Summary/services offered: Jody brings over 30 years of devotion to his personal healing and training to provide compassion, listening and experience to those seeking guidance. His life and practice have been informed by mentors, Native American spirituality, Buddhism, his own therapy and guidance from a therapeutic supervisor for decades. The journey of counseling often involves Soul Work to unpack false beliefs and old patterns while building internal awareness and empowerment to more successfully navigate relationships and life transitions. Jody’s new book, Return to the Fire-Understanding & Celebrating Healthy Masculinity offers a road map for men curious about bringing more courage and integrity to his life. It also provides women the framework to understand the men in their lives with greater compassion.

How does your work differ from others in your profession? Jody’s practice is the confluence of his life experiences, training in counseling and group facilitation, while incorporating Native American and Buddhist philosophies. Jody invites inward reflection on one’s experiences, wounds and beliefs to welcome these cut off or denied aspects into a space of blessing.

What should a client expect from working with you? Each program is designed with the invitation to deepen self-awareness while identifying old triggers and patterns, thus fostering full self-expression and wholeness. A client should expect to feel the safety needed to explore their personal, familial, cultural and societal challenges in an environment that fosters curiosity. Within this container, transformation and healing are possible.

How is your business evolving in the coming year? This year’s offerings include one-on-one remote counseling. A Path of the Open-Hearted Warrior men’s weekend engages men in assessing their authentic power while embracing the freedom of self-expression. Many men feel a longing to be seen, appreciated and belong. This weekend invites men to transform isolation into aliveness, passion and courage. Other offerings include a father/son adventure weekend, father/daughter bonding weekend and Adirondack canoe trip. Book talks are available by request.

What is most important for Natural Awakenings’ readers to know? This “Being Human” provides challenges and opportunities to become who you are meant to be or become stuck. Jody’s healing experiences have revealed that with a guide, mentor or therapist, challenges have been transformed into opportunities to create healing and meaning, where authenticity and aliveness are birthed.