Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
Odyssey Psychotherapy provides psychotherapy and relationship consultation for journeys of growth and discovery in non-monogamous and consciously monogamous lifestyles. Odyssey Psychotherapy opens spaces for discourse about non-monogamy and challenges stigma and discrimination of non-traditional relationships.
Vision
Odyssey Psychotherapy strives to develop resilient and empowered presences in those who practice non-monogamy and conscious monogamy. Odyssey Psychotherapy envisions a future where consensual and ethical non-monogamy may be practiced openly without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Values and Guiding Principles
Navigating relationships without solid underlying principles is like exploring uncharted wilderness without a compass. Here are the primary guiding values and principles at Odyssey Psychotherapy to guide the work.
Resilience
Beyond relief from mental illness symptoms, internalizing lessons learned and living from a place of resilience should be more the end game. Bad things will happen in life. My relationship support is targeted to develop skills and internal resources for you to adapt meaningfully to the present and future challenges.
Developing resilience is central to the mission of Odyssey Psychotherapy.
Curiosity / “Beginner’s Mind”
Minds are like parachutes – they only function when open -Thomas Dewar
We need to be open to possibilities of change or we will rigidly resist them at every turn, dismissing any alternative or suggestion as unworkable. And then we’ll keep doing what we’ve always done. Only by approaching life with what Zen masters might call “Beginner’s Mind” can we see beyond our own limited view. We get out of our own way.
As much as I have come to know and understand psychology and relationships, I am humble enough to approach therapy and people with a curious beginner’s mind. When I approach client lives with curiosity (rather than assumptions), they feel more understood and their journey validated. So, paradoxically, we must give up the presumption of knowing in order to attain the most accurate understanding and deeper empathy.
Integration / Wholeness
Do you struggle with positive emotions like joy, believing that somehow you are unworthy of such pleasure? Often, we disown parts of ourselves to protect against future hurt and disappointment. Perhaps your parents scolded you when you expressed displeasure and consequently you discount the possibility of being angry or act as if it isn’t safe to express it. We ignore it, suppress it, or criticize it when it appears because it doesn’t seem to “fit” who we think we are.
Very often, it is precisely these fragmented aspects of ourselves that need our compassion and acceptance. That doesn’t mean you have to like those parts of yourself but rather that you accept ‘what is’. The thoughts and emotions about those experiences happen not just in the past but in real-time. The journey to wholeness, therefore, includes visiting with and integrating these lost parts of ourselves.
Inclusivity
Beyond just a non-discrimination clause, inclusive and accessible relationship support is at the heart of what I offer. I’m acutely aware of the stigma regarding ethical non-monogamy, alternative relationships, LGBTQIA+, etc. My services are open to the widest spectrum possible while still respecting my personal or professional limits. I won’t pretend to be all things to all people, however I will do my utmost to accommodate, learn, and grow to better serve my clients.
Commitment to You
While each journey is unique, you can depend upon me to act professionally and with integrity, practice from the values stated above, and to serve faithfully in your best interests to the best of my ability.
While you’re here, consider taking one more courageous step by reaching out and contacting me to let me know where you are on your journey and where you’d like to go next.
