CRYSTAL GURNEY
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"We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding,
true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most
​potent forces for change that I know.”

- CARL ROGERS

Listening Sessions - Work with me 1:1

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A Listening Session offers my full attention, deep listening with no judgment, simply holding space for the capable human that you are! A Listening Session can give you opportunity to process and talk through whatever topic or challenge you are wrestling with.  I may ask questions, we can choose to pull some cards for inspiration or direction, or maybe you'd like some suggestions for journaling or other exploration to do on your own. We work together to create a space for you to unpack, verbally process, and be supported in your processing and any emotions that come up.  I use a variety of modalities in my basic Listening Sessions (info found on this page).  I also offer sessions specifically using Hakomi tools and technique and I offer Birth Story Listening and Birth Trauma Support.  

Birth Story Listening, Birth Trauma Support, Postpartum Support

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Our babies sometimes arrive in ways that are traumatic, challenging, or particularly emotional for us.  Each of us deserves space to explore our birth story with a non-judgmental listener.  Your feelings about your birth matter.  This session can offer you space to process and integrate your birth experience. 

Navigating the postpartum period and adding a new baby to the family can be a whirlwind of ups & downs!  Many parents question whether what they are experiencing is "normal" or want to talk through concerns that are coming up.  A postpartum check-in session can be a helpful tool for adjusting to life with a new baby.


​Find info about Birth Story Listening, Birth Trauma Support & Postpartum Support here.


Hakomi Listening Sessions

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Hakomi is a mindfulness and somatics based modality that is also sometimes referred to as "assisted self study".  We will use mindfulness practices, and listen to the wisdom of the body during the Listening Session to offer support and help you gather information and deeper understanding of  whatever challenge or topic you'd like to explore. 

​Find info about Hakomi Listening Sessions here.

What others have to say about Listening Sessions:

​"I really appreciate Crystal's ability to create a space where I could dump out my brain and not feel judged. I needed this space and her guidance to find my way through a really touchy situation. She asked really helpful, thoughtful questions, that helped me get to a place where I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I left our session feeling lighter, calmer, more grounded and confident in my next steps."

***

"Before meeting with Crystal, I was struggling with boundaries in interpersonal relationships. I felt stressed out, with negative thoughts interrupting times I wanted to be peaceful (especially before bed).  Crystal gave me specific journaling exercises and visualizations.  I had fewer intrusive thoughts before bed and less worry about relationships.  Whenever I’ve interacted with Crystal, I’ve walked away with concrete tools to use in my daily life."
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Cost

I choose to work with a tiered pricing structure.  The basic ideas behind tiered pricing are community care, equity, and accessibility.  If those of us who have access to more financial resources pay a little more, we can offer care to our community and we make sure that self-care and healing work is accessible to all.  Please consider your personal privilege and access to financial support and wellness opportunities when choosing your tier.

Sustainer level

Single Session Cost: $125
2 Session Bundle: $240
3 Session Bundle: $355
This fee is my full rate for a Listening Session. Please select this price if you are able to pay a typical rate for this kind of care.

This is the price that feels right for those that can pay the full rate for a Listening Session while also sustaining their own financial health and wellbeing. It might squeeze a little to pay, but you can do it. You might be someone who has access to stable income, and can typically access self-care opportunities.

Supporter level

Cost:  $160
​
2 Session Bundle: $310
3 Session Bundle: $460
This "re-balancing" level of investment contributes a little extra to help make self-care and healing work accessible to all.

If you are someone who is able to pay bills reliably, enjoy a meal out, or easily access self-care (like a pedicure, or therapy co-pays) without anxiety, this price is for you. It balances out some of the extra that you have -- be it from family wealth, a partner who helps support your financial wellbeing, hard work + privilege – to support the people in our community who have less access. It is a chance to leverage some of our privilege to contribute to community care.

Community Supported level

Cost:  $80
​
2 Session Bundle: $155
3 Session Bundle: $230
This is a reduced fee to help make this type of support accessible to members of our community with limited financial resources. This fee does not cover the full cost of a Listening Session.

This is the price you can pay if you will benefit, enjoy or grow from from some 1:1 support, but paying one of the higher two prices would prevent you from being able justify the cost.   This price might also feel right for those who have experienced oppression due to their race or gender, as I prioritize scholarships for Black and Indigenous people, as well as transgender folks. Choose this price (with our love) if you need some community care.​
 If any of these levels don't exactly work, please be in touch.  There are sometimes scholarship funds available for those who may not be able to contribute at these levels.  I prioritize scholarships for Black and Indigenous people, as well as transgender folks.  If you could use the support of a 1:1 Listening Session, I want to help you access it! 
​Please reach out using this contact form.  
You can read more of my thoughts about Pay-What-You-Can pricing here. ​

Ready to book a Listening Session?

Schedule a Listening Session

Questions? Not sure if a Listening Session is for you?

I am happy to book a 20 minute, free, exploration call.  I can answer your questions and get you more info so you can decide if working with me feels like the right next step for you.  I am never trying to "sell" you, I base all my work in the concept of "enthusiastic consent".  I want you to have all the information you need to enthusiastically say YES! to working together.  And if we aren't a great fit, that's totally ok.  To schedule an exploration call, fill out my CONTACT FORM

Is this therapy? What is "peer support"?

 Listening Sessions are NOT therapy.  Traditional talk therapy is a fabulous tool that helps lots of folks (including me!), AND there are other modalities of support available in addition to or in lieu of traditional talk therapy.  Peer support is one of those.  Peer support is well researched and has some great benefits!  The research is clear that peer support is effective for supporting people through all sorts of challenges.  Benefits of peer support may include: increased self-esteem and confidence, increased sense of control and ability for participants to create change in their lives, increased sense of hope and inspiration, increased engagement in self-care and wellness, increased social support and social functioning, decreased substance use and depression, and increased quality of life and life satisfaction.  

Crystal is  not a therapist or medical care provider.   Crystal is a peer support person/spiritual advisor/life coach, who does not offer diagnosis or treatment advice.  Listening Sessions, Hakomi sessions and Birth Story Listening are peer support sessions.  Clients should understand that  additional mental health support such as a therapist or primary care provider is their responsibility.  During our sessions, clients will be referred to their care provider(s) (or other appropriate referrals) should anything be out of scope for peer support.

When Someone Deeply Listens to You

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When someone deeply listens to you
It is like holding out a dented cup
you’ve had since childhood
and watching it fill up with
cold, fresh water.
When it balances on top of the brim,
you are understood.
When it overflows and touches your skin
you are loved.

When someone deeply listens to you
the room where you stay
starts a new life
and the place where you wrote your first poem
begins to glow in your mind’s eye.
It is as if gold had been discovered.

When someone deeply listens to you
Your bare feet are on the earth
and a beloved land that seemed distant
is now at home within you.


- John Fox
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  • Home
  • Groups
    • Seeds of Connection
    • Unexpecting Discussion Group
    • How to Pick & Eat a Poem
  • 1:1 Support
    • Hakomi Listening Sessions
    • Birth Trauma & Postpartum Support
    • For Helping Professionals
  • Blog
  • About Me
  • Contact