Mani Counseling

05/09/2025

Photo by Ken Tomita on Pexels.com Imposter Phenomenon (IP) is more than just self-doubt—it’s a persistent feeling that your achievements are undeserved, that you’re not as capable as others think you are, and that it’s only a matter of time before you’re exposed as a fraud. This experience can be deeply distressing, affecting even the most accomplished professionals. Research by Hutchins, Penney, and Sublett (2018) highlights how IP doesn’t just impact self-esteem—it can also lead to emotional exhaustion and low job satisfaction....

http://manicounseling.com/2025/05/08/understanding-imposter-phenomenon-at-work/

Photo by Ken Tomita on Pexels.com Imposter Phenomenon (IP) is more than just self-doubt—it’s a persistent feeling that your achievements are undeserved, that you’re not as capable as others think y…

04/27/2025

I’m excited to share that my new course, Mindfulness for Anxiety Relief: Practical Tools to Calm the Mind and Soothe the Body, is now available. In this course, I guide you through simple, evidence-based mindfulness practices drawn from Mindfulness Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Each session is designed to help you build a more compassionate and grounded relationship with anxiety — one breath, one moment at a time....

I’m excited to share that my new course, Mindfulness for Anxiety Relief: Practical Tools to Calm the Mind and Soothe the Body, is now available. In this course, I guide you through simple, evidence…

03/22/2025

The Ham Sah pranayama is a powerful and ancient spiritual breathing practice that helps connect us to the universal energies within and around us. By incorporating this practice into your meditation routine, you can transmute creative energies, awaken higher consciousness, and achieve a deeper sense of inner peace and clarity. Rooted in sacred teachings, Ham Sah is not just a breathing practice but a tool for spiritual transformation.

Welcome to this guided Ham Sah meditation. In this video, we’ll explore the transformative power of the Ham Sah mantra, an ancient practice that helps connec...

03/18/2025

🌿 Guided Meditation: Deep Relaxation 🌿

Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes, all we need is a moment to pause, breathe, and let go. This guided meditation will help you release tension, soften your body, and enter a state of deep relaxation.

🎧 Listen now: YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bjSVrrBhOo

✨ What to expect in this session:
✅ Gentle breath awareness to calm your mind
✅ Full-body relaxation to melt away stress
✅ A soothing journey into complete stillness

💛 Take this time for yourself. Let go of everything for a moment and just be.
🌎 Share this with someone who could use a little peace today.

01/05/2025

At the heart of most religions is prayer: a way to communicate with God. There are the prescribed prayers, the rituals of inner communion. But there is also our own personal prayer—our way of being with God. For the mystic this is the prayer of the heart, in which our heart cries out to God, cries our need for our Beloved.

Need is the beginning of prayer. We feel alone and in need. And only the divine can answer this need. Calling out from the depths of our being, we make known our need to our self and to God. We pray according to our need, and according to the need of the moment. At different times our needs are different. We may pray for forgiveness, for understanding, for kindness. We may pray that our relationships not be clouded in mistrust or that our children not suffer. We pray for our self and for others. All of the myriad difficulties that we encounter in our daily life we can embrace in our prayer, the difficulties of our own self and the troubles of the world. We hope to bring God's attention to these problems, so that infinite love and grace can reach into the world and help with the pain of being human. Prayer is infinitely powerful because it connects us with God's infinite power. In praying, we offer up the difficulties of living in a world in which the divine often appears to be absent, in the deepest knowledge that only the divine can really help us—that it is the source of all life and all love. We who are so small and alone look to God, and so turn our attention from the many back to the One. Sometimes people think, "Why should I bother God? How can my difficulties be of concern to this Great Being?" But this is in fact arrogance, because it places the individual before God. We are a part of God's world, and if we are in need we should turn toward God.

So many times it appears that our prayer is not heard, that we are forgotten, alone. And yet as the mystic says, "If the heart has heard the prayer, God has heard the prayer." And more important than any specific answer is the act of prayer, in which we turn toward God. In our busy lives it is so easy to forget the divine, to be immersed in our own problems and our own selves. The mystic knows that what really matters is the inner connection of the heart in which our heart opens and cries. It is something so simple and yet so easily overlooked. It is a way to be with God.

