Code of Ethics

Responsibilities to Clients

Sacred Space & Client-Centered Care

I commit to creating and maintaining a safe, sacred, non-judgmental space where individuals feel welcomed, seen, and supported in their journey of Self-discovery and healing. Each client is honored as a unique Soul-embodied Being of light & consciousness, deserving of respect, dignity, and compassionate presence.

One's well-Being and individual needs remain at the center of my practice. I recognize that each person arrives with their own cultural background, spiritual beliefs, life experiences, and constitution (prakṛti). I meet each individual where they are, honoring their path while offering guidance rooted in Vedic wisdom.

Client Rights

Every individual who works with me possesses fundamental rights that are honored and protected throughout our relationship:

Right to Informed Participation

• Right to receive clear, truthful information about the nature of Vedic Counseling support

• Right to understand my qualifications, training, and areas of specialization

• Right to know the distinction between Vedic Counseling and clinical mental health support

• Right to receive transparent information about donation-based exchange, policies, and procedures

• Right to understand the integrative psychology disciplines that inform my practice and how they work together

• Right to request emphasis on specific disciplines or approaches that resonate most deeply

Right to Autonomy & Choice

• Right to refuse any practice, recommendation, or guidance without impact on quality of care

• Right to ask questions, seek clarification, or request additional information at any time

• Right to make all decisions regarding one's own healing journey, lifestyle, and well-Being

• Right to seek second opinions or additional support from other practitioners

• Right to end counseling support at any time without penalty or judgment

Right to Confidentiality

• Right to privacy regarding all information shared within the counseling relationship

• Right to understand the limits of confidentiality and circumstances requiring disclosure

• Right to confidential storage and ethical management of all records and documentation

Right to Respect & Dignity

• Right to be treated with respect, compassion, and cultural sensitivity

• Right to have one's spiritual beliefs, cultural background, and personal values honored

• Right to a therapeutic relationship free from exploitation, manipulation, or harm

• Right to clear boundaries and professional conduct at all times

Right to Quality Care

• Right to receive support from a practitioner committed to ongoing education and competency

• Right to expect adherence to professional ethical standards and codes of conduct

• Right to receive the same quality of care regardless of donation amount or financial circumstances

Right to Voice Concerns

• Right to raise concerns, questions, or complaints about support or conduct

• Right to access a clear complaint and grievance process

• Right to file complaints with professional organizations (American Institute of Vedic Studies, Maharishi International University)

• Right to be free from retaliation for raising concerns

Right to Access Records

• Right to request and receive copies of one's counseling records

• Right to understand how records are stored, maintained, and eventually disposed of

• Right to request transfer of records to another provider when appropriate

Right to Continuity of Care

• Right to appropriate referrals when needs exceed my scope of practice

• Right to supportive transition and closure when support concludes

• Right to return for support in the future if desired

Informed Consent & Transparency

I ensure that all individuals who work with me fully understand the nature, scope, and limitations of Vedic Counseling support. This includes clear communication regarding:

• The non-clinical, non-conventional nature of my support

• The distinction between Vedic Counseling and licensed psychotherapy or medical treatment

• My areas of specialization, training, and professional qualifications

• My integrative psychology foundation, which weaves together ancient Vedic disciplines, depth psychology, and complementary wisdom traditions

• How this approach differs from conventional clinical therapy by addressing root causes, karmic patterns, and spiritual dimensions alongside practical mental health needs

• The collaborative nature of our work, emphasizing accountability, client responsibility, and education

• Session structure, formats (virtual), and the donation-based model of my practice

• Confidentiality parameters and limitations

• Rescheduling and cancellation policies

• Communication boundaries between sessions

• The client's right to seek additional or alternative support at any time

• The voluntary nature of all practices, exercises, or recommendations offered

Clients are empowered to ask questions, express concerns, and make informed decisions about their participation in support at all stages of our work together. Comprehensive informed consent documentation is provided and reviewed before support begin (see attached Informed Consent, CAM Disclaimer, and related agreements).

Active Participation & Collaborative Engagement

Vedic Counseling is not a passive process. Lasting transformation requires active participation, willingness to experiment with new behaviors, and commitment to Self Work between sessions.

Client Responsibilities:

• Sincere engagement with practices and recommendations offered

• Honest communication about challenges, progress, and what is or isn't working

• Willingness to make lifestyle and behavioral adjustments over time

• Patience with one's own process and realistic expectations about timing

Developing Compliance:

• I support clients in developing sustainable compliance with recommendations by introducing changes gradually

• I recognize that integration takes time; changes become natural through repetition and reinforcement

• I provide ongoing encouragement, accountability, and adjustments based on feedback

• I celebrate progress rather than fixating on perfection

Balance of Responsibility: While I provide guidance, education, and support, the ultimate responsibility for implementing changes and for one's own healing rests with the client. I empower clients to take ownership of their well-Being while providing the tools, knowledge, and encouragement needed for success.

