My Work, and Journey
 

About my journey....


I was raised in a beautiful “old world” small town by the sea, in Maine. There at the knee of looming textile mills, I learned early that life required an inner strength to endure it.


My community and family of origin were french speaking. My skills of observation, listening, independence, problem solving, and compassion unfolded during these  life transforming years.


It was in Cambridge, Massachusetts where I attended nursing school where my deepest sense of the magnificence of a lifetime was realized. During those early professional years I cared for countless patients that were  chronically, and terminally ill. There I learned how to be with  many human beings that were in such profound transitions. Christmas at Children’s Hospital on the cancer unit, taught me to understand what real courage, and commitment is. It awakened me, and deeply changing me.


Without warning my life in Cambridge began to unfolded magically in a new direction, but not by my waiting passively for it to do so. Through a series of events life invited me to jump into the unknown. I did. I instinctively knew that it was necessary for me to be authentic, genuine, honest and that I had to journey the road of life alone. It was clear that my life was not to be a life of hiding behind a mask. Even though that would have been easier.


I was guided by my grandmother when I was a sophomore in high school, that my life would bring me to Washington  DC. She said (in french of course)... “the people, Cynthia, all the people, so many will come to your door” and then she wept happy tears. As you can imagine, I quickly forgot this event until one day when the phone rang with an invitation to join an old friend for a year stay in Washington DC, suddenly remembering her words,  I said yes. It was September of 1971.


Through many twists and turns, through much confusion, wrong choices, great insights, and much blessing I found my way to clarity by 1978. It is more accurate to say that I can take credit for opening myself up with faith and trust,  the rest unfolded through acts of Grace. This was the year my work began on a part time basis as I was still a nurse at the time. It all began when someone I had met the evening before, at a party, asked me to spend time talking with her. This one person began an avalanche of people requesting time with me in session.


Yes, my grandmother was right, thousands have come to my door. Now, I know why she was moved to tears, I have been moved to tears so many times.


What I have shared with you is only a brief sketch of a precious journey that I am profoundly grateful to still be on. The mystical  story, the deeper story is one that I will tell in detail in the years to come. Thank you, Cynthia

 

My work with clients began in 1978 at the completion of the first phase of my life. It took twenty nine years to complete this journey of intense preparation.


At the time I didn’t fully understand where this preparation was taking me at the time, but I was always willing to go through whatever was demanded of me. I learned very early in life that there was a benevolent force guiding me that I could totally trust.


By January of 1981 I was meeting with clients in session on a full time basis. This rich journey, which continues, has enriched my life and the lives of many others. There is nothing that inspires me more than the privilege and opportunity of being in service to an individual’s conscious awakening, and supporting the dynamic journey that requires. I have learned personally the great gifts that come from challenge and, adversity.


Currently, I live in Chevy Chase, Maryland with my husband, our two sweet little children and, our wonderful dog friend, Kona.


My Work....

Many clients, over the years, have offered to speak with any one that might be interested in my work. If you would find that helpful let me know, I will make it possible for you to have a contact person. Clients have found that the best way of becoming most familiar with me or with my work was to have listened to an audio tape of a session that I did for someone that they knew very well. When that is not possible, you may find the comments in these books useful.


Publications

If you would like to read something published about my work you will find "everdayhealing" by Ann L. Hallstein of interest. Chapter 4, titled "life is change" captures Ann's experience of my work with her. I met Ann at a moment in her growth when consulting with me was of great use to her. She generously shares that story, and so much more. It is a lovely book for anyone in a transition again. My understanding, at this time, is that "everdayhealing" is no longer easily available. However, in a recent quick search I did not find the book. You might want to try one of the used book resources. It has been a while since it was published, I believe it was 2005


In another book, from a different point of view, by Carole O'Tool "Greater Washington D.C. Area's Cancer Community Healing Network" my work is mentioned as a part of a wonderful collection of practitioners from many traditions, who are dedicated to offering loving, responsible services. I hope you will keep this book in mind for yourself or your loved ones. "Healing Outside the Margins" (Lifeline Press) also by Carole O'Tool and Carolyn B. Hendricks, MD is a compliment to the previously mentioned resource guide. It too was published a while back, however it is very easy to locate.


