counseling

“To regret one’s own experiences is to arrest one’s own development. To deny one’s own experiences is to put a lie into the lips of one’s own life. It is no less than a denial of the soul.” 

                                                                                     ― Oscar Wilde, De Profundis


Although much of my work is in the form of coaching, there are specific situations that require counseling. Counseling is soul work for gaining insight useful in setting overall life direction. Coaching focuses on goals, skills, and the tools one needs for personal growth and a rich, soulful life. Because you may need to talk through what you need before actually knowing what process is right for you, I am glad to schedule a free exploratory conversation with you. In both counseling and coaching, my approach is to guide you in paying attention to your soul, not simply your ego needs. 


marriage planning and preparation


I am happy to talk with couples to discuss marriage plans. I am licensed to officiate at marriages in the District of Columbia, Virginia, New York City, and in states and jurisdictions that recognize validly ordained clergy as marriage officiants. 

We couldn't have asked for a better guide through our wedding process: Frank Dunn provided insight and clarity during our marriage prep sessions, and his charming and thoughtful words during our ceremony made our big day all the more special. We consider ourselves very lucky to have had him beside us when we said our vows! Thank you, Father Dunn!

                       John and Alex, New York City


sex and gender

Soul work is especially helpful in the counseling I do with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons.  


relationships

My approach to relationship counseling is grounded in my understanding of soul work. If you as a couple are willing to explore viewing your relationship from the point of view of your interior lives as persons and as a couple, then I am eager to speak with you. I have two professional degrees and over forty years of experience in pastoral counseling. I am not a therapist nor do I approach relationships on a therapeutic model. Communication skills, family systems theory, gestalt psychology, and sex role negotiation inform my approach. I do not accept third party payments.


grief

Our souls are where we grieve the death of a loved one, the loss of a career, the dissolution of a relationship. Contact me for an appointment.

Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation. 
                                                                         Rumi


transitions

If you are changing jobs, launching a new career, facing an empty nest, dealing with an aging loved one, moving, retiring, single again, getting used to an aging body, going off to school, or otherwise transitioning from something to something else, you are in the midst of a very rich soul time, ripe for reflection and popping with potential for growth. Don’t miss it. There are better ways to grow than stiffening your upper lip, gripping your situations until your knuckles are white, or anesthetizing the pain that transitions produce. Just so you know, that list above comes from my own life.  


Frank helped us prepare for our marriage and presided at our ceremony. In the months leading up to the wedding he helped us craft a beautiful liturgy and was available to us for questions, counseling, and spiritual guidance. We were so grateful for his input and support. We knew we were in especially good hands at the wedding rehearsal when Frank welcomed all of our family members, and gave clear and thoughtful instructions to everyone involved in the ceremony based on what we had discussed ahead of time. On the day of the wedding he helped create an atmosphere that was inviting and festive, but also deeply soulful. He was kind, generous, thoughtful, appropriately funny, and sensitive to our particular family dynamics. Perhaps most importantly, he was sincere. Our wedding ceremony was everything we could have hoped for and we are so thankful for Frank’s wisdom, guidance, and grace in that process.                                    

     — Anne Marie and Joshua, New York City




     © Francis Gasque Dunn, DMin. • 67880 Pamela Lane • Cathedral City, CA • 202.422.2329     frank@thesoulinyou.com                      blogfrankdunnsblog.blogspot.com