DISCOVER YOUR ESSENTIAL SPIRIT

Your essential spirit is the vital inner force that pulls you away from emotional suffering toward that which is joyful and life-giving. We can help you to discover and deepen your sense of that essential spirit within you.
We offer counseling therapy services and spiritual direction in a safe, non-judgmental, LGBTQIA-affirming and supportive environment. Travel paths that are healing, renewing, and sustaining.

COUNSELING

Ways We Can Help

Counseling Services

may be beneficial if you are struggling with:

anxiety and chronic stress
medical crises/end of life issues
grief and loss
professional and personal life transitions
chronic illness
family or work conflict and relationship struggles
traumatic experience or history, including religious abuse
living into LGBTQIA identity
depression
shaky self-confidence and esteem

Grief Groups

If you've lost a loved one to death, consider joining a grief group. Sometimes being with others who have also experienced loss can help you feel less isolated. I facilitate free non-religious drop-in grief groups which meet at the Lacey Senior Center on the second Friday of every month and online on the fourth Friday of every month, and are open to the public. Both groups meet from 2:00-3:30 PM. New participants are always welcome. Contact me below for more information.

Therapeutic Approach

We can all get stuck and feel overwhelmed, mentally and emotionally. As a counselor, my therapeutic approach is to look for ways to free clients from old patterns and wounds that cause them ongoing pain. My role is to partner with the client to develop better insight and the kinds of tools and skills to help clients live with greater resilience, so they can live less haunted by lingering emotional burdens that block growth and happiness.

My therapeutic strategy varies. My background as an educator means that I always emphasize clients' possibilities for development, learning and growth. Much of my work utilizes cognitive behavioral, solution-focused brief therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and somatic approaches. I incorporate spiritual or pastoral dimensions to therapy only as clients deem appropriate for their needs. I offer an introductory half hour consultation free of charge, because it's important you find a counselor with whom you're comfortable and compatible.

What is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual direction, also called, Spiritual Companioning, is a process of exploration and learning about your spiritual path with someone trained in listening, reflection and discernment. Spiritual directors serve as companions as you move forward, meeting you "where ever you are" on your individual journey, learning to live more fully in the present moment and to imagine the possibilities that lie ahead. Clients come from a variety of faith and spiritual backgrounds; many are spiritual independents.

Spiritual Direction can be helpful if you seek:

spiritual care and pastoral support amidst loss and change
exploration of your spiritual life beyond formal religious traditions
deepening of your spiritual or faith life
opportunities to ponder "big meaning" questions (love, death, mystery, eternity, mortality...)
wider understanding of spiritual practices and religious traditions
better integration of your spiritual, relational and professional identity
strengthening your ability to be fully present in daily life

Spiritual Direction

Spiritual Direction Services

ABOUT ME

My name is Jill Komura, and I provide counseling and spiritual direction to adults and adolescents at Essential Spirit Counseling in Olympia, Washington. I hold an LMHC license in Washington state, a Masters in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University, a Masters in Divinity from Seattle University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Washington Law School, and a Bachelors in History from the University of California.

I opened a private counseling and spiritual direction practice after nearly thirty years helping people of all ages grow in their personal understanding as a chaplain, pastor, teacher, coach, counselor, and advisor. Raised in one of the Japanese Buddhist traditions, I am seminary educated and ordained in the United Church of Christ, one of the most progressive of the Protestant denominations. My perspective on religious and spiritual matters is broad and inclusive, and spirituality is just one of many lenses through which I approach my work.

I am especially committed to helping adults struggling with anxiety, grief, life transitions, medical diagnoses, traumatic experiences, and challenging relationships. I also work to support people looking to explore their spiritual lives after years in abusive church settings and families. I especially look for opportunities to provide support to educators, healthcare providers, and first responders coping with the stress and trauma of their work.

If you feel that talking to me might be helpful for you or someone whom you care about, please contact me.

Contact

About

Location & Rates

Location

I see clients from all over Washington via a HIPAA-secure telehealth application, or locally in person, in my westside Olympia office. I recommend meeting in the office if clients have privacy concerns at home, and/or limited access to stable wireless networks.

Rates

I generally offer an initial phone or online consultation free of charge. I do not take any 3rd party or insurance reimbursement, but am happy to issue clients a Superbill if they would like to seek reimbursement afterward from their insurance company.

My regular rate is $120 for a standard 50 minute session, and $180 for an extended (75 minute) appointment. Sliding scale rates may be available for situations of financial hardship. Payment is due at the time of each session with cash, check, or HSA/credit/debit card.

Rates