Connected Within, Connected Across
It is a deep honor to serve as President of the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling. As I step into this role, I am guided by a simple but profound truth: the depth of our connection with others is shaped by the depth of
our connection within ourselves. Therefore, I invite our community into a shared focus on connection—within ourselves, across our differences, and beyond our organization.
I am truly grateful for the strong leadership of those before me – Dr. John Harrichand, Dr. Janee Avent Harris, Dr. Hannah Bayne, and so many more….and grateful for those members on the Board of Directors with whom I have the privilege working. We are an active board, filled with people who are passionately committed to ethical spiritual/religious
integration and who care deeply about the health and viability of ASERVIC. I am truly thrilled to have such a strong group of leaders to work with.
“Connected Within, Connected Across” reflects the heart of spiritually integrated counseling. First, to tend to our own inner lives—to nurture the spiritual grounding that sustains us as counselors, educators, and supervisors. We first deepen our own self-awareness: remaining grounded in reflection, humility, and authenticity as we engage the spiritual dimensions of human
experience. In a profession that consistently asks us to hold pain, uncertainty, and complexity, this inner rootedness becomes essential. It is through reflection, stillness, and intentional self-awareness that we cultivate the presence our clients need—not perfection, but being able to truly see them. Not answers, but attunement. Our ability to be present with others begins with our willingness to be present to ourselves.
At the same time, we are relational beings. We NEED each other. Our work calls us beyond ourselves—into connection, into community, into the shared human experience of meaning-making and healing. Spirituality, in its many expressions,
lives not only within us but also between us. So we must extend our own grounded presence outward, joining meaningfully with those we serve and with each other by fostering authentic and compassionate relationships.
Connection Within highlights our connection to ourselves, with one another as Board Members, and with our broader connection to one another as members of ASERVIC. Connection Within provides a focus on uniting with our state chapters so that our Division is in relationship with those state chapters, and hopefully so we might experience synergy together in our common goals.
Connection Across challenges us to move outward—toward being in relationship among diverse spiritual, religious, and philosophical perspectives. In an increasingly complex and pluralistic world, our work requires not only knowledge,
but openness, cultural responsiveness, and genuine curiosity. We are called to listen deeply, to honor difference, and to create spaces where multiple ways of making meaning are respected and understood. We are called to model and encourage these behaviors among our colleagues, students, and supervisees. I hope to continue our focus on diverse perspectives in sacred spaces with proactive efforts toward inviting participation from individuals of diverse spiritual/religious worldviews.
Finally, “Connected Across” invites us to extend our reach through collaboration. ASERVIC does not stand alone in this work. There are many organizations, communities, and professionals committed to exploring the intersection of spirituality, wellness, human development, and mental health practice. By building partnerships and linking common efforts, we strengthen our collective impact and expand opportunities for learning, advocacy, and service. In accordance with the theme of “Connected Within; Connected Across,” my priorities during this year are to work with the Board to:
- Remedy our website issues and procure a webinar hosting system for ongoing
professional development and membership services offerings - Establish and re-establish relationships and ongoing communication with our
State Chapters - Establish external collaborations with other ACA Divisions and other non-
ACA, like-minded professional organizations - Improve services to members
Throughout the 2026-2027 year, we will center initiatives that foster reflection, dialogue, and partnership—within ASERVIC and beyond. Together, we will continue to cultivate a community that is both grounded and expansive, rooted in
shared purpose and open to new perspectives and connections.
Here are some ways you can participate/take advantage of our offerings!
- Let us know if you want to volunteer for the conference committee or in some other capacity. Just email me at [email protected]
- Check out the Podcast Series developed by Aparna Ramaswamy
- Check out the Pre-Recorded Sessions from our 2026 Virtual Conference – you can’t get CEs for them, but there is some fabulous material in there!
- Going to ACA in Portland? (March 11-13, 2027). Look for ASERVIC’s Division Presentation on Applications of the 2025 Spiritual and Religious Best Practices.
- Save the Date!! ASERVIC’s in-person conference will be held May 13-14, 2027, with limited space for a retreat on May 15, 2027.
- Be sure to check for announcements on ACA Connect: www.counseling.org/connect
