About Janice

Teachings that changed my life

The psychological-spiritual growth modality called Pathwork changed my life.  As a teenager and young adult, I experienced depression and inner crises that never seemed to match the fully functional person I seemed to be by everyone else's observation, including profesisonals from whom I sought help.  It was after finally getting some traction with the Pathwork approach that I could identify some of what was missing in the traditional therapy settings. 

 

The Pathwork teachings also helped ground me in a worldview that made complete sense both practically and spiritually--I didn't have to split myself into two beings or choices about whether to be a scientist or a spiritual seeker, for example.  I didn't have to split and choose between Eastern vs Western, scientific vs religious ideas about why we are here, what human pain and struggle are all for, and what the afterlife is, or whether that was important.  As I relaxed into a new worldview, the teachings gave me the valuable gift of truly grounding myself on Planet Earth.  I no longer wasted energy pondering, agonizing, and managing the fear and hazy ambiguity about life and what it was all for, especially since depression always lurked around the corner like a vicious monster, ready to grab me and interrupt my life for another round of pointless hardship.  Put simply, Pathwork saved my life, and gave it back to me as a worthy and fascinating creative endeavor.

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Starting work with a Pathwork helper

Little did I realize that my wonderful experience with the teachings were the just the beginning. My first experience with a Pathwork helper was remarkably unlike any of the therapy experiences I'd had before.  I soon learned the way I could tell the difference between the traditional therapists I'd had and the Pathwork helpers I encountered.  It was how I felt as I got up and left the session.  In the past, I would often feel more confused and disconnected than when I went in, angry whereas I wasn't before, or more depressed or otherwise "messed up" feeling than when I went in.   After a Pathwork session, I felt lighter, happier in a way I couldn't exactly name, encouraged, understood, and satisfied with the luxury of having been "gotten."  I wasn't looked at--I was seen.  I wasn't analyzed and objectified--I was a dignified human being in relationship with another.  I wasn't a puzzle, pattern, or diagnosis--I was a coherent person with a unique experience to communicate.  I wasn't just a client in the schedule of the day--I was a remarkable person whose very hour of presence was appreciated by the helper.  While I couldn't put my finger on it back then, many years later I learned that this tangible difference was the result of a real, unseen, carefully woven and held therapeutic container based on Pathwork principles.

 

Applying the Pathwork process

Working with a Pathwork helper, I learned and practiced the Pathwork "process" in my daily life.  As I did so, small observations became big ones.  Small actions became consequential, often-overdue big ones.  My self-evident desire to not hurt my husband became a stark acknowledgement that I was being condescending and superior.  The hopeful limbo of marriage counseling became a painful call for divorce.   The fear of talking to upset business clients became self-assured, enjoyable conversations with interesting people. Promotions came.  The drudgery and "ick" factor of online dating became an outlet for adventure and co-creation with another earnest soul, even if that co-creation was only the span of an hour or a text exchange.  Showing up authentically fearless on dates eventually became one single, deeply loving relationship.  Alongside such outer shifts, my Pathwork sessions were helping me revisit and finally make sense of the painful experiences of my past.  Finally, stability and groundedness in my outer life gave me the maturity and bandwidth to look at unresolved issues that still unconsciously held me back.  Permission to embrace my spiritual side gave me a reservoir of courage to uncover and feel the deep pain--and deep joy--that was necessary to truly tap into my own life force. 

 

Opening up to unlimited potential

As I continued down my own path of self-discovery, I encountered group work.  Soon, it was no longer enough to simply do my own personal growth, as huge as that was.  In groups, another--exponentially larger--dimension opened up in my universe of self and experience.  My thoughts, words, and feelings were no longer a confined exchange between me and a trusted helper.  The countless variables impacting my experience of a person or setting could suddenly be multiplied countless times.  The stakes--and the thrills--were higher.  This was so because authentic connection is ultimately the "so what" of Pathwork or any spiritual or personal growth.  Was I truly authentic in my words?  Was I concerned with what someone else thought?  Was I accepted?  Was I seen?  Did I let myself be seen?  Was the feeling mutual?  Was I the same as others, and was that good?  Was I different, and was that good, or was it a source of defensive pride?  The world of feelings and others' realities became a much bigger playing field, one that I was ready to handle.  As I learned more deeply about myself and others, I could know in my bones the reality of the common denominators among all of humanity.  Seeing reality and connecting with others in authenticity translated seamlessly into my "outer" life as harmonious, fulfilling teams at work, loving confrontation within friend groups, and renewed appreciation for family gatherings.   I could also take on my own personal growth in the largest of contexts.  I could look at the countless tragedies in the world, form a relationship to them, and take on the critical question of "What is mine to do?"

 

In short, my consciousness expanded.  It didn't expand with a drug or miracle moment beyond my control.  It expanded through my use of Pathwork teachings and methods.  It expanded like the building of a house, from the ground up, brick-by-brick, room-by-room, by me and my own two hands, in full consciousness of the process.  Of course I had help, but the house, its design and the pleasure of living in it were--and still are--all mine.  That feeling of ownership and mastery is priceless.  Moments of unity, love, and timelessness became a natural experience in life, not all the time, but as natural and expected as a beautiful bird in the tree outside my window.

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It is my privilege to help others create their own, unique moments (and lives!) of transformation that have the potential to be incredibly enriching.  If you appreciated my story, or if there's anything else you'd like to know about me I would love to hear from you!