Psychotherapy • End of Life • Grief Support • Parts Work
about laura
about willie
We grieve for so many reasons - the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, aging, or our own mortality. The last 10 years of my life have been committed to supporting others as they cope with the grief that is woven into the fabric of the their lives - helping them move towards acceptance, meaning, and love.
Most of my work has occurred in the heart of people's own homes or in healthcare settings - supporting the dying and their loved ones through the hospice experience, counseling survivors of suicide in the ICU, visiting people in memory care units, or facilitating grief camps for children.
After 3+ years of serving as a board certified chaplain for Cleveland Clinic Hospice I joined Metta Mind Therapy so that the work I offer others can go deeper and be more creative.
While work with end-of-life and grief are my greatest passions, the more I have done this work, the more evident it has become that grief is at the core of so much of the human struggle, and that the way we process it is often the same - having our story deeply heard, processing our emotions, rediscovering a sense of self and meaning, and finding ways to continue living while honoring our losses and life transitions.
My approach to this work is influenced by 15+ years of meditation practice guided by elders in the Buddhist tradition. I have likewise been committed to my own healing and growth under the guidance of Jungian psychoanalysts and this attention to dreams and inner symbolism is another major influence. Finally, during my training as a chaplain, much of the emphasis was on relational and group dynamics. When working with clients, I incorporate all these dimensions - the spiritual, the psychological, and the relational - to help people face their fears, express their grief, and discover a newfound sense of meaning and peace in their lives.
The work I do with people is often directly related to traditional grief, but also encompasses working with depression, relationships, healthy sexuality, and spiritual direction.
When not working, I enjoy being a goofball with my six-year-old daughter, relaxing with my wife, and cooking food for people I love.
Offerings
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Individual counseling
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Couples counseling
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End-of-life preparation and direction
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Memory loss support
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Celebrations of Life / Memorial Services
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Spiritual Exploration
*If illness or physical ability limits you from leaving your home, all services are offered in person at your home for a small additional fee.
Education
University of Chicago Divinity School, MDiv, Interfaith Chaplaincy, 2017
Oberlin College, BA, Astrophysics, 2012
Certifications
Certified Grief Counselor (CG-C), American Academy of Grief Counseling, 2023
Board Certified Chaplain (BCC), Association of Professional Chaplains, 2022
Additional Training
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Reiki Level 1 Practitioner - 2021
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Positive Approach to Care, Dementia Training with Teepa Snow, 2019
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Clinical Pastoral Education Residency, Unity Point Health - Meriter, 2018
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Great Compassion, Great Courage: Exploring Life, Death, Freedom with Frank Ostaseski and Roshi Joan Halifax, 2015