Scope of Practice

I practice within the bounds of my training, education, and competence. While I specialize in supporting individuals navigating codependency, sexual trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship healing, dharma exploration, karma processing, soulful sovereignty, and spiritual growth, I recognize when a client's needs exceed my scope of practice.

Role as Educator & Guide

I function primarily as an educator, guide, and facilitator of Vedic wisdom, and not as a therapist, medical practitioner, or substitute for clinical care. My role is to:

• Provide education about Vedic principles, practices, and ways of living

• Offer guidance on right living, right action, right relationship, and right awareness

• Facilitate deeper perception and Self-understanding

• Support clients in accessing their own inner wisdom and healing capacities

What I Do Not Do:

• I do not treat, cure, or diagnose diseases or medical conditions

• I do not provide psychotherapy or clinical mental health treatment

• I do not prescribe medications or provide medical advice requiring licensure

• I am not a substitute for licensed medical doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, or clinical therapists

My work complements and supports clinical care when needed, but it operates from a distinctly different paradigm—one rooted in consciousness, dharma, and the cultivation of Self-knowledge rather than pathology and symptom management.

Areas of Specialization

• Mental Health: Codependency, sexual trauma, anxiety, depression, early adulthood (ages seventeen to twenty-five), adolescence (ages thirteen to seventeen), relationship dynamics

• Physical Health: Āyurvedic nutrition (vegan & gluten-free), menstrual cycle support

• Spiritual Development: Soulful sovereignty, dharma exploration, karma processing & resolution, consciousness expansion, Self-realization (ātma-jñāna)

Behavioral Medicine & Lifestyle Transformation (Ācāra Rasāyana)

Central to my Vedic Counseling approach is behavioral medicine: the understanding that lasting transformation emerges through conscious changes in daily behavior, lifestyle, and environment. This principle, known in Āyurveda as ācāra rasāyana (behavioral rejuvenation), recognizes that ethical conduct, harmonious living, and alignment with natural rhythms (ṛta) create the foundation for healing at all levels.

Practical Application:

• I provide specific, individualized recommendations for daily routines (dinacaryā), seasonal adjustments (ṛtucaryā), and life-stage practices

• Lifestyle modifications address nutrition, sleep, movement, sensory input, relationships, and environment

• Behavioral changes are introduced gradually and experimentally, never mechanically, allowing time for integration and compliance

• I recognize that changing behavior changes the mind, and that sāttvic (pure, harmonious) lifestyle naturally cultivates mental clarity and spiritual receptivity

Time & Patience: I understand that behavioral transformation requires time, repetition, and support. Following the traditional Vedic Counseling model, I encourage:

• Regular engagement during initial months to develop new patterns

• Patience with the process, allowing time to reinforce healing

• Focus on gradual, sustainable change rather than attempting too much too quickly

• Development of compliance through meaningful follow-ups and encouragement

This behavioral medicine approach honors that healing is not merely about removing symptoms but about cultivating a new vision of Self and a new way of living aligned with one's highest nature.

Integrative Psychology Approach

My practice offers ancient wisdom therapy that views healing as a sacred journey of Self-discovery. While clinical therapy focuses primarily on symptom management and diagnosis-based treatment, my integrative psychology approach:

• Addresses root causes rather than symptoms alone

• Recognizes karmic patterns, dharmic purpose, and the Soul's journey toward Self-realization

• Views challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth and conscious evolution

• Provides vital support through accountability, client responsibility, and education: elements often missing in conventional approaches

• Honors the interconnectedness of mind | body | spirit across multiple dimensions of Being

This approach can work beautifully alongside conventional therapy, medication, or other treatments, providing spiritual context and practical tools that enhance overall healing journeys.

Long-Term Guidance & Consistency

In the Vedic tradition, having a trusted guide for ongoing life consultancy supports deeper transformation than sporadic or fragmented support. While I honor each client's autonomy to seek multiple perspectives, I also recognize the value of consistency in the counseling relationship.

