Jay Cacka

I was born and raised in the Willamette Valley in Oregon and enjoyed playing outside on long summer days near the creek behind my house. This setting was the beginning of my love and connection to nature. My family was very religious as well, and I developed a love/hate relationship with religion that has taken me on a long and winding journey to find my own path and claim my own spirituality. I have many years of experience as a rites of passage wilderness guide (and participant) that combined my love of nature and spiritual connection, leading me to where I am today. Nature, spirituality, meditation, and powerful connection to community and men's groups have all been the backbone of my personal growth and development. These are the elements that I most enjoy bringing to bear and share with my clients in therapy, as well as a transpersonal psychology lens. 

I obtained a Master of Arts degree in Professional Mental Health Counseling from Lewis & Clark Graduate School in 2013. Since then, I have worked in a variety of settings, including facilitating domestic violence intervention groups for men, serving young adults in need of housing and mental health support at a Native American non-profit, and as a Child and Family Therapist. I greatly value my time and life changing experiences at the Native American organization and the deeply healing cultural aspects that provided. I have found that bringing simple, soulful rituals into my life and therapy practice creates a sacred spaciousness that can be profoundly healing. Serving tea, lighting a candle, chiming a singing bowl, or simply taking a few mindful breaths can be the spark of Presence leading to wellness. What is your unique ritual? What sparks your own deep presence?