Essex Center

We are all on a journey, a pilgrimage through this life on earth. Sometimes, this living experience unfolds naturally, with health and clarity. Other times, however, some aspects of our life are not coming together well. Perhaps our relationships or families are struggling, or learning has become a challenge, or what work to do is unclear. Sometimes, practically every dimension of our life could be a muddle, with little sense of direction.

The role of a Life's Journey Counselor has been created to make available professional short-term or long-term conversations to enable and support decision-making and progress in what life needs and goals we are working through or toward. Sometimes, all we need is a chance to talk to someone who will listen. Other times, a specific frustration, difficulty, or struggle needs to be the focus of support, encouragement, and enlightenment. When it is relevant or central, we consider if there is some mindset, attitude, emotional pattern, or sense of self that could be enhanced for better life outcomes, which is the foundational sense of "spirit" we use here to guide out dynamic life's journey. Appropriate clinical referrals are made, when needed, when issues arise to be able to make use of this educational, supportive service.

Exploring this website and checking out our videos and playlists are options to help decide whether this service is worth trying.

More directly, there is the offer of a no-charge, 30-minute telephone or Zoom call to ask any questions, explore your needs and requests, and begin to get a conversation going about helpful ideas and priorities. 

If you decide that you wish to schedule the next step, an initial in-depth consultation, you may telephone or email James.

The initial consultation typically consists of three parts, which, however, can be individualized according to the participants learning style, preferences, or schedule. 

First, there a preliminary needs assessment interview that lasts approximately an hour. The primary goal is simply to learn: what do you want to gain from this process? What would a good outcome be for you, if not specifically, at least what it would look and feel like? This first session will result in much to think about in preparation for the next, more-extended session.

The second interview can last up to two hours, all at once or in two appointments. The practitioner-participant, James, and you, as the active-participant, collaborate by proceeding through a variety of questions and scenarios so that the participant feels heard and supported toward their ultimate goals, whether only next/baby-steps are generated or major factors are ruled in or ruled out at this point.

The third and final initial consultation session  can last for about 30 minutes. It is preceded by the practitioner preparing and sending the participant an email for review together that is not so much a summary of the central session, but rather relevant highlights and points for further clarification or prioritizing.

If, at any time in the course of these discussions, we find that we need to adjust this format, no worries. Individualizing this process is a feature.

After the three-part initial consultation, the practitioner and participant will determine the usefulness of remaining in professional contact through scheduled future sessions. Weekly, 2-3 times a month, or as needed are just some of the options.

The three-part initial consultation package cost is $400.00 USD, 50% or paid in full in advance, currently payable by a mailed or presented check (Visa and Zelle are planned future options).

Alternatively, individual sessions lasting from 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours each are $150 per session, with the payment method and scheduling to be agreed upon in discussion between practitioner and client.

All sessions are — usually and preferably — in person or on Zoom; telephone sessions are an option upon discussion and agreement. 

Life happens, so rescheduling and cancellations are inevitable, with no financial penalty, unless in the sole judgment of the practitioner these have become excessive. No-shows are charged at full fee unless an emergency prevented prior canceling or rescheduling. 

There is no electronic recording of Life's Journey Counseling sessions by this practitioner, but the practitioner and participant may take notes during sessions. These sessions are confidential, but as they are educational, not clinical, in nature, the requirements of legal authorities are respected and followed. 

We collaborate with each participant in their goal to live well:

• by taking good care of oneself, others, and nature 
• by creating, pursuing, and evaluating one's life's work mission

We focus on building: 

• thriving health
• a wise and effective mindset 
• beneficial life projects 
• and an enduringly  joyful and transcendent spirit.

We work with active participants who are:

      Adults of any age who are ready to address their concerns about, and potential for, improving their personal life and building their life's work.

     Young adults — or adults of any age — who are making life transitions to technical and higher education, work life, and independence, and who are interacting with those in their lives involved in their progress, such as parents/guardians, life partners, employers, and educators.

     Older adults who are undertaking a life review, and seek to develop and express their generous spirit through continued learning, personal fulfillment, and service endeavors

In all of these services, we assist people who seek to find or develop, then intensively work on, projects that are worthwhile and engaging to them and that make a noticeable contribution, large or small, to making some aspect of the world a better place.

Thus, we honor, support, and work with people:

• who now may be struggling in one or more areas of life
• who wish to achieve and maintain personal and professional growth and happiness
• who are ready to make the changes needed to achieve their fullest  life potential, seeking something more worthwhile and engaging.

 "There is nothing more satisfying than helping someone with their own journey." — Dimitri Moriatis, Spiritual Arts Institute 

...or, at least, act respectfully

...or, at least, act morally

...and play, and do nothing sometimes, and rest, and build skills

...because freedom requires responsibility

...because that is your gift to us

...because the smallest ripple affects the whole universe

And when any of us fail at any of these, we start over — reset in the present moment — and strive to do better.