If you know of someone who is not online that might be interested in my work, please do have them call me. I can mail them a "New Client Packet" for their convenience.


Please read on if you would like more detailed information about my work...    I am delighted by your inquiry as to the nature of my work and the structure of my practice. I do wish that I could respond in a more personal way, yet at this time the demands of my scheduled appointments are such that there is little extra time in a day. So, to provide you with information as soon as possible, this web site has been organized to serve two purposes: to act as an initial introduction to me and the work I share with my clients; and, if you have already scheduled a session, it will serve to assist you to be further prepared for your appointment. I do hope that this information will answer the majority of your questions. If you have any questions that are not addressed here, do not hesitate to call me before we are due to meet. With prior preparation, our time together is freed to be spent with the full focus on the reasons why you were motivated to seek your first appointment.


What I want to extend to you:

Let me begin by first saying that through the years I have promised and continue to promise that each time we meet I will make every effort possible to give you my best, abiding by principles and standards, a code of ethics governed by my highest understanding. In the near thirty years I have been in practice and through the approximately more that twenty thousand individual sessions born in that time, I have finally concluded that my work, with each new client and in each follow-up session is so individualized that it is not easy to explain in any general way, yet I am willing to try.


When one finds ones self entering a process that can lead to new awareness and greater consciousness it is not surprising or unusual to be impulsive, emotionally reactive and feel that we are on the verge of losing our grounding and balance. It is also not unusual to want to reach for outside assistance or to just shut down. Calling upon inner wisdom to advise ones self is the right thing to do, however we are sometimes simultaneously in a state of confusion making it difficult to discern anything internal as objective. All is well when we have access to this source and all is not well when we do not. I serve my returning clients as an active coach offering reframing, new insight, a challenging perspective and non judgmental support during all transitions either external or internal. We work together until you are reconnected with your own inner wisdom. My skills are natural and are intuitive.


New Clients:

As a new client there needs to be a starting point to our work, therefore the initial consultation can begin by my providing you with a broad overview of where you are in your life and within yourself at this time or if you prefer, we can work with a specific agenda that you choose to bring into our time together. You can read more about this in the page titled Suggested Formats.


While I wish I could give you all that I know in our first session, it is not a realistic expectation that either one of us can entertain. We may cover enough in one session that a follow-up appointment may not be necessary immediately, however, this is quite an individual matter. Experience has taught me that trying to cram too much into one session for a new client can cause the overall session to become less productive as a result of the excessive intensity created. Although as a returning client you may find after your initial consultation, as many clients have discovered, that you will prefer a longer session. Unlike the therapy my services are used on an “as needed” basis. You see my again when you recognize the need or feel the inner urge to do so. The page titled Preparing for Your Session will explain more. You may also benefit by continuing to read the “Returning Clients” section below as well as the “In Closing” and the “At the time of your appointment” section.


Returning Clients:

When a new client chooses to return at some point to do follow-up work one finds that I place an emphasis on the value of independence in life by continuing to support and encourage learning to recognize, rely on, and trust one’s own inner direction, as well as then translating that knowing into action. No matter how independent we may be, there are times when we need assistance in that achievement. It can be very encouraging for "taking action" when you hear me address, without any input from you, what you have had as intuitive insight and/or instinctive knowing.


A basic principle that will embrace and support each session is that life and the potential learning and richness that it holds for us is discovered. Therefore we will not limit the possibilities by trying to predict life unless that type of perspective naturally unfolds, only in this way can it be helpful. I generally do not place much value on prediction of possibilities The future will take care of itself if the present is handled properly. It is my understanding that we are here to learn. While we do need a plan, the value of planning is in remaining flexible and redefining our plans whenever necessary as life unfolds. The goal- a rich, full and happy inner and outer life but as they say..... no pain- no gain.


