Called to Counsel: Lori’s Journey of Grief, Grace, and Growth

Some people drift into counseling. Others, like Lori, are called—through heartbreak,

healing, and a fierce desire to give back what was given to her. Her journey is one of

transformation—from a vibrant career in television and nonprofit work to the sacred,

slow work of accompanying souls through grief, trauma, and hope.

From Grief to Grace: The Path that Chose Her

Lori didn’t set out to be a counselor. But after the devastating loss of her parents, her

mother-in-law, and a dear neighborhood friend—all within two years—her life cracked

open. She turned to individual counseling and her Catholic parish’s GriefShare program.

It was there that healing began to take root.

“I came out of that experience feeling like a new person,” she shares. And when the

pandemic brought an unexpected job loss, she saw a door open: “I decided I wanted to

go back and get my master’s in mental health counseling. I felt ready for a change—and

I wanted to give back what was given to me.”

Formation at Home, Wisdom in the Room

Years as a stay-at-home mom prepared Lori for more than just logistics and crisis

management. “I learned to not freak out at every little family crisis,” she says. That

wisdom now shapes her presence as a counselor. “When I’m with clients, I’ve learned to

pause. To listen. To discern before I decide where to go next.”

Discovering Internal Family Systems—and Jesus in the Healing

Lori’s first IFS experiential was, in her words, a game-changer. “I left feeling lighter.

Then when I realized I could bring in Jesus and Mary—that changed everything. I felt

seen, heard, and loved by Jesus.”

She began noticing tangible shifts in her inner world. “Situations that used to really

bother me... they just didn’t anymore. I knew something was changing in my brain and

body.”

Where Psychology Meets the Person

Lori’s work is deeply rooted in an integrated approach. She blends Internal Family

Systems (IFS), EMDR, the wellness model, and the Catholic Christian Meta-Model of

the Person (CCMMP). But for her, it all comes down to this: human flourishing.

“It’s not about fixing problems,” she says. “It’s about building coherence between health,

stress, and coping—and helping the client grow in dignity, self-respect, and wholeness.”

When Prayer Becomes Part of the Process

Faith isn’t an afterthought for Lori—it’s foundational. But she follows the client’s lead. “I

usually ask which prayers or spiritual confidants they feel close to. And when the time is

right, I’ll ask if they’d like to invite them into our session.”

That sacred invitation often becomes a doorway to healing.

Drawn to the Wounded—and the Willing

Lori feels a particular call to walk with those facing trauma, anxiety, depression, and

grief. She’s no stranger to the mess—and she doesn’t flinch when it shows up.

“When a client is in fight, flight, or freeze, I’ve learned not to panic,” she says. “I meet

them there.”

Parts That Lead and Parts That Learn

Joining the Trinitas team and pursuing licensure has brought out surprising parts in

Lori—especially her anger when clients experience injustice, and her inner “fixer” who

wants to rush to solutions.

“But IFS reminds me: slow is fast. When I lead from my innermost self, unblended from

those parts, that’s when I’m truly present. That’s what’s best for the client.”

Faith Through New Lenses

Therapy has expanded her faith—and at times, stretched it.

“Seeing the world through my clients’ eyes has challenged me,” Lori admits. But it’s also

deepened her compassion. “I’ve learned to unblend from my own judgments and get

curious about others’ burdens. Most people carry wounds they didn’t choose. That

understanding has softened me.”

Her Message to the Hesitant

“If you’re afraid to start therapy—do it afraid,” Lori says. “That’s what courage is. And

when you face your fears and walk through them, healing happens in your body, mind,

and spirit.”

A Trailhead for the Soul

As the seasons shift, Lori offers a simple yet powerful journaling prompt for anyone

exploring parts work and integration:

“Imagine your innermost self going for a walk, while your parts rest at the base of the

trail. What do you notice? What do they need to tell you? What’s it like to simply

be—with them, not blended into them?”

It’s the beginning of something holy—a walk toward wholeness, one step at a time.

*Lori is accepting new clients in Tennessee! Learn more about her here!