Encouraging Depth Over Breadth:

• I invite clients to consider deepening our relationship over time rather than moving from counselor to counselor

• Sustained work allows for understanding of patterns, tracking of progress, and tailored guidance that builds upon previous insights

• However, I simultaneously encourage independence; my role is to support clients in making their own decisions, not to create dependency

Flexible Engagement:

• Clients may engage in intensive work initially, then transition to periodic check-ins as appropriate

• Return engagements are always welcomed as life circumstances evolve

• The goal is to empower clients to eventually internalize the principles and practices, rendering external guidance less necessary over time

Spiritual Emergence & Emergency

• I distinguish between spiritual emergence (transformative spiritual experiences that can be supported within my scope) and spiritual emergency (acute crises requiring clinical psychiatric intervention)

• I maintain awareness of when intense spiritual experiences include psychiatric symptoms requiring immediate clinical support

• I do not pathologize genuine spiritual emergence, nor do I romanticize psychiatric symptoms simply because they have spiritual content

• I refer promptly to appropriate clinical providers when a client's experience moves from emergence to emergency

Referrals

Referral Process When clinical intervention, medical treatment, or specialized support is warranted, I provide appropriate referrals to qualified professionals within my network. If an individual within my referral network does not seem aligned with the client's needs, I offer a thorough explanation of the kind of support they should seek and the qualities to look for in another practitioner.

I honor the distinction between Vedic Counseling and clinical mental health support. My practice complements but does not replace medical care, psychiatric treatment, or licensed psychotherapy when such support are needed.

Crisis & Harm Prevention

While my practice focuses on holistic transformation and Self-realization, I recognize that individuals may experience moments of crisis or acute distress. If a client is in crisis or experiencing active suicidal ideation, I follow standard protocols expected of mental health professionals, including:

• Assessing immediate safety and risk

• Connecting the individual with appropriate emergency support or crisis resources

• Providing support while ensuring clinical intervention when necessary

• Following up appropriately while respecting professional boundaries

Limits to Confidentiality

The limits to confidentiality include situations where there is:

• Imminent risk of harm to Self or others

• Suspected abuse or neglect of minors or vulnerable individuals

• Legal requirement or court order mandating disclosure

• Other circumstances as required by applicable law

These limitations are clearly communicated to all clients at the onset of our work together.

Confidentiality & Privacy

I maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client information, sessions, and records. All documentation is securely stored within my Electronic Health Records system (Practice Better), which complies with HIPAA, PIPEDA, and GDPR regulations, adhering to professional standards for data privacy and security.

Information shared within sessions remains confidential except in circumstances outlined above or with explicit written consent from the client. I do not disclose client names, identifying information, or session content to others unless legally or ethically required to do so.

When consultation with mentors or professional advisors is sought for complex cases, only information necessary to receive appropriate guidance is shared, and client identity is protected whenever possible.

Boundaries & Dual Relationships

I maintain clear professional boundaries that honor the sacred nature of the counselor-client relationship. While I remain open to supporting individuals with whom I may have existing relationships, I carefully assess whether such dual relationships might compromise the integrity of the therapeutic space or create conflicts of interest.

Clear Energetic & Relational Boundaries

• I do not tolerate mistreatment, disrespect, or harmful behavior directed toward me or toward the sacred space we co-create

• Clear energetic boundaries are maintained throughout our work together, ensuring that the relationship remains one of mutual respect, safety, and intentional growth

• I do not engage in exploitative, manipulative, or harmful relationships with clients

• Physical, sexual, or romantic relationships with current clients are strictly prohibited and represent a fundamental violation of professional ethics

Maintaining Professional Container

• The counseling relationship is a professional one, with clear roles that support the client's growth and transformation

• Social relationships outside of sessions are approached with careful consideration of how they might impact the therapeutic dynamic

• I do not participate in social media platforms, which naturally maintains appropriate boundaries in digital spaces

Spiritual Authority & Power Dynamics

• I remain particularly attentive to power dynamics inherent in spiritual counseling relationships, ensuring I do not exploit spiritual authority or allow idealization to compromise the professional container

• I distinguish clearly between offering spiritual guidance (which I do) and claiming spiritual authority over another's journey (which I do not)

• I actively work to prevent guru dynamics, dependency, or positioning my Self as spiritually superior to those I serve

Work with Minors

When providing support to adolescents (ages thirteen to seventeen), I require parental or guardian involvement and informed consent. However, I also establish clear boundaries with parents to ensure the young person feels supported as an individual without undue pressure or discomfort from parental oversight.

Balancing Parental Involvement & Adolescent Autonomy

• Parents or guardians are required to provide consent for support and are informed about the general nature of the work

• Clear agreements are established with parents regarding what information will be shared and what remains confidential to support the adolescent's growth

• I recognize that excessive parental involvement can hinder a young person's progress toward Self-realization and autonomy

• The adolescent's privacy is honored within appropriate boundaries, while parents are kept informed of general progress and any safety concerns

Confidentiality with Minors

• Adolescents are informed that confidentiality will be maintained except in situations involving safety concerns, harm to Self or others, abuse, or other legally mandated disclosures

• I work collaboratively with families to create a structure that honors both parental responsibility and the adolescent's need for a confidential, supportive space for their own growth and introspection

Cultural & Spiritual Sensitivity

I honor the diverse spiritual, cultural, and philosophical backgrounds of those I serve. I do not impose my beliefs, practices, or worldview upon clients. Instead, I meet each individual where they are, asking only for openness and willingness to explore new perspectives.

