Therapy for spiritual, religious and vocational issues with Josh Gressel in Pleasant Hill, CA

1. Is it okay to talk about God in your office?

close
Not only is it okay but it’s wonderful. Few people – unfortunately this includes therapists – realize that "psychotherapy" means "soul therapy." In my experience those who realize they are a smaller part of a larger whole have an easier time not taking life so personally. This can make it easier for them to work through some of the difficulties with which they struggle. Conversely, those who work through their personal issues are opened up to a vastly broader experience of God.

2. I’m a practicing Christian/Muslim/Buddhist/Hindu and you’re a practicing Jew. Is this a problem?

close
Not for me. I think we are all born with a path to follow to become that which we were created to be. Those of us following a religious path of any tradition share a common destination, though we may have a different way of reaching it.

3. Are you going to preach to me?

close
No, at least not in the sense this question is usually asked. My job is to be your soul’s advocate. Sometimes that means telling your ego to lay off the "shoulds." Sometimes that means challenging you to "walk your walk" as well as "talk your talk." My goal is to always maintain the proper balance for your growth.

4. Do I have to be religious to see you? Do we have to talk about God or the spiritual in every session?

close
No and no. Every person has a particular rhythm to their unfolding. Some need the spiritual to be ever present in their discourse. Others need to focus on the details of everyday life. I keep God ever present in my mind when I work with you. How much is explicit and how much is implicit will depend on your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions on #2

1. What do you mean by vocation?

close
I think we all were put on this earth to offer some particular service to others: something we were "born to do." I want to help you figure out what that is and then find out how you can get paid to do it.

2. Why do you single out men for this?

close
First, men typically derive a much larger sense of their personal identity from the work they do than women. A man who does not feel good about his work will have a hard time feeling good about himself. Second, I think men can embody an inspiring nobility through their vocation. This requires them to become conscious of and learn how to direct their ambition, their passion, their competitiveness and their pride. Finding one’s vocation is a wonderful way a male can find out how to be a man.