Coaching

I believe in wise awareness. A clear picture of where you are and want to go can make all the difference. Where do you want to be one year from now, and what skills, changes do you need to introduce into your style of living in order to get there? I use Empowerment techniques and creative exercises that are vision oriented rather than problem based.

            Sessions by the hour in a goal-oriented series or/and by phone                                                                                                                              $75.

• Counseling:

  Individually shaped full hour sessions using a 'here and now' holistic approach, adding writing, art, music and personally designed exercises to illuminate problems and move toward solutions. We can go as deep as you can choose to go. If we encounter a deeply rooted problem or behavior, I have the skills to explore and work with you to diminish its impact on your life.

                                                                                               Sessions by the hour  $70.

  Dreamwork:

  Small interactive groups where dream material is unraveled and demystified and its relevance to the dreamer's dayworld is determined.

                                                                                        3-hour sessions in a series $50.

  Writing as Healing:

  Poetry, personal writing or memoir become descriptive of our individual struggles and delights. A group experience, in which craft and technique are offered, stimulating response and attention to process. Use of individual exercises I have developed incorporating meditation and metaphors.

                                                                                         Two hour groups in a series $60.

My Background and Experience

I bring many skills and talents into play when I work with clients. I have raised three accomplished daughters and draw on over thirty years professional experience. As author of 4 collections of poetry, editor, lecturer, teacher of poetry and creative writing workshops for 25 years, I have also trained at the NY Institute for Gestalt Therapy in Manhattan to amplify my skills.

The Gestalt approach suited me because it is non-analytical, non-doctrinaire and promotes sensitivity to mind-body connections and reactions. The work of its founder, Fritz Perls was revolutionary to the way the client was viewed and treated. Therapy focused on the here-and-now, became more active, interactive and creative, allowing the therapist to bring additional talents into the process. Many therapists using this mode have had careers as writers, artists, and performers. 

As part of my training during this time, I studied at the Jung Institute in New York City and took several years of dreamwork seminars that used a Jungian and Gestalt approach. I was electrified by the power of working with imagery that comes up from the deeper self during dreamtime. The Gestalt approach to dreamwork allows the dreamer to reintegrate alienated parts of her character through a dramatic and immediate process that fully engages the creative imagination.

Also seeking a more direct, vision oriented approach to growth and health techniques, I earned a certification as a Personal Empowerment Coach from The Empowerment Institute in Rhinebeck, NY. The coaching process bypasses a problem laden mode of thinking and substitutes affirmation and envisioning as tools to promote progress and change. The client is taken through decision quagmires into direct action with the constant guidance of the coach.

So my hats are varied and colorful -- poet, editor, teacher, workshop leader, therapist and dreamworker. For me, they share common principles and all interconnect, allowing me to use multiple skills to assist my clients.

My overall commitment is to bring awareness, deepening and ultimately personal growth  to those with whom I work.

My policies:

My practice is not dictated by the insurance companies. Therefore I do not take any form of insurance. Wherever possible, I try to accomodate to economic hardship and to keep my fees reasonable. I ask for payment at each session either in cash or by personal check. In cases where a set number of sessions is contracted for, upfront payment is requested and will ensure a small reduction in fees.

I offer a full hour to individual clients. If I have spent at least an hour with a client in person, I will then also do work with him or her by telephone or computer email. In case of cancellation, I expect a full 24 hour's notice and then will gladly reschedule.

In addition to weekday hours, I also see clients in early evenings, and on weekends.

You can phone me at 845 876 6744 to discuss your needs, or reach me by email at  nsafir1225@yahoo.com

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• You will have my support and active input as you gain new insights and make life transitions you need in order to achieve your personal goals