Meeting Clients Where They Are

• When working with individuals who identify as religious, atheist, agnostic, or hold other belief systems, I respect their terminology, frameworks, and values

• I integrate Vedic concepts in accessible ways, always providing Western explanations and understanding alongside Sanskrit terminology

• I adapt language and frameworks to honor the client's existing worldview while introducing new perspectives when welcomed

Honoring Individual Paths

• I recognize that there are many paths to healing, Self-realization, and transformation

• My role is to offer guidance from the Vedic tradition while respecting that each individual must discover what resonates with their own truth

• I support clients in discerning what practices, teachings, and approaches align with their unique journey

Intersectionality & Systemic Awareness

• I recognize that individuals hold multiple intersecting identities, including race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, ability, age, and more, that shape their lived experience and access to resources

• I commit to understanding how systems of oppression, privilege, and marginalization impact well-Being and one's relationship to healing practices

• I strive to create an affirming space for all identities and to remain aware of my own cultural positioning and biases

Cultural Appropriation & Authentic Relationship to Tradition

I approach the Vedas with reverence, humility, and deep responsibility, recognizing my Self as a steward of ancient wisdom traditions that have been preserved and transmitted across generations by dedicated teachers and lineages.

My Relationship to Ancient Wisdom Traditions

• I have studied the Vedas extensively for over ten years through personal and professional study, formal training, mentorship with respected teachers, and ongoing education through institutions including the American Institute of Vedic Studies and Maharishi International University

• My practice is informed by the teachings of respected Vedic scholars and yogīs including Dr. David Frawley (Paṇḍit Vāmadeva Śāstrī), Śrī Svāmī Rāma, Paramahansa Yogananda, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, B.K.S. Iyengar, Śrī Aurobindo, and Śrī Brahmānanda Sarasvatī (Ramamurti S. Mishra, M.D.)

• I also draw from spiritual teachers whose work integrates ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding, including Baird T. Spalding, Matt Khan, Alice A. Bailey, Manly P. Hall, Barbara Hand Clow, and Rudolf Steiner

Distinction Between Appreciation & Appropriation

• I commit to representing Vedic teachings accurately, contextually, and respectfully, avoiding distortion, oversimplification, or commodification

• I honor the depth, complexity, and sacredness of these traditions while making them accessible to contemporary seekers

• I acknowledge the origins of practices and teachings, citing lineages and sources rather than presenting wisdom as my own creation

• I recognize that my role is as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern understanding, not as the originator of these teachings

Ongoing Commitment

• I remain vigilant against practices that extract wisdom from its cultural and spiritual context for commercial gain

• I engage in regular Self-reflection about my relationship to these traditions and my responsibility in sharing them

• I continue to study with authentic teachers and sources to deepen my understanding and maintain integrity in my practice

• I acknowledge when I do not know something and seek guidance from those with deeper knowledge

• I remain aware of how spiritual authority can be misused even within authentic lineages, and I commit to never positioning my Self as spiritually superior or exploiting the power dynamics inherent in spiritual guidance relationships.

Trauma-Informed Principles & Language

Given my specialization in supporting individuals navigating sexual trauma, codependency, anxiety, depression, and relationship healing, trauma-informed principles are woven throughout every aspect of my practice.

Core Trauma-Informed Principles

The foundation of my work rests upon five essential principles:

• Safety: Creating physical, emotional, and relational safety within the therapeutic container

• Trustworthiness: Maintaining transparency, consistency, and reliability in all interactions

• Collaboration: Honoring the client as the expert on their own experience and co-creating the healing journey

• Empowerment: Supporting autonomy, choice, and the reclamation of personal power

• Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing how identity, culture, and systemic factors shape one's experience of trauma and healing

Consent as Ongoing Process

• Consent is not a single agreement but an ongoing dialogue throughout our work together

• I regularly check in regarding comfort level, pacing, and readiness to explore particular themes or practices

• One may pause, slow down, or redirect our conversation at any time without explanation

• "No" is always honored immediately and without question

• I recognize that trauma can impact one's ability to assert boundaries, and I remain attentive to nonverbal cues, discomfort, or hesitation

Honoring the Pace of Healing & the Principle of Non-Doing

True healing cannot be forced or rushed. I honor the natural timing of transformation, recognizing that one's whole Being has their own wisdom about when and how integration occurs.

