January 2026
New Year, New Beginnings
As January comes to a close, I had hoped to begin the year with a polished reflection on a particular theme. But every time I sat down to write, different parts of me nudged my attention elsewhere — some excited, some hesitant, some simply tired. Rather than push past them, I decided to follow their lead. As I prepare to return to seeing clients on February 2nd, it feels more honest, and more aligned with the way I teach and practice, to begin by sharing an update — one that speaks to my own process of healing, integration, and care. Therapists are always discerning what to disclose and why. I hold that same question with prayer and with my internal system: Is this for me, or is this for you?
In this case, sharing serves clarity and care. My health directly impacts my availability, and there will be some physical changes over the coming months. Rather than have those questions arise in your therapeutic or formative time, I want you to have the information now, without worry.
A Glimpse Into My Healing Journey
On January 14th, I underwent a RouxenY gastric bypass — a form of metabolic (formerly bariatric) surgery. This was neither a quick nor impulsive decision. I spent more than a year discerning, eight months preparing, and countless hours praying and checking in with the parts of me that held fear, hope, grief, and longing. It wasn’t a choice made from striving, but from clarity. It won’t be the right path for everyone, but I believe it was the right one for me. The surgery itself went smoothly, and I am healing well. The early days were marked by fatigue — partly from anesthesia, partly from the lowvolume liquid diet — and the icy weather certainly didn’t help my attempts to walk as ordered. But yesterday brought my first little “dance,” and each day my energy grows (especially when I don’t stay up too late the night before). Now I’m in the slow, steady work of healing and reintroducing food with patience. Some parts of me are eager to leap ahead, and others keep us grounded. I’m listening to all of them. Thank you — truly — for the prayers and the concern you’ve extended. They are felt.
Returning to Work With Greater Care
As I return to sessions, I’ll be pacing my days more moderately and tending my own body and soul with fuller intention. This, ultimately, allows me to accompany you more faithfully and sustainably. I ask for your continued patience with slightly reduced availability. The work I do — the work we do together — depends on presence, not performance. Caring for myself supports my ability to offer that presence to you.
For Helping Professionals: “It Begins With You”
On March 13th and 14th, Jody Garneau and I will be offering a new formation experience entitled: It Begins With You This is especially for those in the helping professions — therapists, coaches, spiritual directors, teachers, priests, religious, and anyone who spends their life at the service of others. Internal Family Systems is a powerful modality, but unlike many approaches, it cannot be used effectively unless you begin with your own inner world. Your “self of the helper” is the ground from which everything else grows.
More to Come
There are other projects stirring on the horizon — offerings we’re shaping for later in the year. I look forward to sharing them with you when the time is right. Thank you again for your prayers, your patience, and your presence. May this new year be one of healing, integration, and grace — for both of us.
