Through spiritual companioning deeply rooted in Buddhist wisdom, I walk alongside as you navigate transitions, explore your purpose, and embrace true well-being and meaningful existence.
My approach to spiritual companioning is not about giving answers, but about providing a sacred space to explore your own. It is a process of presence, deep listening, and gentle witnessing utilizing a trauma informed, solution focused framework.
In July of 2000 I happened to see an flyer in a grocery store announcing a group of Tibetan Buddhist Monks would be visiting a location near me to create a sand mandala for a week. I was intrigued and thought I would go and see what the sand mandala was all about. Little did I know that when I walked would know in my heart that I was home spiritually. I ended up spending the entire week with the monks and it was such a life-changing experience for me that I still become emotional talking about it today. Another group of monks returned to the same location last month and I again spent the week with them. The wheel continues to turn.
I took vows after that experience and am a practicing Tibetan Buddhist (Vajrayana). I (Tenzin Kunsang) am now an ordained Ngakpa and provide spiritual support to the aged, sick, bereaved, and dying as a volunteer True Refuge Companion and as a volunteer Chaplain. I respect and work with individuals of all faith/spiritual paths, or those on no spiritual path at all.
I embody the dharma by companioning others with the same loving compassion that the monks embraced me with then and in the time since.
You may ask how am I qualified to be your companion? Well, in addition to my personal spirtual practice, academically I completed the spiritual companioning certificate program through the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay, the Spiritual Care Specialist certificate program through the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, and the Teacher of Presence certificate program with Eckhart Tolle. I have taught meditation and mindfulness for several years and am a certified teacher in a variety of techniques, including somatic meditation, mudra practice, and many others.
My professional background is in organizational psychology consulting, where I provide tailored support to build resilience, foster healthy workplaces, and guide teams through difficult transitions. My services include crisis response planning, grief workshops, stress management training, and individual consultations. I understand the human impact of crisis and am committed to helping staff and organizations emerge stronger. I hold a Master of Education degree, a Master of Science degree, and a Doctor of Healthcare Administration degree.
As a spiritual companion, I will…
*Hold space for my clients, offering a safe and confidential space for them to share their deepest spiritual questions, experiences, and struggles without judgement or criticism.
*Commit to maintaining strict confidentiality regarding what is shared in sessions. This builds a secure environment where my client feels comfortable being vulnerable.
*Listen with my whole being.
*Walk alongside, reflecting back what I hear and observe, helping my clients to discover their own inner wisdom and discern their own path.
*Be inclusive and welcoming of all individuals, regardless of their faith tradition, spiritual background, or lack thereof.
*Honor my clients’ unique journeys and their autonomy in spiritual matters.
*Maintain a focus on the spiritual dimension of any issues that arise, helping my clients to explore how their spiritual life is interwoven with their daily experiences, relationships, and choices.
*Use thoughtful questions to invite deeper reflection and self-discovery. These questions help my clients to notice patterns, explore insights, and connect with their inner wisdom.
*Cultivate a contemplative attitude, which involves presence, stillness, and an openness to the mystery of the sacred. In some sessions, we may incorporate silence, allowing space for the sacred to emerge.
*Understand the limits of my role. I am not a therapist, counselor, or medical professional. I will recognize when it’s appropriate to suggest that a client seek other forms of professional help.
*Continue to attend to my own spiritual growth by engaging in my own spiritual practices, receiving supervision for my companioning work, and pursuing ongoing education to help me maintain clarity, humility, and integrity in my role.
*Approach each client with genuine empathy, understanding, and compassion for their joys, sorrows, and complexities.
As a spiritual companion, I will not…
*Solve problems or give advice but instead empower clients to find their own solutions.
*Judge or criticize.
*Diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
*Tell my clients what to believe or practice, what to do, or how to interpret their experiences.
*Impose my own spiritual beliefs or experiences.
If my story resonates with you, I would love to chat more about how spiritual companionship may serve you. Please reach out so that we can connect.
