“Whatever opens us is not as important as what it opens” Mark Nepo I have been working in the field of counseling for nearly 27 years. I have often seen my role as joining others for a brief time during their life’s journey assisting as they either discover or create a path of fulfillment in life. Throughout my career, I have walked alongside people struggling with grief, loss, including pet loss, addiction, and LGBTQ related issues. I have walked with many through the landscape of shame, guilt, and fear because these are often the places where wounds reside. My counseling style is such that I view each of us as an unfolding story. I strive to hear your story, see where you are, hear what you seek, and collaborate in choosing a desired path. While my practice is predominately based on humanistic and existential theory, I often refer to the work developed by adult children of dysfunctional families known as ACOA. I realize not all needs for support or guidance require deep dives into self. In fact, I found the most profound and common needs are to be heard and to matter. Regardless of the issue, you are presently faced with, may this issue become your teacher.