How Life Telling Counseling Works

Your path from fragmentation to wholeness

Life telling counseling is a narrative, faith-integrated approach that helps you understand your whole story—your doubts, injuries, failures, and faith—and discover where it’s leading you. Here's exactly what to expect on your journey toward integration and authentic becoming.

Each stage moves you deeper into your story, helping you see how fragmented chapters connect, what they reveal about you, and how they point toward who you’re becoming.

The Five Stages of Your Healing Journey

Every client's journey is unique, but most move through these five interconnected stages as they move from chaos toward clarity and flourishing.

1

Assessment & Connection

We begin with your story. In our first session, I listen deeply to understand your struggle, your faith, your goals, and what brought you here. This is about building trust and getting clear on what you're working toward.

  • Initial consultation (free 20-minute call)
  • Comprehensive intake session
  • Assessment of your specific needs
  • Clear treatment plan and goals
2

Stabilization & Understanding

Early sessions focus on stabilizing your nervous system and building understanding. We identify patterns, explore root causes, and give you practical tools to manage symptoms while we do deeper work.

  • Learn your nervous system patterns
  • Develop immediate coping strategies
  • Identify triggers and patterns
  • Build emotional regulation skills
3

Processing & Integration

Once you're stabilized, we go deeper. This is where real transformation happens. We process trauma, work through shame, heal spiritual wounds, and integrate the parts of yourself you've been disconnected from.

  • Process past trauma and wounds
  • Work through shame and guilt
  • Heal spiritual and relational wounds
  • Integrate disowned parts of yourself
4

Transformation & Mastery

As healing deepens, you develop mastery over your own responses. You understand your triggers, you know your tools, and you're using them. You're moving from surviving to thriving.

  • Master your nervous system responses
  • Build authentic relationships
  • Operate from integrity and courage
  • Experience genuine peace and clarity
5

Flourishing & Independence

You've arrived. You're living with courage, integrity, and genuine flourishing. You understand yourself, you trust your responses, and you're moving through life with clarity and purpose. Therapy transitions to maintenance or ends, and you carry these tools forward.

  • Live authentically and courageously
  • Maintain your healing independently
  • Support others from your healing
  • Continue growing and flourishing

Practical Details

Session Length

Free Consultation: 15 minutes

Regular Sessions: 50 minutes

Sessions start and end on time. We use every minute wisely.

Format

Virtual (Secure Video)

All sessions are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing.

You can join from anywhere in California with a private, quiet space.

Frequency

Typically Weekly

Most clients meet weekly. Some start with twice weekly, others space out to every other week.

We'll determine what works best for you.

Confidentiality

Fully Confidential

What you share in therapy is protected. Limited exceptions exist only for imminent danger or child abuse.

Your privacy is sacred.

What to Expect: Timeline

Weeks 1-4: Foundation

We establish safety, understand your story, and identify patterns. You'll start noticing what triggers you and begin learning basic tools.

Weeks 5-12: Processing

We go deeper into root causes. You'll process emotions and experiences that have been stuck. Some clients see significant shifts here.

Months 4-6: Integration

You're applying tools consistently. Relationships improve. Sleep gets better. You notice you're less reactive. Real change is visible.

Months 6+: Maintenance & Depth

You've built new patterns. We either continue deepening your healing or space out sessions as you become more independent. Some clients continue long-term for ongoing support.

Note: Everyone's timeline is different. Some people see significant progress in 3 months. Others need longer. We'll assess progress together and adjust as needed.

Common Questions

What if I don't know what to talk about?

That's completely normal. I'll ask questions and guide the conversation. My job is to help you explore what's happening in your life and inner world.

Do I need to do homework between sessions?

Not required, but I often suggest practices or reflection exercises. These are tools to help you apply what we're learning. It's your choice how much you engage with them.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Life happens. I ask for 24-hour notice when possible. We'll work together to find a time that works for you.

How do I know if therapy is working?

We check in regularly about your progress. You'll notice changes: better sleep, less anxiety, clearer thinking, stronger relationships. We'll track these together.

What if we're not a good fit?

If we're not clicking, we can talk about it. My goal is your healing—sometimes that means finding a different therapist who's a better fit. I'll support that transition.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule your free 15-minute consultation. No obligation, no pressure—just a conversation about what you're facing.

Your Privacy Matters

We do not collect, track, or sell your personal information to third parties. Your data stays private and secure.Learn more