Jennifer Poole MA CPC
Certified Spiritual Director

 My work has evolved from my life experiences. So while this may be more personal information than you might need, I believe starting from the beginning will give you insight into whether or not I am the right fit for you. It also explains how I moved from pastoral counseling, to parenting education, to religious deconstruction, to spiritual direction and existential wellness coaching. 

 I was adopted into a Catholic family, through a closed adoption in 1970. My experience growing up and trying to develop an identity in a family whose temperament and personality traits were very different from mine, led to a profound interest in human development and nature vs. nurture. 

After earning an associates degree in sociology and a bachelors degree in psychology, I went on to earn a master's degree in Applied Theology, from Marylhurst University. This Interfaith Pastoral Counseling program explored the aspects of healthy vs unhealthy belief systems and their effect on emotional well being. Along with family systems theory, the program also emphasized the need for self-care, through spiritual practice. I was drawn to it to try to make sense of my own ambivalence about religion after choosing to leave the Catholic church at 18. 

This master's program also became a personal journey which led to me searching for and reuniting with my birthparents. In 2005, I wrote my thesis and practicum on Openness in Adoption as an Opportunity for Spiritual Growth. Since then, I have spoken on a number of panels, and taught classes on Adoption Readiness and Conscious Parenting in Adoption. I am still very much involved with the Adoptee community. 

​  A divorce in 2007 left me single and co-parenting two very young children. I was able to take some time to soul search and continue my education in parenting, communication skills, and conflict resolution. My intention to heal myself and protect my children from the risk factors associated with divorce motivated me to acquire more skills related to that field. The things I learned were transformative. 

In 2012 I became a parenting educator and family coach. In 2014, I married again and became the step mother to two more great kids. In 2020 I became a parenting educator and parenting consultant for Adoption Mosaic, an organization that I am still very proud to be a part of. 

In 2018 and 2021, I had a couple profound spiritual experiences which led to a sort of deconstruction and reconstruction of my spiritual beliefs. In 2024 I took an 18 month training in “Non-Religious Spiritual Direction”. This is where I first learned the term Existential Wellness, which I now describe as a holistic approach to creating a life of purpose, meaning and authenticity. I believe everyone has their own unique individual spiritual path. As a spiritual director, I am trained to hold space for you as you explore what gives your life meaning. While I won’t be telling you what you should or should not believe, I do have exposure to and awareness of many resources which I am happy to share with people who are interested.  

My certifications and training in pastoral counseling, life coaching, compassionate communication, attachment theory, trauma informed parenting, conflict resolution, high conflict diversion, mindfulness, yoga, psychedelic integration and the Enneagram, have given me a wealth of tools to choose from when I support others. 

 This much I know is true…Life gives us multiple chances to learn, forgive, grow and love fully. It is through our capacity to self reflect and show up authentically that we ultimately make shifts to transform the way we see and experience life.   I have walked this journey and continue to walk it. I can share the insights which have transformed my life and allowed me to support others.

Whether you are looking for practical communication skills to improve your relationships, are seeking more self awareness, are questioning your personal beliefs, or are wanting to create a richer, more meaningful life…

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I would love to support you on your journey.

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Jennifer