About Me
Hi! I'm Ezra, a trauma-informed Spiritual Director & therapist in training. I love helping people tug at the roots of their belief systems, weed out religious shame, and embrace their authentic self.
As an ex-evangelical, I know how religious shame and trauma can cause us to mask, people please, self criticize, and create a wall; affecting our ability to connect with god and our true, authentic self. My own spiritual journey began in the old wooden pews of the Presbyterian church at the peak of Purity Culture and the WWJD era where I learned to suppress and hide the parts of myself that I thought weren't good enough. This only led to stress, burnout, chronic illness, and an early mid-life crisis in my 30s.
Maybe you can relate?
Longing for deeper connection, my deconstruction journey led me to yoga mats, monasteries, hiking trails, Quaker meetings, and my own inner sanctuary where I wrestled with two questions: "Who and where is god?" and "Who am I?" I've learned that these two questions are often intertwined and rooted in the lived experiences, cultures, and belief systems that shaped us. Deconstruction asks us to sit in the dirt with these questions, sometimes for years as we journey inward in search of the answers.
Friend, I KNOW the deconstruction journey can be long, hard, and lonely- but it doesn't have to be.
My role as a trauma-informed spiritual director is to come alongside you; cultivating safety & connection with your own inner light- however you define that. Together, we journey inward toward healing & self discovery. I take a deeply affirming, whole person approach; rooted in trauma theory and grounded in Somatic Internal Family Systems (IFS) which supports the integration of mind, body, and soul.
Specialties:
-
Religious Shame & Trauma
-
Religious Deconstruction
-
Dark Nights of the Soul
-
Grief, Loss, & Death
-
Chronic Illness & Burnout
-
Life Transitions & Uprootings
-
Search for Identity, Meaning, or Purpose
“Before I die, I want to be somebody’s favorite hiding place, the place they can put everything they know they need to survive, every secret, every solitude, every nervous prayer, and be absolutely certain I will keep it safe. I will keep it safe.” - Andrea Gibson
My Approach
01
100% Affirming
My overall approach is person-centered which holds empathy, non-judgment, and authenticity as essential elements for growth, healing, & positive change.
As an autistic member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I welcome all into this space, whoever you are, wherever you come, and whatever you carry.
03
Integrative
Oftentimes, religious shame and trauma disconnects us from the body, our emotions, and what we truly want in life. Part of the deconstruction process includes reintegrating mind, body, and spirit and coming back to your true self.
This is why I incorporate approaches that support somatic (body) awareness and creative, non-verbal expression. You're encouraged to bring a journal, pen, and a few colors to your sessions as well any fidgets that would support your authentic you.
02
Trauma Focused
I have 5 years of training and experience in trauma focused work as well as a lifetime of lived experience with CPTSD. I am skillfully attuned to how my word choices, questions, body language, pace, and atmosphere can soothe or activate a sensitive nervous system. I take great care to help you feel grounded and supported in sessions and believe that "slow is fast" when doing this work.
04
Evidence Based
My approach is deeply rooted in evidence-based practices and theories. I have studied trauma, attachment theories, human growth and development, and the nervous systems. I am also trained in Spiritual Direction, Internal Family Systems, Expressive Arts, Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga and Mindfulness (TCTSY), and more.
Integrating spiritual direction with research-supported approaches means that sessions are safe and effective in helping you release religious shame and embrace your authentic self.