page.
Good Grief! Befriending Loss in Ourselves & Others
Each of us, at some point in our life, will confront one of life’s major events, such as a life-threatening illness affecting a friend or family member, a parent with increasing physical or mental limitations, or the death of someone close to us. Often, we feel inadequate to the task. We wonder what the correct thing is to say. We often find ourselves unable to acknowledge the feelings arising in us, and in others. In this workshop we will normalize the experience of loss by exploring psychological and spiritual dimensions associated with the significant changes we encounter in life. Personal or professional caregivers, as well as those suffering a significant loss, will benefit from this exploration of the challenges and opportunities of grief.
will be offered October 15-16, see events page
Most Recently Offered:
May 14, 2011
“The Transformative Power of Grief”
St. John’s Convent Guest House, Toronto
March 4-6, 2011
Five Oaks Centre R.R.3, Paris, Ontario
Developing Resilience for times of transition and change
Many of us do not like change. It can be difficult to let go of what is familiar and move into the unknown. Even positive transitions such as new work, a move or retirement can leave us feeling adrift. When those we love are going through life’s major events or a life-threatening illness, we can feel inadequate to the task of support. This workshop is about developing resilience for whatever life throws at us! We will experience grounding, easily learned spiritual practices and explore how and why these can be useful. We will mine our own life experiences to deepen their wisdom for what lies ahead. We will gain confidence in the support we might wish to offer and also practice the opportunity to receive strength from others. In this circle, we will normalize the experience of transition and loss by exploring psychological and spiritual dimensions associated with significant life changes.
Most recently offered, May 2011, Ottawa area
Body as Blessing: The Heart of Matter
“Here we sit, with our souls tucked away in this marvelous luggage, mostly insensible to the ways in which every spiritual practice begins with the body,” writes author and preacher Barbara Brown Taylor. Our physical bodies matter. They are as sacred and miraculous as any part of creation. This workshop will address and offer opportunity for personal healing and transformation to the centuries old split between body and soul where the body was considered inferior. We will address the shame and negative internalized messages that affect our personal experience of body and sexuality, as well as that of those to whom we minister. This workshop will create a safe environment so that participants feel comfortable exploring their questions, sharing stories, and experiencing embodied prayer, and healing ritual.
Topic Areas for other Workshops Anne enjoys offering
Care of the Dying and Bereaved
Care for the Caregiver, and Compassion Fatigue
Congregational pastoral training
Spiritual care and prayer
Team Building
Events are individually crafted for:
Hospitals
Churches
Retreat centres
Educational institutions
small groups
Continuing Education for Professionals:
Clergy
Medical doctors
Nurses
Social workers
Retreats
Respectfully and with care, facilitating the journey into deeper spiritual life.
Topics include:
Silent Directed Retreat
Prayer
Healing
Spirituality and Health
Scripture texts in light of our lives
Teaching
Based on research and extensive experience in health-care and pastoral care.
Adjunct Faculty, Emmanuel College (Toronto School of Theology, University of Toronto)
Currently teaching the following:
Death Dying and Grieving
Prayer
Yearly Parish Nurse Education Programme
Preaching
Anne is an inspiring and gifted preacher and enjoys the challenge of relating ancient texts to our lives in the here and now. She is available to preach on areas such as spirituality and health, prayer, and healing, but is equally comfortable preaching from the lectionary.
Build your own Wedding Ceremony
Anne enjoys working with couples to design the wedding ceremony that reflects who they are. The ceremony is a public expression of what couples have already committed themselves to in their hearts. When a couple takes the time to reflect together on this aspect of their wedding day, this important ritual becomes much more meaningful. Anne helps couples shape the liturgy so that it will be a rich life experience.
Memorials and Funerals
Anne has extensive experience helping families to honour their loved one in the way that reflects who they are and respects the life they lived. She is comfortable working with families of differing or no religious faith connection.
Contact Anne regarding questions and fee schedule for the above services.
