Despite the obstacles,

I pursued the great monk

The misty mountains a million layers high

He pointed to the road back home

One round moon, lantern of the sky.

-Han Shan (c 730)

The decision to contact a therapist is a complex and meaningful experience for anyone facing a challenge in their lives. Our ability to manage our life comes into question and we find ourselves facing circumstances that we fear are beyond our capability to resolve. The therapist appears as a resource, someone who has the answers and the skills to help us. When I meet with someone for the first time, I hold an appreciation for the courage it takes to seek help and a respect for their wisdom and capabilities. We work together to clarify the issues and determine a path to achieve their goals. This becomes the road illuminated and we travel together, paying attention to the assumptions and beliefs that help or hinder the journey. Ultimately, they realize the great monk that resides within themselves and regain the confidence and hope that was obscured by the clouds of their doubts and worries.

 Late at night I sit alone

And work on deadwood zen

I stir the lifeless ashes

The fire won’t relight

Suddenly I hear the tower

Chime resound.

Its single sound of clarity

Fills the winter sky.

 —Han-shan Te-ch’ing (1546-1623)

Moments of clarity have the potential to change our lives. Depression can fill your world with lifeless ashes and leave you feeling helpless and hopeless to find any joy. People come to my office seeking clarity and we step into the unlit fire and stir the ashes of their thoughts and feelings. Our time together ends for the day and the feelings remain. The weeks can become months without much in the way of change. The scheduled hour becomes a finger or toe hold on our ascent of what feels like an endless journey up the side of the mountain. Chimes resound when new connections are made between experiences and assumptions that are usually outside of our conscious awareness. Being mindful of the present moment and allowing ourselves to reflect on our thoughts and feelings without judgement transforms the arduous journey into an opportunity to discover our creative potential .