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Who I Am & What I Do...

I create and hold space for you to slow down and live the questions. Through this process, you grow in awareness and, tiny, yet meaningful shifts begin to happen. 


I am a lifelong learner who is committed to waking up and growing up, so I care about curiosity, complexity, inner wisdom and being a part of the More than meets the eye. To my grandchildren, I am Amma. I like the name Amma because it reminds me that I am a part of the lineage of the Desert Abbas and Ammas who became wise guides for others as they embraced a contemplative life.

My professional life began as a teacher. As I added in marriage and children, life became more complex. I found that the answers I had been taught or gleaned for myself were inadequate for the questions I was asking. Putting one foot in front of the next I explored more deeply what it means for me to live my "one wild and precious life" (Mary Oliver, A Summer's Day).


My journey of inquiry led me to the completion of certificate programs in spiritual formation and spiritual direction, a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology, and certification as an Enneagram practitioner. For 15 years I had the privilege of contracting with people to help them live better lives...to gain insight and awareness, to heal from trauma, and to function in daily life with greater flexibility and satisfaction. This has often included attuning to Mystery and exploring the nature of God.


Today, I invite covenantal relationships rather than contractual ones, and my work focuses on helping people to grow toward Love by cultivating awareness and more fully embracing the questions. Knowledge of psychology and human development is helpful but it is in service to the liberating and holy work that is taking place.

Professional Education & Credentials...


Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, Chatham University

Bachelor of Arts in Education, Grove City College

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Certified Enneagram Practitioner, The Narrative Enneagram

 https://www.narrativeenneagram.org/directory/lynn-holden/

Certificate in Spiritual Formation, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Trained Spiritual Director, Center for Spiritual Formation

Advanced Gestalt Training Certification, Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh

Foundations & Practicum Training, Gestalt Pastoral Care


Spiritual Director's International

My Perspective...

I have never not known a loving God or the warm embrace of a church community. Over time however, while remaining rooted in the Christian tradition, how I understand and relate to God and the Church has changed...and I have no reason to believe this won't continue. My world is enlarged and enriched by reading broadly, and I participate in the mission and leadership of several ecumenical and contemplative communities.

My Approach...

My approach is multi-disciplinary. Drawing on ancient spiritual wisdom, the Enneagram, and the sciences of counseling psychology and neuroscience, I listen without judgment for the deep desires within you and for the invitations toward freedom and fullness of life. I then reflect back the Light and movement I see within your spirit. There is a teacher within me too so I also provide information and suggest practices that I believe will support your deepening awareness and relationship with Life.

Special Interest...

I have a special place in my heart for therapists and ministry professionals who want to more fully embrace their own life's journey, incorporate more spirituality into their work in a non-utilitarian way or wrestle with the big questions that pursue them on a personal level.

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"Life is meant to be lived from a Center, a divine Center. Each one of us can live a life of amazing power and peace and serenity, of integration and confidence and simplified multiplicity, on one condition - that is, if we really want to."

~ Thomas Kelly, A Testament of Devotion


NOTE: My vocational journey  of seeking a more complete understanding of how we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" began with a study of spiritual formation, followed by counseling psychology. I have now come full circle, making the choice to move away from the mental health profession to focus my attention on a more holistic model of growth that is in service to a deeper human and spiritual maturity. The training and experience I have enables me to assess readiness for this type of work and to be alert to patterns that might be better served through other types of counseling, so I make referrals to trusted colleagues when it seems appropriate.  I often find, however, that "symptoms" are not an indication of disease but rather an invitation to growth...and when we are growing, "dis-ease' is to be expected. Growing pains, perhaps? In some cases individuals might choose to be in counseling and spiritual direction simultaneously.

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