Last fall, when I started writing here on Substack, I also started offering one-on-one spiritual coaching that I call Soul Work. To be honest, I wasn’t sure I would like doing it. And I definitely wasn’t sure I would be any good at it. I set a goal of working with about 10 people, which I’ve been doing for about five months now. And while I’m still not convinced I’m very good at it, I like it more than I thought I would. So in the next month or so, I’d like to expand from 10 to 15 people or so, and I’m writing today to ask for your help.
I considered making posters advertising myself as a Spiritual Guru and hanging them around our neighborhood, but my family nixed the idea. They pointed out that this kind of thing grows best by word of mouth, from people who trust me.
So my request is…if you know someone who might be interested in what I do, would you share this post with them or forward my website to them?
And what is it that I do, exactly? Fair question. I believe life is, at its core, a spiritual journey and that, as the saying goes, “We are spiritual beings having a human experience, not human beings having spiritual experiences.” But life also gets busy, and hard, and distractions abound. So I think I help people remember, and live more tethered to, their deepest, truest self (their soul).
How? Well, that depends on the person. Some people I work with are just beginning to explore their spiritual life. Others have been at it a long time. But in general, I find myself returning to some core themes like helping people learn to live in the present moment, let go of the need to control so much, and stay mindful that our lives are a gift and all of this is a Mystery.
My training and experience are in theology, so I’m not a counselor and I don’t do therapy. A person might bring me a specific issue or problem, but we look at it through a spiritual lens. I also draw from my own life and challenges, of course, of which I’ve had my share. And in addition to my roots in progressive Christianity, I also draw from the Buddhist, Jewish, Sufi, and Hindu teachers, poets and mystics that have been so important to me.
At a practical level, my fee is $150 for a generous hour together, which we can do over Zoom or in person (I live in Denver). And if that isn’t in the budget, I do hold a few spots open at a discounted rate of $100, so feel free to ask about that. I meet with most people on a regular-ish basis, some every two weeks, some less frequently (and a few more so). I’m also happy to meet for single sessions, as needed.
The easiest way to reach me is through the Contact Page on my website and I'm happy to arrange for a phone call to tell someone more about soul coaching. Finally, I recently asked some of the people I work with to reflect on their coaching experience. Below are some of the things they shared.
Thank you in advance for passing this on to anyone you think might be interested.
I truly appreciate it.
With gratitude,
Ian
“When I first engaged in soul coaching, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I knew I was looking for something distinct from traditional therapy or leadership coaching—something that could guide me on a deeper, more personal level. In my months with Ian, I’ve found exactly that.”
“Ian’s thoughtful coaching has been transformative. I wholeheartedly recommend Ian to anyone seeking guidance on their spiritual journey or looking for a coach who creates space for curiosity, introspection, and meaningful growth.”
"As someone who often leads with my head when making decisions and interacting with the world around me, I've been delighted to develop new tools during my work with Ian. Our sessions have helped me awaken the wisdom contained in my heart and intuition, which has improved the quality of both my personal and professional relationships.”
“I'm now more focused on the present moment and can live fully into all the possibilities it brings. I highly recommend working with Ian if you're looking to be more present and engaged with your loved ones, work, and the world around you."
“Ian is offering my wife and me a chance to look deeply at the experience of this life with all its seeming contradictions. Ian has a remarkable clarity and an inspiring faith…It is a real gift to have someone to talk with who isn’t so afraid…It’s been quite a ride and we’ve just gotten started.”
“Ian mentors with compassion and encouragement…He has a broad spectrum of experience in many aspects of spirituality, in both Christian and other contexts. We’ve had a good time discussing my past paranormal and metaphysical experiences, and he is a valued companion for my spiritual journey.”
“After decades of tending to my spiritual journey in a variety of ways, Ian’s coaching is leading me to a fresh, freeing and untethered exploration of the vastness of God’s mystery.”
“I am on a pilgrimage, with Ian as my guide, to deepen/expand my spiritual life as I embrace the mystery of God with awe and wonder…Ian’s coaching provides a safe place to let go of old ways of thinking and to embrace and explore the places where I need to stretch and grow beyond my comfort zone.”
“Ian challenges me and takes me beyond my traditional faith boundaries to spark my curiosity to more deeply explore and embrace the mystery.”
Great write-up