In Practice:

• I do not attempt to accomplish too much too quickly, allowing time to reinforce healing

• I recognize the importance of "non-doing," creating space for insights to emerge naturally rather than imposing interventions

• I support clients in developing patience with their own process, releasing pressure to "fix" or "achieve" according to external timelines

• I trust that with proper support, foundation, and time, transformation unfolds organically

• I do not pressure clients to engage with material before they feel ready, honoring the protective wisdom of their system

Right to Pause or Stop

• Clients have the absolute right to pause any practice, discussion, or exploration at any moment

• There is no pressure to share, disclose, or engage with material before one feels ready

• Healing unfolds at its own pace, and I honor the wisdom of the nervous system and the timing of one's process

Body Autonomy & Empowerment

• I never pressure clients to disclose details of traumatic experiences unless they choose to do so

• Healing does not require recounting every detail of trauma; many paths to integration exist

• I trust that each individual knows what they need to share and when

• The focus remains on empowerment, resource-building, and supporting the client's innate capacity for healing

Nervous System Awareness

• I maintain awareness of signs of dysregulation, dissociation, or overwhelm during sessions

• When needed, I offer grounding techniques, orienting practices, or invitations to return to present-moment awareness

• I recognize that trauma is held not only in the mind but also in the body, and I honor somatic wisdom throughout our work

Language & Framing

• I use language that empowers rather than pathologizes, recognizing resilience and strength alongside struggle

• I avoid language that reinforces shame, blame, or disempowerment

• I acknowledge the impact of systemic oppression, violence, and injustice on individual well-Being while supporting personal agency and healing

Spiritual Bypassing Awareness

• I remain attentive to the tendency to use spiritual concepts, practices, or language to avoid necessary psychological work or emotional processing

• I ensure that spiritual exploration remains grounded and integrated with psychological healing

• I do not encourage transcendence or "rising above" emotions as a means of bypassing trauma, shadow material, or relational challenges

• I support the integration of both transcendent spiritual experiences and embodied psychological wholeness

Creating Safety in Virtual Space

• In our virtual sessions, I recognize the importance of one having control over their environment

• Clients are encouraged to create a comfortable, private space where they feel safe and grounded

• I offer flexibility in how we structure sessions, including whether cameras are on, whether we begin with grounding practices, and how we pace our work together

Transpersonal & Spiritual Counseling Ethics

Working with consciousness, spiritual emergence, and Soul-level transformation requires specific ethical considerations that honor both the profound nature of this work and the vulnerability inherent in spiritual exploration. I approach this responsibility with deep reverence, clear boundaries, and unwavering commitment to client empowerment.

Spiritual Guidance vs. Spiritual Authority

I make a fundamental distinction between offering spiritual guidance and claiming spiritual authority over another's journey.

Spiritual Guidance is what I offer: support, wisdom, practices, and perspective drawn from ancient traditions and my own study and experience. I serve as a guide, educator, and witness to one's unfolding, offering tools, insights, and companionship on the path.

Spiritual Authority resides within each individual: the ultimate knowing of one's own truth, the inner teacher (antarātman), and the Soul's wisdom about its own journey. I do not position my Self as the source of another's spiritual truth, nor do I claim to know what is best for another's Soul evolution.

In Practice, This Means:

• I recognize that I am a fellow traveler on the spiritual path, further along in some areas and continuing to learn in others

• I honor that each person's inner wisdom and direct connection to consciousness is the ultimate authority on their journey

• I offer teachings and practices as invitations to explore, never as mandates or absolute truths

• I encourage clients to discern what resonates with their own inner knowing rather than adopting my perspectives wholesale

• I celebrate when clients question, challenge, or diverge from my suggestions, recognizing this as healthy discernment and spiritual maturity

Avoiding Guru Dynamics & Idealization

I remain vigilant against dynamics that position me as spiritually superior, all-knowing, or essential to another's spiritual growth. While some degree of transference and projection naturally occurs in therapeutic relationships, I actively work to prevent and address idealization.

I Do Not:

• Encourage dependency on my guidance, presence, or wisdom

• Position my Self as having special access to truth that clients cannot access themselves

• Accept or encourage devotional relationships, guru-devotee dynamics, or spiritual hierarchy

• Use spiritual language or concepts to avoid accountability or deflect from legitimate concerns

• Claim to know what is "right" for another's Soul journey

• Present my spiritual experiences as the standard by which others should measure their own

I Actively:

• Redirect clients to their own inner authority when they seek external validation or answers

• Name and address idealization when it arises, helping clients reclaim their own power

• Acknowledge my own limitations, ongoing learning, and areas of uncertainty

• Encourage clients to seek multiple perspectives, teachers, and sources of wisdom

• Support clients in developing direct relationship with their own consciousness rather than dependence on me as intermediary

Spiritual Bypassing & Psychological Integration

I recognize the tendency to use spiritual concepts, practices, or experiences to avoid necessary psychological work, emotional processing, or practical life responsibilities. This phenomenon, known as spiritual bypassing, ultimately hinders true transformation.

