Introduction

We all struggle from time to time. Occasionally our difficulties have a negative impact on our ability to function effectively in our families or intimate relationships, at work or school, in the larger community, or simply within our private Self.

On the other hand, our “difficulties” always bring us the opportunity to deepen into a better Self.

Ancient healing rituals invited a person suffering from some malady or unhappiness to journey to a place of healing. Once there the person withdrew into a dark cave or entered a temple to “incubate” until a healing dream released them to be reborn into the upper world, in the same way the chick crawls out of the egg.

In my current day practice of psychotherapy I also invite travel to a place of retreat—literally to my rural office on the banks of the Wateree and figuratively to an internal state of self-reflection. Through a gentle nurturing process doors open to new perspectives.