Susan Rowland
Spiritual Director, MFT
Contact Susan:
[email protected] |
Availability: Please contact me for office hours.
Training & Experience: After graduating from UCSB I became a Campus Staff member with Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship. Since finishing my Masters at Santa Clara University I have had a private psychotherapy practice in San Jose for over 30 years. I have completed certificate programs in “Labyrinth Facilitation” with Veriditas (Lauren Artress), “Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups and Retreats” through the Shalem Institute (Gerald May and Tilden Edwards), and “Art and Practice of Spiritual Direction” at Mercy Center in Burlingame. I also attended a ten day Centering Prayer retreat with Father Thomas Keating at Snowmass. Denominational Affiliation: I am deeply grateful for my history with the Christian church. Although confusing, complicated and at times painful it continues to be a source of meaningful companionship and support. I am grateful for this season of community with Westhope Presbyterian Church, providing a uniquely rich experience of sacred space for my Soul. As important as my Christian tradition is to me, I am significantly impacted by the devotion, inspiration and instruction of different faith practices. Specialties: The longer I practice it seems the less I know, which requires a deeper and more patient listening. I am honored to walk with those working with “second half of life” questions having less to do with one’s current age and more with beliefs and behaviors no longer viable. Whether one’s inquiry is introduced by chronic pain, addressing traumatic wounds that can no longer be buried, a reputation that has crumbled, family conflict or elder care, easy answers are not available. I believe each person’s unique issue provides the invitation for greater connection with the Holy and the eternal intentions for our individual lives. Style of Direction: I seek to create space for the presence that our modern culture has robbed us of through pace and technology. Whether that be an extended period of silence, listening to dreams or a gentle narrative of what is most alive for the directee…all are welcome. I long for freedom for each individual to feel safe and accepted with the material that is most pressing. I enjoy offering retreats for individuals, small or large groups. I also find great joy in facilitating small groups looking to develop personal contemplative practices. It is always a privilege to hold space for others as they engage in soul restoration. Personal Information: I love my daily walks in the neighborhood (the earlier the better) to greet neighbors, dogs and surprises from nature. You can often find me at the neighborhood labyrinth that is constantly a reminder of God’s provision. My yoga practice has restored a relationship with my body and offers space for meditation. I am married to a very funny man and have twin grandsons and one granddaughter who live too far away. My two cats try to fill in for their absence and on occasion do a pretty good job! |