Maintaining Healthy Balance:

• I ensure that spiritual practices remain grounded and integrated with psychological awareness

• I do not encourage transcendence or "rising above" emotions as a means of avoiding feelings that need to be processed

• I help clients distinguish between genuine spiritual growth and using spirituality to bypass trauma, relational challenges, or shadow material

• I honor both the transcendent and the embodied, recognizing that true spiritual maturity includes psychological wholeness

• I address practical life concerns alongside spiritual exploration, understanding that spiritual growth manifests in how one lives daily life

Red Flags I Address:

• Using spiritual concepts to dismiss or minimize legitimate suffering or injustice

• Claiming that difficult emotions are "just ego" or "illusion" without doing the work of integration

• Pursuing peak experiences or altered states while neglecting fundamental healing and relational health

• Adopting spiritual language or identity as a defense against vulnerability or authentic feeling

• Spiritual materialism or collecting practices/experiences without genuine transformation

Spiritual Emergence vs. Spiritual Emergency

I distinguish between spiritual emergence (transformative spiritual experiences that can be supported within my scope of practice) and spiritual emergency (acute crises requiring clinical psychiatric intervention).

Spiritual Emergence includes:

• Awakening experiences that may be intense but remain manageable

• Mystical states, expanded awareness, or transpersonal experiences that feel meaningful and integrative

• Challenging spiritual growth periods (dark night of the Soul) that do not include acute psychiatric symptoms

• Kundalini experiences or energetic phenomena that can be understood and integrated

• Life transitions that involve spiritual questioning or transformation

Spiritual Emergency requires clinical referral and includes:

• Psychotic symptoms, severe dissociation, or loss of contact with consensus reality that persists beyond temporary altered states

• Suicidal ideation or plans, regardless of spiritual context

• Manic episodes or severe mood dysregulation, even if framed in spiritual terms

• Inability to function in daily life due to overwhelming spiritual experiences

• Experiences that the individual cannot integrate or that cause severe distress

My Approach:

• I maintain awareness of signs that indicate a client's experience has moved from emergence to emergency

• I refer promptly to appropriate clinical support when psychiatric intervention is needed

• I recognize that profound spiritual experiences can sometimes trigger psychiatric symptoms in vulnerable individuals

• I do not pathologize genuine spiritual emergence, but I also do not romanticize or dismiss psychiatric symptoms simply because they have spiritual content

• I work collaboratively with clinical providers when clients need support at the intersection of spiritual and psychiatric care

Holding Space for Non-Ordinary States

When clients experience mystical states, expanded consciousness, or other non-ordinary experiences, whether during our work together or in their own practice, I approach these moments with specific ethical awareness.

During Sessions:

• I maintain clear professional boundaries even when facilitating or witnessing spiritual experiences

• I recognize that clients may be in heightened states of vulnerability, openness, and suggestibility

• I do not take advantage of these vulnerable states to impose my views, bypass consent, or create dependency

• I remain grounded and present as a stable container while honoring the sacredness of the experience

• I support integration and meaning-making after the experience rather than encouraging spiritual materialism or experience-chasing

After Mystical Experiences:

• I help clients integrate insights and experiences into their daily lives and psychological understanding

• I support discernment about which experiences to share and with whom

• I do not claim special knowledge about the "meaning" of another's spiritual experience

• I encourage clients to trust their own interpretation and integration process

Shared Spiritual Context

Given that my practice is rooted in Vedic wisdom and consciousness-based approaches, clients who work with me are necessarily engaging with spiritual concepts and practices. However, I remain attentive to the unique considerations this creates.

Awareness & Boundaries:

• I recognize that clients may be drawn to work with me because of shared spiritual interests or values

• I remain aware that this shared context can create a sense of intimacy or spiritual kinship that must be held within professional boundaries

• I do not assume that shared spiritual vocabulary means identical understanding or experience

• If I encounter clients in broader spiritual community contexts (workshops, events, online spaces), I maintain appropriate professional boundaries

Flexibility & Respect:

• I adapt spiritual language and concepts to meet each client's current understanding and comfort level

• I do not require clients to adopt specific beliefs, practices, or spiritual frameworks

• I honor that clients may integrate these teachings differently than I do, and I support their unique path

Humility & Ongoing Learning

I approach spiritual counseling with profound humility, recognizing that consciousness, the Soul's journey, and the mysteries of existence far exceed my understanding.

My Commitments:

• I acknowledge that my knowledge and experience are limited and evolving

• I continue my own spiritual practice and Self-inquiry (svādhyāya), recognizing that my capacity to guide others depends on my own commitment to growth

• I seek consultation and supervision specifically around transpersonal and spiritual dynamics

• I remain open to being wrong, learning from clients' experiences, and revising my understanding

• I do not present ancient wisdom or spiritual teachings as certainties but as invitations to explore

Empowerment as Primary Principle

Above all, my work in the spiritual dimensions of consciousness is dedicated to empowering clients to know their own truth, trust their own inner authority, and walk their own path with confidence and clarity.