Learning to pray is also learning to listen. Within the heart we wait for an answer, for God's words, which may come even when we have not asked. Listening is a form of prayer, in which our whole being is receptive. Prayer is communion with God; we share with Him our needs, and we also learn to be attentive, as Rumi so beautifully writes:

Make everything in you an ear, each atom of your being, and you will hear at every moment what the Source is whispering to you, just to you and for you, without any need for my words or anyone else's. You are—we all are—the beloved of the Beloved, and in every moment, in every event of your life, the Beloved is whispering to you exactly what you need to hear and know. Who can ever explain this miracle? It simply is. Listen and you will discover it every passing moment. Listen, and your whole life will become a conversation in thought and act between you and Him, directly, wordlessly, now and always.

Listening within the heart is attuning our self to our Beloved. We develop the ear of the heart, the inner listening of the soul. Sometimes God communicates directly with words. We may hear these words as a still, small voice, or a thought suddenly appearing. In the silence of receptive prayer, the prayer of the quiet, we may hear words of help and guidance. Or our innermost may speak to us in dreams, when words carry an energy that we know does not belong to our psyche. Sometimes we open a book we know and the words that we read are a message from our Beloved. In so many ways, some known, some hidden, God speaks to us, answers our prayers.

We each have our own way of being with God, our own way of prayer. For some of us prayer takes place in the dark hours of the night, when we lie awake and our need is most pressing. Some find it easiest to pray as they walk, finding the presence of nature a way to access this inner communion. Others may pray while they are in their garden, feeling the presence of the divine among their flowers. Some pray when they see suffering, while others may find their heart opens when they experience beauty. In many cathedrals, temples and mosques there is the tangible presence of prayer, of so many souls looking towards God. Prayer is something essential to a human being and it belongs to the heart's relationship to the divine.

First published in The Huffington Post At the heart of most religions is prayer: a way to communicate with God. There are the prescribed prayers, the rituals of inner communion. But there is also our…

12/25/2024

Oh Divine Mother of mine!
As I sit in my meditation room, I have just finished praying for guidance—for our family and for each of us to find the way back to the source. Help us learn the strength to navigate this time and age, to discern what truly matters.
Looking out my window, the world is cloaked in stunning beauty. The snow lies pure and white, draping the trees and the forest like a soft, sacred veil. Your creation is breathtaking, yet so often we ignore it. Every day, we play a part in its destruction, forgetting the gifts you’ve so graciously given us.
How have we become so blind, Mother? Even this unparalleled beauty seems not enough to awaken us, not enough to remind us of you, of who we truly are, of the sacred connection to our source. What else can be done?
Sometimes I look inward, at the constant stream of thoughts in my mind, and then outward, at the world. I see how so many are caught in their own conditioning, trapped and utterly lost, forgetting the deeper purpose of life. This disconnection weighs on my heart, leaving me feeling discouraged.
And yet, Mother, in the midst of this struggle, I am reminded of your grace. When I take a walk, I see the beauty of the path I tread. The intelligence of the birds at our feeder—they wait for one another, showing patience before they eat. The love of our cat, so deeply bonded with us. My family—my daughter, my husband—his kindness and gentleness a quiet strength that opens my heart.
The music of nature, the whispers of your creation—all of this reminds me of my purpose. Even when the path feels impossibly hard, I know my heart remains strong. It has endured so much pain, and yet it still beats with resilience.
I pray, Divine Mother, that you send us reminders—gentle and persistent—so that our hearts may soften and open, a little more each day. Help us awaken to the beauty of your creation and, through it, to our own true beauty. Guide us in our dreams, in the stories you weave through nature, and in the encounters we share with others.
May we hold the light and the space for one another until we are ready. Mother, give us strength. We love you deeply.

12/20/2024

Relationships are often our greatest sources of joy—but when we feel disconnected, they can also bring pain and frustration. Over my years as a therapist, I’ve witnessed the profound transformation that can occur when couples recognize and break free from the negative cycles that keep them stuck. Inspired by the work of Dr. Sue Johnson, creator of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), I’ve seen how even the most strained relationships can find new hope and connection....

