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About Lisa Ashley, MDiv

I bring a profound belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person to my spiritual direction practice.

 

Over the years I have heard many speak of a longing to belong - to ourselves, our families, our community and to the larger world. I have heard yearnings to connect to that which is greater than each of us. I have had, and still have my own longings that inform my practice. 

While my personal spiritual practice is grounded in the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition, I journey with those of any faith tradition and those of no faith tradition. I believe the journey illuminates what you seek. 

I bring a progressive and inclusive philosophy to bear as I accompany you. I am an "active listener," with knowledge of Eastern, Western and Earth-centered religions and faith issues, historically, and in the 21st century. While educated primarily in the Christian faith tradition in seminary, my Unitarian Universalist traditions and tenets mean I am essentially “non-denominational.” I use many resources in my practice, such as poetry, wisdom teachings, nature encounters, meditation, silence, and journaling. I bring an open mind to our sessions. You are accepted as you are.

Professional experience

I began my own journey into spiritual direction by serving for eight years as a chaplain to incarcerated youth. I developed a passion for justice that was grounded in my Unitarian Universalist beliefs and in our American values of justice and equality for all. As I studied and completed my Master of Divinity degree, I understood the connections between my spirituality, social justice and my desire to serve. When my health required retirement from being present to youth in jail, I developed my private practice with adults. 

 

 Education

University of Montana, BA in Journalism
Seattle University, MDiv

Professional affiliations

 

Special areas of interest & expertise

  • In-depth knowledge of the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition

  • Familiarity with many world religions: East, West, Earth-centered

  • Support for those seeking professional growth, i.e., those training for chaplaincy, ministry, hospice, and spiritual direction

  • LGBTQ+ community

  • Understanding the connections between spirituality, social justice and earth justice

  • Sexual and psychological abuse

  • Trauma transmitted from ancestors

  • Issues and challenges associated with low income situations

  • Grief and loss

  • Health, wellness and differently-abled life issues

  • Youth spiritual exploration

  • Poetry, reading and writing

  • Storytelling and Ritual

  • Journaling

  • Aging and Eldering