So, our focus will be the here and now. To me, on a day by day basis life is offering us all the opportunity to grow and mature by pointing out to us what we do know and what we do not know or understand about ourselves, others or the possibilities of life and living, at least.... yet. When we discover that we do not have the necessary personal knowledge to work through a relationship or the circumstances of a situation already, then we are standing before an opportunity to learn more. As I’m sure you already know, the energy for change comes from the discomfort we are in, so we usually experience frustration, anger and general upset simultaneously with a strong desire to make things better inside of ourselves and outside in our lives as soon as possible. The present circumstances of life provide the time, space and necessary environment for personal transformation. And, it is a powerful gift. Through it our inner life and outer life can eventually become richer, happier. Since a phase like this, is work- we do need to provide the process with at least a little patience and blend the work with a good sense of humor. These times are never regretted.


To have the urge to become conscious of our limitations is indeed the essence of love and the unfolding promise of maturity. This urge makes us its student, life becomes the classroom, our limitations the subject matter and our intuition awakens to be our unique personal guide.


During the course of many events and situations in our lives we are asked to demonstrate our ability to draw upon our inner knowledge and we are challenged to act upon it. Trust and faith in the integrity of our actions can create the necessary esteem that allows us to have the courage to explore and identify new ways of being and living.


In Closing:

While these are some examples of how I understand and experience life, I do hope that I have conveyed clearly my intention to be with you in session in whatever individualized way is needed to be of assistance to you. I can not in actuality state what we will or will not do in your first session as it will be unique. So I invite you to join me for a session of flexibility. As you already know, I will be sharing with you during that time my natural way of knowing you without your providing me with any or much input. This is a demonstration of my intuition serving the intuition that rests within you. I am inwardly designed simply to serve the growth of those who are drawn to my work. Yes, I have unusual skill to “Know” you intimately and this skill is used with great responsibility and maturity.


Through the years I have tried not to call any attention to myself or be limited by using any label. It is true that the level of skill I have is uncommon yet it is natural to me. Although clients have attributed to me a variety of definitions, trying their best to describe me and my work with friends and family members, it seemed that this issue should be clarified through this packet. Yes, my skills are very unusual, then “what do I call myself”? Well, as a result of having been in session with clients more than twenty thousand times I have become known through the individualized work I have done with each person. I have been labeled by many people through time many things as counselor, intuitive, wise, insightful, and so much more. However, I feel most comfortable in saying that-- I am a student of life too and I place before you and the concerns of your life all of my skill to serve you and label myself (when I need to) simply ...... a transition consultant.


For me, it is a challenge and a privilege for us to communicate in such a full way: heart to heart. Because so much is covered in such a small amount of time it is very necessary to be prepared to listen to the recording of your session periodically so that you can assimilate the material. Frequently clients report to me how much more they were able to absorb from the session when they have gone back and listened to the recording once again, they always seem so surprised at how much they did not or could not take in during the appointment. Beside the fact that there is so much information to listen to, the session speaks not just to who you perceive yourself to be the day we meet but also, and especially, to whom you are becoming.


At the time of your appointment, you will be invited to read a cover letter that explains the general principles that I abide by in my professional practice. You will also be asked to sign a "Release Form" that confirms that you understand that I am not a psychologist, psychotherapist, or a physician.


If there is any way in which you can have the opportunity to listen to a session that I have done for someone you know, that perhaps would be a good way to become more familiar with my work. Many people however feel that their session is so personal that they may only feel comfortable with having you listen to a small portion. If you do not have this as an option, and you might feel more comfortable working with me if you could talk to one of my clients, I would be more than happy to try to arrange that for you.


Thank you for taking the time to consider using the services I offer my clients. I hope to meet you in person. - Cynthia





CONTACT INFORMATION


My email address is - cynthia@cynthiasexton.com

My telephone number is - 301 654-3255


This website belongs to Cynthia M. Sexton. No duplication, reproduction, distribution or public display of any part of this work without express written authorization by the author is permitted. No unauthorized use of this website or any of its contents, in part or in whole is permitted. Cynthia M. Sexton 2011© All Rights Reserved.





 

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