Relationships are often our greatest sources of joy—but when we feel disconnected, they can also bring pain and frustration. Over my years as a therapist, I’ve witnessed the profound transformation…

12/08/2024

today is a white heavy snow day, and it’s absolutely beautiful to just sit at home. the quiet wraps around me like a soft blanket, and the music plays gently in the background. I’m not very good with music, not at all, even though I’ve been learning to play the piano for more than 10 years. still, I know how to play one or two songs....

today is a white heavy snow day, and it’s absolutely beautiful to just sit at home. the quiet wraps around me like a soft blanket, and the music plays gently in the background. I’m not very good wi…

11/27/2024

When I first began my journey as a therapist, I thought I knew what the hardest cases would be. I imagined working with individuals who had committed crimes, those battling psychosis, homelessness, or histories of sexual violence would challenge me the most. And while these cases are undeniably complex and heart-wrenching, I’ve come to realize that the hardest therapy I’ve ever done involves something seemingly more ordinary: families trying to come back together....

When I first began my journey as a therapist, I thought I knew what the hardest cases would be. I imagined working with individuals who had committed crimes, those battling psychosis, homelessness,…

11/06/2024

The Journey of Psychedelic Integration

The therapeutic potential of psychedelics has sparked a new wave of interest in mental health and personal growth. Psychedelic experiences often expand our consciousness, allowing us to tap into profound insights and potential within that we may not have known existed. However, once we return from this expanded state to the familiar conditions of everyday life, the insights can quickly fade if not intentionally integrated. This is where psychedelic integration comes in—bridging the gap between new realizations and genuine, lasting change.
In this post, we’ll explore what psychedelic integration really means, why it’s essential, and how you can make the most of your experience with a thoughtful approach.
What is Psychedelic Integration?
Psychedelic integration is a process that involves unpacking, making sense of, and incorporating the insights gained during a psychedelic experience. By grounding newfound awareness into daily life, integration supports authentic healing, personal growth, and transformation. It’s not just about recalling insights but embodying them in ways that influence your everyday thoughts, emotions, and actions.
For many, integration begins before the experience itself. Preparing with clear intentions, setting boundaries for safety, and preparing mentally all contribute to the impact of the journey. Then, following the experience, integration becomes essential to navigate the return to routine life, ensuring that new perspectives don’t get lost or overshadowed by old, familiar patterns.
Why is Integration So Important?
A powerful psychedelic experience can offer profound revelations and connect you with a sense of limitless potential. However, without a structured process to integrate this expanded awareness, it’s easy to fall back into old habits, environments, and conditioned ways of thinking that counteract the insights. Integration allows you to:
Strengthen Emotional Resilience: By anchoring insights in real life, you build emotional stability, helping you cope more effectively with future challenges.
Transform Patterns and Beliefs: Often, we carry limiting beliefs rooted in past conditioning. Integration helps you bring new insights to these beliefs, reorienting your mindset based on newfound perspectives.
Support Long-Term Change: Integration supports the long-term impact of the experience, enabling you to develop healthier patterns and shift deeply ingrained habits in a sustainable way.
How Does Psychedelic Integration Work?
Unlike traditional therapy, psychedelic integration adapts to the unique needs of each individual and the specifics of their experience. Here are the core elements of a typical integration process:
Preparation:
Integration can begin even before the experience itself, with careful preparation. Setting clear intentions, planning for safety, and establishing goals help create a solid foundation that enhances the quality of the journey and prepares you for the work of integrating afterward.
Unpacking the Experience:
Afterward, it’s essential to process the experience—especially if it was intense or challenging. This might involve exploring difficult moments, clarifying personal meaning, and developing a safe narrative around the insights gained. With support, you can approach any unresolved feelings with greater understanding and compassion.
Applying Insights to Life:
Transformative insights can only create change when they are incorporated into daily life. This could mean adjusting routines, changing habits, or rethinking certain relationships. With guidance, this step allows you to translate your realizations into actionable steps that bring peace, balance, or fulfillment into your life.
Tools and Techniques for Integration
A variety of therapeutic techniques can support psychedelic integration. Here are some commonly used approaches:
Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices encourage inner awareness, enabling you to explore your emotions and insights without judgment.
Body-Based Techniques: Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE), breathwork, and other somatic practices help release physical tension or stored trauma, deepening the integration process.
Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques (CBT): CBT helps in reframing limiting beliefs that surfaced during the experience, supporting a constructive and empowering mindset.
Creative Expression: Art, music, or journaling offer outlets for processing complex emotions and insights that may be hard to articulate.
Supportive Community: Friends, support groups, or an integration therapist can provide a safe space for you to discuss and process your experience, making it easier to ground and embody new insights.
Common Questions About Psychedelic Integration
“Is Integration Therapy Necessary After Every Psychedelic Experience?”
Not necessarily. Some experiences are more straightforward and easier to integrate, while others are more challenging. Integration therapy is particularly helpful when an experience leaves you feeling confused, unsettled, or deeply affected in ways that are hard to process alone.
“Can I Work With an Integration Therapist if I’m Already Seeing Another Therapist?”
Yes! Integration can complement your existing therapy, focusing specifically on insights from the psychedelic experience, while your current therapist may address broader issues.
“Do I Have to Use Psychedelics to Benefit from Integration Therapy?”
No. Many techniques used in integration, like mindfulness and body-based practices, are valuable for anyone interested in personal growth, whether or not they’ve had a psychedelic experience.
Integration as a Lifelong Practice
Psychedelic integration isn’t just about one experience; it’s about learning how to approach all transformative moments with intention and mindfulness. Whether a shift comes from a psychedelic journey, a significant life event, or a quiet realization, integration helps you live with greater resilience and fulfillment.
By actively engaging in the integration process, you’re investing in a meaningful, lasting transformation that extends well beyond a single experience. With the right tools, insights, and support, you can make integration a lifelong practice, continually discovering and embodying your fullest potential.

