Welcome to sankofa counseling

Sankofa is a West African philosophy from Ghana that promotes moving forward while looking back to your roots for guidance. The actual definition of Sanfoka means "go back and fetch it." Sankofa teaches that we must look back to the past (our roots) so that we may understand how we became what we are, and move forward to a better future. That is, we should reach back and gather the best of what our past has to teach us, so that we can achieve our full potential as we move forward. Whatever we have lost, forgotten, forgone, or have been stripped of can be reclaimed, revived, preserved and perpetuated.

The word Sanfoka is derived from three words:
SAN (return) KO (go) FA (look, seek and take)

The Sankofa symbolizes the Akan people of Ghana in West Africa, and their quest for knowledge among the Akan, with the implication that the quest is based on critical examination, and intelligent and patient investigation, much of what we do in psychotherapy. I spent a semester in Ghana, West Africa in 1997 with my alma mater DePaul University, and fell in love with the Akan tribe and their symbolism in their Adinkra symbols, of which Sankofa is one.

My logo is by artist Cheryl Louise Olney. Her wooden wall art visually and symbolically expresses Sankofa as a mythical bird who flies forward, symbolizing progress, while looking back, symbolizing a connection to common roots. The egg, unhatched, symbolizes future possibility.

Today, you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being.

As an eclectic therapist, my goal is to use the power of Sankofa to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. I provide acceptance and a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment to guide clients of all ages, races, and sexual orientations in exploring issues that have been impacting your growth.