Every interaction aims to:

• Strengthen the client's connection to their own inner knowing

• Support recognition of their own innate wholeness and wisdom

• Facilitate direct experience of consciousness rather than intellectual understanding alone

• Encourage sovereignty (svātantrya) and Self-trust

• Celebrate the client's unique spiritual unfolding rather than conformity to any prescribed path

I recognize that the highest form of spiritual guidance is that which ultimately renders itself unnecessary, supporting individuals in discovering that the teacher, the teaching, and the truth they seek are already present within.

Client Autonomy & Empowerment

I recognize that each individual is the ultimate authority on their own life, path, and healing journey. My role is to support, guide, and offer wisdom, not to direct, control, or dictate another's choices.

Honoring Client Wisdom

• I trust that each person possesses innate wisdom about what they need for their healing and growth

• I offer recommendations, practices, and guidance while recognizing that the client is the expert on their own experience

• I encourage discernment, Self-trust, and active participation in one's own transformation

Spiritual Autonomy & Inner Authority

• I recognize that working with consciousness, spiritual emergence, and Soul-level transformation creates unique vulnerability

• I remain vigilant against fostering dependency, encouraging idealization, or positioning my Self as the source of the client's spiritual authority

• I support each person in developing direct relationship with their own inner teacher (antarātman) and trusting their own spiritual knowing

• I celebrate when clients question my guidance or diverge from my suggestions, recognizing this as spiritual maturity and healthy discernment

Voluntary Nature of All Practices

• All practices, lifestyle recommendations, and guidance offered are suggestions intended to support one's well-Being

• Clients maintain full autonomy in deciding what resonates, what to integrate, and what to set aside

• There is no expectation that every recommendation must be followed, and clients are never judged for their choices

Supporting Empowered Decision-Making

• I provide education, information, and context to support informed decision-making

• I encourage clients to notice their own responses, intuition, and inner guidance when considering practices or changes

• I celebrate when clients assert their preferences, boundaries, and needs, recognizing this as a sign of healthy empowerment

Beyond Ego: Cultivating Expansive Awareness

One of the most important aspects of Vedic Counseling is supporting clients in moving beyond limited Self-fixation and ego-based perspectives. The more attention we give our problems in isolation, the larger they often become.

Expanding Perspective:

• I encourage clients to see their challenges within the broader context of human experience, natural cycles, and universal patterns

• I invite exploration of how one's journey connects to larger purposes, community, and support

• I support breaking through personal limitations toward more creative, conscious, and expansive views of life

• I may introduce discussions about the state of the world, humanity's challenges, and one's potential role in collective healing

Motivation Beyond Personal Gain:

• The goal is not merely to resolve individual suffering but to awaken to one's capacity to guide, serve, and contribute

• I encourage clients to discover motivation rooted in dharma, purpose, and connection rather than solely in symptom relief or personal comfort

• This shift from ego-consciousness to Soul-consciousness naturally supports lasting transformation

Financial Ethics & Sacred Exchange

My counseling support operates on a donation-based model, ensuring that my support is accessible to all seekers, regardless of financial circumstances. This approach honors the sacred principle that healing & Self-realization are birthrights, not privileges determined by economic status.

Donation-Based Philosophy

• Voluntary Contributions: All sessions are offered through voluntary donations rather than fixed fees

• Suggested Ranges: Donation ranges are provided as guidance, honoring the principle of sacred exchange while maintaining accessibility

• Individual Capacity: One's contribution reflects their personal circumstances & gratitude for the counseling support received

• Energy Exchange: The focus remains on mutual respect, sacred reciprocity, & the transformative value of our work together

Ensuring No One Is Turned Away

• Hardship Arrangements: A variety of donation options available for those experiencing financial challenges

• Payment Flexibility: Multiple payment arrangements to accommodate various circumstances

• Trade Options: Opportunity to exchange skills for counseling support in special circumstances (evaluated on a case-by-case basis)

Non-Discrimination Commitment

• I commit to providing equal quality of care, attention, and support to all clients regardless of their donation amount

• Every client receives the same level of professional support, compassion, and dedication to their transformational journey

• Financial circumstances or donation amounts will never determine the quality or availability of support provided

• Donation amounts will never be grounds for support termination

Supporting the Broader Community All donations support not only individual transformation but also the continuation of this sacred work & the development of educational resources for the broader spiritual community.

Detailed Policies For comprehensive information regarding donation structure, payment schedules, late donation policies, cancellation fees, and sacred exchange philosophy, please refer to the Sacred Exchange Agreement and related documentation in the client portal.

