Nancy Walker
Counseling for the Human Spirit
therapy
works
pdx
Welcome
Life is rich and complex — and it can be challenging. By its very nature we are always breaking new ground.
There is no formula, no rule book. We are each an individual, unique work in progress: Each life is a living sculpture.
We also get stuck.
Who are you?
Have you lived through experiences and relationships that you can not make sense of?
Have you learned to keep yourself small by veiling who you are or desensitizing how you feel?
Are you allowing your life to remain small, whether that be through unfulfilling work, a mournful marriage, or addiction of any kind because you can not see another way through?
Perhaps you are feeling plain uninspired, wanting more from life or, alternatively, you're feeling out of control?
Do you feel caught in your head but wish to live from your heart?
Whether you feel confused, immobilized or overwhelmed, counseling can offer breakthrough and relief.
If you need support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction,
I feel confident that I can help you achieve your goals.
How far will you go?
I have noticed that all too often people will easily identify with their problems and neurosis, but are less consciously aware of their gifts and talents. Your challenges, the hurdles, the disappointments, along with your gifts and accomplishments, all unfold as you proceed through life. It may be difficult to imagine your life
as a divine work of art, but that is indeed what it is.
Whether from trauma, developmental wounding or from the simple fact of your being human,
your difficulties can be navigated and re-membered. Your vulnerabilities and sensitivities, the very things you have likely learned to hide and defend against, are what allow you to know yourself and the world. And as we repair and support your vulnerability, you will discover that rather than reflecting personal failure,
your sensitivities are a gift. They give birth to your artistry.
Life, like art, can be messy, but your wounds can be healed and your freedom restored
Are you ready?
Come as you are
In my practice all parts of you are welcomed, appreciated, loved.
If you feel unsure, timid or scared, bring that.
If you are angry, bring it.
Bring the tough guys, the confused, the dreamers, the screamers and the lovers. Bring them all. I'm good with that.
I do not carry judgement. I do hold an abundance of acceptance and compassion.
You can discover the hidden beliefs and conclusions you may be carrying in your heart and mind, but perhaps try to push away for you fear that they may be either unacceptable or more than you can handle.
I can hold the space for you. I can support you right where you are.
I offer a steadfast love for your unique personal process and an unwavering commitment to your transformation. Together we will grow light and empowerment.
"The winds of grace are blowing all the time - it is up to us to raise the sail."
~Ramakrishna
Finding freedom...
I can take you there.
Have you ever told yourself you were going to do one thing but instead did another? For example, you decide you are going to exercise 3 times a week after work, but instead go for take out and head straight home. Have you ever had a hard time making up your mind? A part of you wants to bolt from your marriage, like, yesterday. Another part deeply believes it takes commitment to make a relationship work. You admonish yourself: A part of you buys into the family myth that you are only about having fun. Plagued by a conflicted inner dialogue you wonder, Which is true? Who am I? What am I to do?
We all have multiple parts in us, just as there are a number of sides to every story. The truth lies somewhere in between.
The work we will do together is experiential. Using complimentary approaches and techniques, I will guide you through a process of self discovery, helping you to navigate the potholes and speed bumps, moving you forward using the many tools at my disposal. I will challenge and summons you to meet yourself in new ways, reach into greater depths, heal, build new muscle memory and establish new neural pathways.
Today I work predominantly with IFS (Internal Family Systems), an evidence based, non pathologizing and empowering model of psychotherapy developed by Richard Schwartz. I find it to be a graceful and effective process for eliminating inner conflict and burdens. Stated simply, through the process of IFS, as you befriend the various 'parts' within you, they will tell you their stories and share their fears. The process will reveal which parts they may be in conflict with and others they may be colluding with. What also emerges, however, is a clear, calm, compassionate, curious Self presence that heals and facilitates the relationships within your system and fosters their cooperation in service to the greater good.
"Sometimes when you're in a dark place you think you've been buried... but you've actually been planted. ~Christine Caine
Where do answers come from?
Self - definition is not self-discovery. From the get go, asking "Who am I?' begs the question of who's asking and who is answering? Self - discovery is about opening up to the mystery - being willing to know less, notice what you experience, and allowing the light to shine through.
Our counseling process is a way for you to understand and make room for the many aspects of yourself both within and beyond the confines of your reactive self and defenses. We make space so that you are able to experience the once overshadowed ground of your being, the Self at the heart of you. .
Clinical and empirical evidence supports that everybody has such a Self. This is the Self that the light shines through. It allows you to ride the waves of whatever life brings you. It nurtures and heals you. It brings you a new way of knowing the answers your questions hold.
The work that I do offers you the opportunity to embark on the road toward Self Leadership. It is a journey which reveals the truth of who you are so that you can step into your future with confidence and creativity -- and live a life you can celebrate.
Where do answers come from?
Self - definition is not self-discovery. From the get go, asking "Who am I?' begs the question of who's asking and who is answering? Self - discovery is about opening up to the mystery - being willing to know less, notice what you experience, and allowing the light to shine through.
Our counseling process is a way for you to understand and make room for the many aspects of yourself both within and beyond the confines of your reactive self and defenses. We make space so that you are able to experience the once overshadowed ground of your being, the Self at the heart of you.
Clinical and empirical evidence supports that everybody has such a Self. This is the Self that the light shines through. It allows you to ride the waves of whatever life brings you. It nurtures and heals you. It brings you a new way of knowing the answers your questions hold.
The work that I do offers you the opportunity to embark on a road toward Self Leadership. It is a journey which reveals the truth of who you are so that you can step into your future with confidence and creativity -- and live a life you can celebrate.
BE YOUR OWN NORTH STAR
"Thank you, Nancy, for your wisdom, guidance and support. You have helped me change my life. You have the incredible power to change people's lives. Thank you for making this a better world!"
~Anne
Nancy Walker
Choosing a counselor is an important decision that asks for the right fit. I offer a free consultation to answer your questions or as a way of getting to know one another.
DURHAM HOUSE
1012 SW KING AVENUE
SUITE 105
PORTLAND, OR 97205