Unveiling Soul Vision: The Inspiring Journey Behind Our Sanctuary of Healing

I am absolutely thrilled to unveil the captivating journey behind the inception of Soul Vision—a tale woven with threads of passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to healing. I am honored to announce that 3/1/2024 marks a monumental milestone—12 remarkable years since the dawn of Soul Vision.

Join me as I peel back the layers of time, offering a glimpse into the genesis of this sacred sanctuary—a testament to the power of vision, community, and collective purpose. From humble beginnings to the thriving tapestry of transformation we've become, every step of this journey has been fueled with the spirit of intention. love and authenticity.

It was 2010 where I was immersed in the world of an Intensive Outpatient Program catering to individuals grappling with dual diagnoses. These were souls navigating the intricate intersection of substance use issues and mental health diagnoses, seeking solace and support on their path to healing.

It was amidst this landscape that a psychologist I thought to be a kindred spirit in the realm of healing, approached me with a proposition: to venture beyond the confines of our current program in Cerritos and forge a new path in Long Beach. It was an invitation that resonated deeply within me—a resounding "YES!" echoed in my heart.

Long Beach held a special place in my heart—a community pulsating with energy, diversity, and untapped potential. Here, I envisioned a sanctuary of healing—a beacon of hope for those in need.

With unwavering determination, I set out on a quest to find the perfect space—a space that would not only house our aspirations but also serve as a haven for those seeking refuge. And within the span of a week, fate smiled upon us, guiding me to the doorstep of 4645 E. Anaheim St.—a space brimming with promise and possibility.

In 2011, we made our move, breathing life into our shared vision as we embarked on the journey of establishing our program in Long Beach. It was a leap of faith, a testament to our commitment to excellence and our unwavering belief in the transformative power of community-driven care.

As the year unfolded, I found myself increasingly at odds with the direction of treatment that seemed out of sync with my fundamental beliefs about wellness. The shared vision I thought we had did not come to fruition. In February 2012, the news came: a significant expansion was on the horizon. My initial reaction? Utter dismay. The notion of moving to a larger space to accommodate an even more expansive program felt contrary to the personalized care I held dear.

From the outset of my journey in addiction and psychiatric treatment back in 1988, I had harbored reservations about the prevailing approach—a conveyor belt of standardized care that treated individuals as mere diagnoses, devoid of the unique attention they so deserved. So, when faced with the prospect of amplifying this impersonal system, I couldn't help but question my role in its continuance.

I voiced my concerns. I pleaded to remain where I was, to maintain a semblance of the intimate setting that fostered genuine connections with those seeking support. I suggested operating as a "satellite office," clinging to the hope that preserving the energy of our current space would uphold the essence of compassionate care.

My request was met with a resolute "no." In that moment, I paused, drawing in a deep breath, grappling with the discord between my convictions and the trajectory unfolding before me.

On February 29th 2012, I sat down at my computer with resolve, crafting my letter of resignation. As I handed it to him, his puzzled expression mirrored the uncertainty swirling within me. "Do you have a plan?" he asked, to which I simply replied, "Nope." And so began an unexpected journey of reinvention..

In the ensuing five days, fueled by determination and a touch of serendipity, my landlord gave me two months free rent to get things figured out and my former husband and I scoured Craigslist, TJ Maxx, Ross, and every bargain bin in sight, piecing together the furnishings for the space where I nurtured 40 clients each week. March 2012 marked the dawn of my solo venture into entrepreneurship.

Fast forward to October 2013, a pivotal moment as I embarked on my first Vision Quest in the serene landscapes of North Carolina. The following November, I brought the essence of that transformative experience back to Long Beach, inviting my Shamanic Teacher from North Carolina to guide us through a mini Vision Quest on the mystical shores of Catalina Island, joined by 17 fellow questors. Then came October 2015, a year of profound personal upheaval. My beloved mother departed this world, and with her passing, I bid farewell to my 35-year marriage. In the wake of grief and transition, my children grappled with devastation. For two years, I immersed myself in self-reflection and growth, diligently repairing the fractured bonds with my two remarkable daughters.

In the crucible of change, Soul Vision emerged from the depths of my being—a beacon of hope and healing. I envisioned a sanctuary nestled on the corner of Roycroft and Anaheim, amidst the urban sprawl, where indigenous wisdom and shamanic teachings could thrive. My mission? To reconnect people with their ancestral roots, to unearth the sacred threads binding us to the earth and each other.

For some reason, I sensed the ancient rhythms of indigenous life—a tapestry woven with the threads of community, tribe, and shared purpose. It's a vision that resonates deeply within me, a vision of gathering around the flickering flames of the campfire, where every soul is embraced, every voice welcomed. There, amidst the warmth and camaraderie, disruptions to the circle aren't met with exclusion, but with curiosity and love. Never did one hear the command, "Go to your hut and figure it out on your own!" For in our ancestral wisdom, we understood that solace lay not in isolation, but in the comforting embrace of communal support.

In the transformative year of 2020, a year fraught with challenges and revelations, Rejuvenate Your Soul underwent a metamorphosis of its own, emerging anew as Soul Vision. Alongside this rebirth, I penned the pages of "Map 2 Consciousness," a testament to the journey of self-discovery and collective awakening.

Today, as the custodian of Soul Vision, I stand humbled and honored, grateful for the opportunity to serve all who step through our doors. Whether seeking solace in individual counseling, seeking to strengthen the bonds of partnership through couples therapy, or thirsting for knowledge and connection in our events and classes, know that our sanctuary exists because you exist.

So, I extend a heartfelt invitation to join us—to become part of our ever-expanding circle of healing and growth. Together, let us reclaim the spirit of community, let us rediscover the profound power of tribe. For in the unity of our shared journey, lies the essence of Soul Vision.