Images and symbols have a language and purpose, capable of producing deep emotions and complex concepts. They often can influence internal states and behavior in compelling ways. When proper attention and approach to the underlying meaning exist, these images and symbols can produce profound insights and transformative change—conversely, confusion, misdirection, and sometimes unfortunate consequences without good care of images and symbols. Images and symbols can influence individuals and the collective in generative and non-generative ways. For this reason, it is essential to understand as much as possible about their nature, the environment at hand, and the specific meaning communicated.

• Anyone seeking a more profound knowledge and appreciation of images of symbols. Whether someone is new to a symbolic approach or advanced, the structured and attuned consultation meets the individual or organization’s needs and provides a framework to begin any project.

• People looking to create – Writers, storytellers, filmmakers, poets, artists, and enthusiasts. The use and presence of images and symbols in creative work add dynamic layers of meaning and create a more interactive experience. An Archetypal Story Consultation may assist creatives by creating narrative cohesion in a story, fully understanding a symbol’s cultural and historical aspects, creating stories that go beyond formulaic allegory, and creating a resonance with your audience.
• Anyone seeking a detailed analysis of an existing myth, story, fairy tale, fable, poem, or work of art. Many have argued that existing literature and mythology should be appreciated “as is” and not interpreted. From a subjective point of view, this perspective is solid. Still, a symbolic overview is required to experience more levels and discover more significant potential within a story. Through an archetypal lens, one realizes that a supraordinate structure underlining a story or narrative guides the whole process. When discovered, the story often takes on new meaning – a paradoxical feeling of nostalgia and novelty coexisting creates a powerful experience that leaves an ineligible mark on the soul.

• Professional organizations and brands. The use of symbols within a business culture or brand can impact outcomes in nuanced and sometimes unpredictable ways. Using images or symbols in logos or advertisements can be a powerful resource or adversely affect the brand, depending on the context and presentation. A consultation on the archetypal nature of an image expands the view to be more inclusive of all its manifestations.

• Psychological and helping professionals. It is not uncommon for people to communicate through images, symbolic language, or metaphor. Symbols are not a hidden narrative; they are expressive – it is a matter of understanding their innate characteristics. Understanding the images or symbols presented by a client may assist in determining their underlying narrative. These psychological manifestations are also transformative; as a result, they can be agents of change.

We spend a lifetime consuming other people’s stories, but how often do we examine our own? In a very fast-paced world filled with quick interactions, sound bites, and surface conversations, we rarely allow ourselves the reflective moments to look inward. Even when people journal or decide to share something personal with a close friend, the topic is usually around a specific event. Finding the time and space to examine one’s life, patterns, and directions feels more like a luxury than a necessity, but is this generative to our sense of self?

Identifying the governing factors that define one’s journey can be challenging, especially without reflection. Our point of reference is profoundly personal, and obtaining an objective viewpoint isn’t easy, mainly when you rely on your subjective reflections. Self-doubt, competing voices, and conflicting emotions can make everything opaque and difficult to see.

Even those who are reflective by nature find insight to be elusive. People know patterns in their lives may not be desirable, even stating that something is holding them back no matter how badly they want to change. For many, it feels like life is too full of fate and too little of destiny.

Understanding one’s story involves looking at life patterns and examining one’s purpose. It is hard enough to understand the underlying dynamics that have brought us to our present-day situation; it is a whole other perspective to understand what one’s life calling is. You may wander without a destination even if you know your current path.

Working with a professional trained in identifying patterns within one’s life story can be a transformational experience. As an archetypal analyst trained in pattern recognition, unconscious communication, images and symbols, and stories, I conducted years of professional consultation with individuals seeking to understand their life stories. Through personal consultation, you gain a valuable resource for greater awareness, a sense of purpose, and a road to finding meaning in life.

Mental health counseling and archetypal story consultation are both services that aim to help individuals improve their well-being, but they differ in their focus and approach:

– Mental health counseling typically focuses on diagnosable mental health conditions, emotional issues, and past traumas. Counselors are trained to provide therapy and treatment for conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc. Mental health interventions are more clinical, with counselors using evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address psychological issues. The focus is on healing, coping, and managing symptoms.
-Archetypal Story Consultation focuses on one’s life story, finding meaning and purpose in life, and helps to discover how life patterns have shaped experience. People often feel well-adjusted to most areas of their lives but lack an inner sense of purpose and are confused about life’s calling. Working with an archetypal pattern analyst helps examine global patterns in your life’s journey and paves a path to a meaningful destination.
In summary, mental health counseling is more suited for individuals dealing with mental health issues. At the same time, an archetypal story consultation is geared toward helping individuals achieve specific goals and improve their overall quality of life. Choosing the right service based on your needs and goals is essential. A free consultation can assist in the process.

I have spent years teaching as a senior faculty member at the Assisi Institute, focusing on the essence of images and symbols in stories. I have extensively trained other professionals in methodology and structure while working with archetypal content. Many participants are established professionals, analysts, therapists, academics, artists, authors, and storytellers.

All great journeys involve exploration and discovery. A complimentary initial consultation designed to clarify goals and objectives is the first step in the process. I can assist with providing a sense of direction if there is uncertainty or provide feedback if there is a well-defined objective. The consultation transpires through video conference or email correspondence.

After the initial meeting, services can range from a one-time specific consultation to more routine meetings to reach your desired objectives. Once there is a clear understanding of the scope and depth of the project, all services and fees will be agreed upon before any work transpires. This frame offers structure, transparency, and consent for the work performed.