Hi there, I'm Gina. A sensitive soul, a gentle spirit, and a kind heart. Being with people is the most important value in my life. I am a 4 on the Enneagram and a Highly Sensitive Person, (HSP). I've learned over the years that's a good thing! 

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Because I am a highly sensitive person, for the longest time I've never felt like I fit in or belong.  I've noticed it isn't easy to blend in. It's been difficult to express myself because I usually end up feeling rejected, dismissed, or called too sensitive.

 

I've learned to use my gift of sensitivity, intuition, life experience, and professional training to help people, which gives me so much purpose and fulfillment.

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I was drawn to and had heard of Spiritual Direction after discovering contemplation and solitude fifteen years ago. I was 33 years old and had been recovering from a series of abdominal surgeries. The surgeries and pain had taken their toll on my body. I had to quit my job, activities, exercise, volunteering, and a lot of motherly duties with my 13-year-old that I enjoyed. During this time of despair and suffering, I discovered contemplation and the great mystics. A prolific writer and priest, who struggled with his sexuality, Henri Nouwen was someone I felt kindred to instantly. His words still inspire me to this day,

 

"We are not what we do, we are not what we have and we are not what other people say we are." Imagine that!

 

Learning from the monks and mystics, has given me a new direction in how I see the Divine, others, and myself.  I was able to find the beauty in each moment by learning to be. I came to believe that simply being human is what gave me value and worth, not anything I could or couldn't do. 

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Today I prefer and enjoy a slow pace. 

 

Success for me is the person I've become and the gifts I have in the service of others.

 

I am a healer.

Before I became a Spiritual Director, I was trained as a Lay Counselor. I've been counseling for the last twelve years and I still love that work.  Collectively I've worked with over 100 people individually and in groups.

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Several years ago I felt something was missing for me professionally. I wanted to connect with clients on a deeper level spiritually, and since I was already familiar with contemplation and spiritual formation, I realized becoming a Spiritual Director would be a perfect fit.

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Shortly after completing a 12-month Spiritual Formation intern at a progressive church in Oakland, California, I graduated from San Francisco Theological Seminary in May of 2022. I completed almost three years of supervision and over two years of practicum. SFTS Spiritual Direction program was the right fit for me because it's an inclusive seminary. Supporting the LGBTQIA community, and BIPOC is very important to me. I've been actively seeing clients for over five years.

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I am someone who rarely felt safe in this world. I have overcome a lot of trauma and am an abuse survivor. Because of this, creating a safe place for others in my work is essential. 

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Having wisdom from lived experience is probably my top credential. The mishmash of life experience and professional training is what makes me unique.

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I also see a counselor and spiritual director myself, so I see the value of these services not just for my clients but also for myself.  

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I have been told that a spiritual direction session with me can feel like a retreat. I love creating spaces where someone's personhood is valued and affirmed. Maybe because I rarely felt like mine was. I love nothing more than connecting with humans. I make it a habit to affirm people everywhere I go.

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If I'm not in session, I will most likely be finding the next great coffee spot, art journaling, or working on my first book! I've been working on my first book for decades. I love diving into all the gray areas in life -- this is my sweet spot.

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I just moved from Oakland, California to Minneapolis, Minnesota with my partner, Kevin of 22 years, and my 3-year-old bichon-poo, Benson. My daughter is still out in California, and she is 29.

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I love nature, monasteries, solitude, decorating, volunteering, art, people, and traveling. And I think the most important thing you can offer a person is your presence and undivided attention. I am currently working toward receiving a certificate in trauma-informed care as a nervous system regulation coach.