FAQ — Healing Path

Questions you may have before reaching out

Taking the first step toward healing can feel uncertain. The questions below are offered in the spirit of transparency — so that you can arrive with as much clarity and confidence as possible.

Is this therapy?

No — and that distinction matters. Christopher is not a licensed psychotherapist and does not offer psychotherapy in the clinical or legal sense. What he offers is advanced, trauma-informed treatment rooted in formally certified expertise — including his CCTP-II certification, somatic training, and forty years of contemplative practice.

Many people find this kind of work deeply healing and transformative. It is simply a different container than licensed psychotherapy — one that integrates mindfulness, somatic awareness, Buddhist psychology, and evidence-based trauma modalities in a way that few licensed practitioners are trained to offer.

Do I need meditation experience?

Not at all. Christopher works with complete beginners as warmly and skillfully as he works with experienced practitioners. If you are coming primarily for trauma support or addiction recovery, no contemplative background is assumed or required. You will be met exactly where you are. Meditation is only one way of connecting to the present moment, and is often not employed in treatment sessions.

What if I am in crisis?

If you are currently in acute crisis — including thoughts of harming yourself or others — please reach out to a crisis service or emergency mental health support in your area immediately. Christopher's work is not designed for acute crisis intervention, and your safety is the first priority.

If you are in a difficult period but not in acute crisis, please do reach out. Christopher will respond personally and help you determine whether his work is the right fit for what you are carrying, or whether a different level of support would serve you better.

How is this different from seeing a licensed therapist?

A licensed psychotherapist holds a clinical master's degree or PhD and operates within a regulated professional framework. Christopher does not hold those academic credentials, and his work operates outside that regulatory framework.

What Christopher brings is something complementary and in many respects distinctive: the integration of trauma-informed care with forty years of deep contemplative practice, somatic training across multiple modalities, and a genuine understanding of Buddhist psychology as a map of the mind. Many clients work with Christopher alongside a licensed therapist — the two forms of support can work beautifully together.

Can I work with Christopher if I am already seeing a therapist?

Yes — and this is quite common. Christopher's work integrates well alongside licensed psychotherapy. If you are currently working with a therapist, it can be helpful to let both practitioners know, so that your support is coordinated rather than fragmented. Christopher is happy to communicate with your therapist if that would be useful and you give your consent.

What if I cannot afford the fees?

No one is ever turned away for lack of funds. Individual sessions are offered on a sliding scale of $40–$100 USD, and financial assistance is available beyond that range for those who need it. If cost is a concern, please simply say so when you reach out — something can always be arranged.

How do I know which offering is right for me?

If you are navigating trauma, addiction recovery, or significant emotional difficulty, individual sessions are likely the most appropriate starting point — they offer the most direct, personalised support. Group programs and retreats may be a beautiful complement once some stability has been established, or for those who are in a more stable place and seeking deepening.

If you are unsure, please reach out and ask. Christopher is happy to have a brief conversation to help you find the right fit.

Is my information kept confidential?

Christopher treats all personal information shared with him — in sessions, in intake forms, and in correspondence — with the utmost discretion and respect. He does not share client information with third parties without your explicit consent, except in circumstances where safety requires it.

Please note that this work operates outside the regulated framework of licensed psychotherapy, and the formal confidentiality protections that apply to licensed clinical settings may not apply in the same way. If this is an important consideration for you, please raise it directly with Christopher before beginning work together.

One More Thing

If your question isn't answered here, please ask. Christopher reads every message personally and will respond with care.