is coaching or mentoring the same as therapy? no. it is not psychotherapy and cannot be a substitute for mental health treatment. if you are seeking therapy or treatment for mental health disorders, here is a link to my therapy practice: www.jillianwinters.com. i can also provide referrals to professional counselors if therapy and counseling is a better match for your goals.
what is mindfulness? mindfulness is paying attention on purpose in the present moment. it includes mindfulness meditation which is the practice of cultivating an open-hearted awareness of what is arising in our moment to moment experience. research shows that practicing mindfulness can develop many qualities such as joy, clarity, insight, and compassion. it is a way to take care of ourselves and transform the stress and suffering in our lives and culture. mindfulness training is a wonderful complement to many kinds of therapeutic work, but is not therapy itself.
what is self-compassion? self-compassion is the powerful act of bringing kindness and care toward ourselves and our inner experience. it is not that different from the compassion you feel for others when you notice they are suffering. self-compassion practice is cultivating the ability to treat yourself as you would a dear friend when faced with challenges, personal shortcomings, or when you notice something about yourself that you don't like. instead of judging ourselves harshly and abandoning ourselves in a challenging moment, we can practice staying with ourselves and facing our emotional pain. self-compassion training is a wonderful complement to many kinds of therapeutic work, but is not therapy itself.
what is eco-spiritual mentoring? a growing body of research shows that being in and connecting to nature can positively impact our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. in an eco-spiritual mentoring session we will most likely meet outdoors on the land I steward, a public park, or a nature trail. we may walk, sit, talk, and/or observe our surroundings. many people find that they are more relaxed and more in touch with themselves outdoors. one of my teachers would say, "the lion's share of our emotional and physical problems stem from our estrangement from nature's circle of life." eco-spiritual mentoring is a process that facilitates a return to this aware connection outside of our usual states of being as a core aspect of our true identity. in an eco-spiritual mentoring session, nature is the guide, healer, and teacher.
how long are sessions? individual mindfulness, self-compassion training, eco-therapy, or psychedelic integration sessions usually last about 55 to 60 minutes unless special arrangements are made.
what if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment? if you are unable to keep your appointment, please call at least 24 hours in advance. since your appointment time is reserved for you, there is a fee of $40 if a session is not cancelled 24 hours in advance. what forms of payment do you receive? cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted. payment for services is expected at the time of your session.