Counseling  
  Joyce Quinlan, Ph.D., L.P.C.

Joyce Quinlan’s academic background includes Master’s degrees in English and in counseling from Notre Dame and Xavier Universities, a Doctoral degree from the Union Institute and further post-doctoral work in theology and liturgy.  Her most recent training has been as facilitator for the Spiritual Eldering® program.  Joyce’s professional experiences have been in the fields of education, counseling, lecture and facilitator of a range of workshops, all geared to the spirituality inherent in every life activity.

  One of the principal tenets of my own life, therefore of my professional life: No one, not a single one of us, is alone. We each have an integral, unique communion in the wondrous web of life.  From land, water, and all the forms they nourish, from human beings that live on planet Earth, from the entire universe, the pulse of life comes.  And yet, how often we feel separated, isolated, cut off, alone.  I view counseling as an opportunity to be with people to reconnect with the life force. The need for reconnection arises from a variety of circumstances:   Life Transitions Felt loss, confusion, diminishment result from new phases of life, but on the other side are challenges, adventure, growth spurts. Changing stages of relationships, work, age, roles-all are full of rich possibilities. Recovery Issues The results of addiction in any of its multiple forms are among the most dangerous magnets for pulling us into alienation, isolation from the flow of life. Most of us need a brother/sister traveler on this arduous journey, to a place of freedom from the tyranny of addiction. Spiritual Mentoring No longer is it acceptable to exclude the spiritual from the total healing, reconnecting process. However, it is "spiritual" as the individual defines it.  The counselor's role is to listen deeply and join the search. Search for Meaning The crucial issue for our time. Long accepted belief systems, assumptions about the place and purpose of human being have come under severe scrutiny, forcing us to rethink everything. "What is it all about? Where is the solid ground to stand on? What do I actually believe?"