“Compassion is not a relationship between
the healer and the wounded.
It's a relationship between equals.
Only when we know our own darkness well
can we be present with the darkness of others.
Compassion becomes real when we recognize
our shared humanity.”
― Pema Chödrön- The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times
Integral Education research project, Auroville, India 2023
Staci Schaitel (l), Stephanie Travale (r)
Staci Schaitel, MA
Hi and welcome. My name is Staci Schaitel. I am an Integrative Psychologist and Spiritual Counsellor. I consider it a privilege to accompany individuals as they explore what matters most deeply to them, gently shifting long-held patterns and cultivating greater self-understanding and self-trust. I take an individualized, whole-person approach that welcomes the full spectrum of human experience: body, mind, and spirit. Through mindful, somatic self-discovery, we work together to reveal and integrate what may be outside of awareness, grounding into a greater self-awareness that supports lasting change.
In hold a Master’s degree in East West Psychology with a concentration in Asian Contemplative and Trans-cultural Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies. In addition to certification as a Spiritual Counselor, my background includes training in Shiatsu bodymind therapy, Hakomi mindfulness-based psychotherapy, mindfulness teacher training with the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, twenty five years of Buddhist study and practice, as well as fifteen years of mindfulness facilitation. Earlier studies at Emily Carr University of Art + Design and years living and working abroad, including five years in Seoul, South Korea, have further shaped my trans-cultural, creative, and contemplative perspective.
In addition to my professional education, I bring the depth of my own lived experience and ongoing inner exploration. In my own life I have faced difficult challenges and made mistakes. It is from a place of deep compassion and shared humanity that I approach our work together. If you’re interested in learning more about how our sessions may look and whether we are a good fit, I encourage you to reach out for a complimentary meeting session, below.
“As someone seeking greater spiritual awareness, I really appreciate your ability to create a space where I can be vulnerable and explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. You have a way of listening without judgment, which gives me the confidence to go deeper than I might otherwise allow myself to go. There’s a gentleness in how you hold and guide our conversations, and it helps me understand my situation with more clarity and compassion.”
“Staci brings qualities to counselling that have created the conditions for profound inner shifts. Her ability to hold space, to attune and listen deeply, and to offer reflections that are intuitively healing and strengthening, have been life-changing for me. She meets me without judgment, without any sense that something needs to be “fixed”.
With Staci, I trust that I am being guided not toward some formula or an outside agenda, but back toward my own inner knowing. Her skill and depth of knowledge have helped me relearn how to listen to my soul’s messages. This has allowed me to let go, let in, and let be in ways that have brought greater freedom, curiosity, and confidence into my daily life.”
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individuals interested in self-discovery, personal growth and meaningful change
those who appreciate a slower, more reflective pace and a therapeutic space that supports depth and nuance
individuals drawn to contemplative, somatic, or nature-based approaches to healing
individuals wanting to increase self-trust
those feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or “out of alignment,” and wanting to reconnect with what feels true and meaningful
those seeking support with life transitions or identity change- facing end of life, death of a loved one, divorce, career loss or change, stages of life and parenthood
those seeking support through periods of existential or spiritual questioning and loss or change of faith
people who want a collaborative, compassionate, non-pathologizing therapeutic relationship
those looking to work with a sense of shame, feeling small or hidden, or ‘not-enough’
individuals sensitive to the emotional or energetic tone of their environments and wanting support in normalizing and navigating this
highly sensitive, intuitive, empathetic, or emotionally attuned people
individuals wanting to explore that which is most deeply important to them- a client-, rather than therapist-centered approach
those who feel connected to something larger than themselves, who are wanting to explore their spirituality, existential questions or connection to nature more deeply
those who have done therapy before and are now wanting a more experiential, present-moment-based approach
I am unable to work with those who have received such mental health diagnoses as bipolar, schizophrenia, or personality disorders (narcissistic, borderline, obsessive-compulsive).
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limiting beliefs and patterns
gifts and talents
night time dreams
expansive and afflictive emotions
challenging situations
what you’re trying to shift
what you’re longing for
what scares you
what compels you
what is lighting you up
what is depleting you
what confuses you
what nourishes you
your inner wisdom and unique intelligences
the intelligent and compassionate nature of your defences, fears, anger, sensitivity
ancestral memories
imaginal realms
intuitions
altered states of perception
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In our sessions, I may introduce exercises and practices that support you to:
tend to your emotions
tune into awareness of the body
attune to thoughts and feelings as they arise
access a steadying presence when navigating difficulty
foster therapeutic relationship with the natural world
deepen compassion, equanimity, sympathetic joy and loving-kindness
cultivate inner balance and steadiness in the face of life’s ups and downs
rest more deeply
gather a scattered mind
express yourself in creative therapeutic ways
feel a sense of inter-connectedness and belonging
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In our work together you may begin to:
feel more seen, heard, witnessed
gain insight into the essence of who you are as an individual
articulate more clearly what is most meaningful to you
feel a growing sense of support from within
deepen connection to and clarity of your inmost experience s
strengthen relationship with your own spirituality
feel an increased sense of embodied aliveness
feel an increased trust in your own capacity
attune more deeply to your own innate guidance and wisdom
experience enhanced compassion for yourself and others, both gentle and fierce
gain increased insight into your own fundamental goodness
access a sense of inner spaciousness
gain confidence that you can weather the ups and downs of life
make choices and move in directions that feel nourishing and in alignment with your authentic self
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Each session is 60 minutes in length and is delivered virtually via Zoom. Sessions cost $175 CAD.
New clients please schedule an initial consultation. There is no fee for this 20 minute session in which we can learn a bit about one another and determine whether my therapeutic approach aligns with your needs.The approach is non-clinical, non-diagnostic, contemplative, holistic, and oriented toward personal exploration and growth. Coverage for this type of work varies across extended health plans. Look for reimbursement for sessions under categories such as counselling, coaching, spiritual care, or complementary/holistic services.
Please check with your provider.