The therapeutic potential of psychedelics has sparked a new wave of interest in mental health and personal growth. Psychedelic experiences often expand our consciousness, allowing us to tap into pr…

11/02/2024

This morning, as I sat waiting for my daughter, a quiet ache settled in—a familiar one that seems to live in the heart of every mother. Motherhood is filled with joy, but there’s a hidden layer of pain, too. The kind that comes from loving someone so deeply that you feel each of their struggles, their frustrations, even when they seem directed right at you.
I’d planned to write about the importance of motherhood, imagining it would be straightforward, a chance to honor a role that has brought me so much meaning. Yet, as I reflected on it, I felt myself coming up short. Describing motherhood, capturing its true weight and complexity, is challenging. There are plenty of father figures in scripture, strong men meant to guide and protect. But when it comes to mothers, who are our role models?

Mary, the mother of Jesus, who accepted her role knowing it would come with unimaginable sacrifice. I think of her at the cross, her heart breaking as she watched her son suffer. Did she wish she could turn back the clock, hold him a little closer, protect him just a bit longer?
Mary’s story reminds us of the core truth of mothering: it’s a love that stays, even when staying is painful. It’s a love willing to bear witness, to stand by our children as they step into their own lives, even as we realize that they will face struggles we cannot shield them from. Motherhood is about letting go, preparing our children to become who they’re meant to be, even if that means stepping away from us.

When my daughter pushes back, or when she’s frustrated by my efforts to protect her, I feel that ache—a reminder that she needs space to grow, even if it means stepping beyond my reach. Early on, I immersed myself in nurturing, bonding, and making her feel safe. But I’ve come to realize that my ultimate role is not to keep her by my side but to build her strength to step out into the world.

There’s no applause for this kind of love, no clear reward. It’s a quiet, steady offering. But within this kind of mothering, we find a deep beauty—the beauty of a connection that holds even when tested. I think of Mary’s presence at the cross, her silent strength, her refusal to turn away. As mothers, we’re called to do the same, to be there even when it’s painful, to offer a love that endures and grows, no matter how far our children may go.

This is the paradox of motherhood: the joy of loving fiercely and the ache of letting go. It’s a gift that asks everything from us, and still, somehow, feels worth it.

This morning, as I sat waiting for my daughter, a quiet ache settled in—a familiar one that seems to live in the heart of every mother. Motherhood is filled with joy, but there’s a hidden layer of …

10/23/2024

Spiritual bypass refers to the tendency to use spiritual practices or beliefs as a way to avoid facing unresolved emotional or psychological issues. It’s a form of defense mechanism where individuals lean on spirituality to cover their pain, rather than addressing and working through the core of their suffering. This phenomenon can be particularly common in environments where spiritual growth is emphasized, such as within certain cults or communities, leading people to believe that their emotional struggles can be transcended or dismissed through spiritual enlightenment....

Spiritual bypass refers to the tendency to use spiritual practices or beliefs as a way to avoid facing unresolved emotional or psychological issues. It’s a form of defense mechanism where individua…