Gift-Giving & Bartering

• Clients may offer gifts of gratitude if they feel called to do so; such gifts are received with appreciation and within appropriate professional boundaries

• Bartering or exchange of support may be considered on a case-by-case basis in alignment with sacred exchange principles

• Any alternative exchange arrangements are discussed and agreed upon transparently before support begins

Technology & Digital Practice Considerations

All counseling support is provided through secure virtual platforms, honoring both the accessibility of digital connection and the sacred nature of our work together. The following principles guide the technological aspects of my practice:

Virtual Practice Model

All sessions are conducted virtually through secure platforms. While traditional Vedic Counseling teaching suggests that in-person meetings are ideal for initial sessions and pressing emotional matters, I have adapted my practice to provide comprehensive support through virtual means.

Ensuring Effectiveness Virtually:

• I create sacred container and authentic presence through video sessions

• I remain attentive to nonverbal cues, energy, and subtle indicators of well-Being

• I adapt practices and recommendations to support clients in creating optimal healing environments in their own spaces

• I recognize when virtual support may not be sufficient and provide appropriate referrals for in-person care when needed

Platform Security & Privacy

• All virtual sessions are conducted through encrypted, HIPAA-compliant platforms to protect the confidentiality of our conversations

• Sessions are never recorded without explicit written consent from the client

• Screen sharing and other technical features are only used with client awareness and consent

• Technical support is available to ensure smooth participation in virtual sessions

Client Responsibility for Sacred Space

• One is responsible for creating a private, quiet environment for sessions where they can speak freely without being overheard

• Clients are encouraged to use headphones and ensure they are in a confidential location during our work together

• If privacy cannot be maintained during a scheduled session, clients are encouraged to reschedule

Technical Difficulties Protocol

• In the event of technical disruptions during a session, I will attempt to reconnect via the same platform

• If reconnection is unsuccessful, I will reach out via the client's preferred backup communication method

• Sessions disrupted by technical issues will be rescheduled at no additional donation request, and the time already spent will be honored

Digital Communication Boundaries

• Email communication is welcomed for scheduling, administrative questions, and brief check-ins between sessions

• I typically respond to emails within twenty-four to forty-eight hours during regular business days

• Urgent matters requiring immediate attention should be communicated through appropriate crisis resources (see Crisis & Harm Prevention section)

• Text messaging may be used for time-sensitive scheduling matters with client consent

• I maintain clear boundaries between session time and email correspondence, ensuring that substantive therapeutic work occurs within the sacred container of scheduled sessions

Platform Changes & Client Notification

• Clients will be notified in advance of any changes to the virtual platforms used for sessions

• Alternative arrangements will be made if a client cannot access or use the designated platform

Termination of Support

The counseling relationship may conclude in various ways, and I approach all endings with care, respect, and attention to the client's continued well-Being.

Client-Initiated Termination

• One may choose to end counseling support at any time without penalty or judgment

• Clients are encouraged to communicate their intention to conclude support, allowing space for meaningful closure and reflection on the work accomplished

• A final session may be offered to honor the journey, celebrate growth, and provide supportive transition resources

Provider-Initiated Termination I reserve the right to terminate support in circumstances where:

• The therapeutic relationship is no longer beneficial to the client's growth

• The client engages in behavior that violates the ethical terms of our agreement (see Sacred Exchange Agreement)

• The client demonstrates patterns of disrespect, mistreatment, or harmful behavior toward me or the sacred container we've established

• The client's needs exceed my scope of practice and would be better served by another practitioner or clinical professional

• There is a fundamental misalignment in our ability to work together effectively

Financial circumstances or donation amounts will never be grounds for termination. When I initiate termination, I provide clear explanation, appropriate notice when possible, and referral resources to support continued care.

Attendance Pattern Support

• Clients who reschedule or cancel three consecutive sessions, or experience three no-shows within one to three months, will be invited to a complimentary support conversation

• Together, we will assess whether the current timing supports the client's highest good and determine appropriate next steps

• This conversation is offered with compassion and without judgment, recognizing that life circumstances affect one's capacity for engagement

Supportive Transition Process When support concludes, whether client-initiated or provider-initiated, I offer:

• Compassionate closure that honors the work accomplished

• Reflection on insights, growth, and transformations experienced

• Recommendations for continued Self Work practices (ātma-sādhana)

• Referrals to other practitioners when appropriate and desired

• Welcoming invitation to return when timing feels more aligned

Clients who complete formal counseling pathways are always welcome to schedule occasional check-in sessions as needed.

Incapacity or Practice Closure

• In the event that I am unable to continue practice due to illness, incapacity, or other unforeseen circumstances, clients will be notified as soon as possible

• Arrangements will be made for appropriate referrals and transfer of care when needed

• Client records will be managed according to ethical and legal standards (see Documentation & Records section)