Member Profile

Tell me a little about you, your family, where you went to school or received training, your work, hobbies. 

Hello, My name is Shelly. I’ve been looking for a faith community for quite some time. I grew up in Madison, WI, in a Catholic family. While some of the Catholic rituals are still quite beautiful to me, I desired a faith community that better aligned with my own values and beliefs. In college, I read Siddhartha for a comparative literature class and found the story enchanting. I carried that little book with me everywhere I went ( I still have it). Several years ago, my own spiritual journeyt led me to meditation, first through my Yoga practice and then at a few Buddhist temples in IL. Now, I’m at a stage in my life journey where I’d really like to make a deeper commitment to this spiritual pratice and discipline.

Anything else you’d like to add?

A little more about me: I’m very outdoorsy. I love hiking, kayaking, plants, water, mountains, and overall, immersing myself in nature. I also love art, poetry, and my family (including my dogs and cats): I have a partner and a grown daughter who lives in Denver, CO. Professionally, I’m a licensed clinical counselor in private practice in IL and WA.

Shelly Gessler, LCPC, RYT 500 hrs

Willow Therapeutic – Counseling in Willow Springs, IL (clientsecure.me)

Member of the Climate Psychology Alliance, North America: EMDR, Trauma Sensitive Yoga, Sandplay

DON’T GIVE ME THE WHOLE TRUTH

Don’t give me the whole truth,
don’t give me the sea for my thirst,
don’t give me the sky when I ask for light,
but give me a glint, a dwy, wisp, a mote
as the birds bear water-drops from their bathing
and the wind a grain of salt.

~Olav H. Hauge