If you don't get your questions answered here or somewhere else on this site, please feel free to reach out and ask.

Who can use Feng Shui?

Absolutely everyone can benefit from the practice of Feng Shui.  Because our environments are directly affecting us at all times, we want to ensure that we are aware of the kind of effect that it is, and how it's playing out in our lives.  Learning how to use Feng Shui allows us to create the most supportive, beautiful and aligning environment we can, for our optimal quality of life, at any time.

Does Feng Shui really work?​

​While many people may think that the practice of Feng Shui involves placing an item somewhere and waiting for dramatic life transformations to ensue, that's not quite how it works.  Some people may see positive change right away after improving an area, but the most effective practice for sustainable, transformational life shifts comes from consciously aligning the triad of our environments AND our mindsets AND our actions to have the smoothest flow into the life experiences we desire.  Some people can see some positive results from actions and/or mindset alone, but if the environmental component isn't supportive, chances are high that those positive experiences won't be sustainable, or that the process feels harder than it needs to be.  ​

When should I use Feng Shui?

The best answer is ... now!    The sooner you improve the flow and function in your environment, and enhance  it with harmony and elemental balance, the sooner it will be fulfilling its role in supporting you to have the life experiences you want.  If there's a struggle in any area of life (i.e. financial  issues, sleep issues, anxiety issues, relationship issues, job issues, health issues, reputation issues, emotional well-being issues, general lifestyle balance, etc.), it is very common that addressing specific Feng Shui problems will initiate a positive shift in your experience.    Sometimes people feel like they've tried everything to improve a situation, and nothing works...until they realize they haven't yet addressed  their Feng Shui issues.  
As a professional consultant, I support you in identifying how and where to address the most important issues in your environment to facilitate significant change.  Also, any time there is a life-transition occurring (i.e. jobs, school, relationships, family size, moving, etc.,) it is an especially excellent time to ensure that your environment is primed to support you.  ​

Isn't Feng Shui totally "woo-woo" and mystical?

There are many, many layers to Feng Shui.  For those interested in tapping into the deep, more spiritual layers, I am happy to work with you on those.  For those who are more "spiritually curious", I am happy to meet you where you are, as long as you're open to learning and experimenting.  Many of my clients who were a bit skeptical have now fallen in love with this work!

What is Ch'i?

Ch'i is life force energy.  When you look at a dead plant next to a thriving plant, you can easily see the Ch'i difference.  Now compare the Ch'i quality when you walk into a room that is cold, dark, overly-crowded, and smells like mildew, to one that is warm, sunny, has the scent of fresh flowers, inviting furniture, and space to walk around.   When you pass by someone on the street giving you an angry scowl, you sense a different type of Ch'i , compared to someone who walks by and flashes you a warm, genuine smile.  When you look at a piece of art depicting two wild animals in a gory battle, that has a different effect on your Ch'i, compared to looking at a painting of a relaxing, white sand beach with a hammock under the palm trees.    
Ch'i also flows better in certain types of furniture arrangements than others.  People, places and objects all have Ch'i, and we all sense it all around us.  We can all pick up "good vibes"  and "bad vibes" from people, places and things, right?  Some feel better to us than others, and we all have our individual preferences and experiences that contribute to how we feel about our surroundings.  We are all aware of Ch'i; we just don't always call it that.  Feng Shui aims to support us in having vibrant, positive Ch'i within us, through the mindset we have and the actions we take, and to arrange our environments with positive Ch'i that aligns with those, so that we can best position ourselves to thrive in life.  ​

Is Feng Shui a one-time thing?

​​No, it is an ongoing lifestyle practice.  Feng Shui observes that everything is alive, everything is connected, and everything is changing.  As our lives change in both predictable and unpredictable ways, our physical, emotional and environmental needs change, too.  The more we bring our home and workspaces up to date to express who we currently are and what we currently need, the better prepared we are to weather inevitable storms and return to smooth sailing.  Any time you're experiencing a persistent struggle in an area of life or are preparing for a significant transition, it's a good idea to consider a Feng Shui analysis to shift your environment into a state that can support you as strongly as possible.

​What type of Feng Shui do you practice?

​I am a Certified Practitioner of Essential Feng Shui ,™ a title trademarked by the Western School of Feng Shui, founded by internationally-recognized consultant Terah Kathryn Collins.   Essential Feng Shui 's™ philosophies are based on the Classic Form School applied to modern Western culture, as it works with creative solutions to balance environmental and lifestyle issues.  Its practice is typically more fluid, flexible, contextual, yin in style, non-directional and considers all areas to be of equal importance.   
In contrast, Compass School uses a compass to determine placement, considers some areas more important than others, and is more linear, rigid and yang in its applications.    It can be confusing to learn about Feng Shui through books and the internet, since there are different schools with different approaches, some of which contradict each other in advice on the same topic.  One is not better than the other; just choose the one that resonates best with you.

What if Chinese decor doesn't fit my style?

Feng Shui is a very personal practice and absolutely honors personal style.   Even though Feng Shui originates from Ancient China, you do not need to consider adding Chinese decor unless it happens to totally delight you.   It can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, and with any personal style.  The goal is to create an environment that expresses YOUR true self, uplifts YOU, and nourishes and supports who YOU are now and how YOU'D like to see your life evolve.

What if I'm embarrassed for you to see my house?

​​I acknowledge that having someone in your home when it feels like a wreck is a vulnerable position to be in.  Rest assured that I personally know vulnerability well.  (The good news is that it's where all the magic you're looking for is hiding.)  I am a totally non-judgmental  person, and I wholeheartedly honor you exactly where you are.  You may also take comfort in knowing that I have lived in a variety of environments, from the totally pristine house I grew up in, to the totally out-of-control house we built as a young family.   ​
 ( Long ago my son named our laundry pile Mt. Everest and loved climbing it.  I also had a garage so full of stuff that I couldn't walk over to press the button to the door opener, so I had to use a yardstick! )  So... I've been there, I can help you move past it, and I'm not judging.  Also, it's actually better NOT to clean before a consultation, since an accurate glimpse into your reality will help me better identify important Feng Shui patterns.

Do I have to spend a lot of money to Feng Shui my space?​

Essential Feng Shui™ is all about doing what you can, with what you have, while you have it.  I personally love working with what you already have whenever possible.  I am also a huge fan of acquiring used items full of character from flea markets, thrift stores and Craigslist, so I do my best to support clients in getting the most bang for their buck.  I will prioritize the most important changes to make first, in terms of your desired life experiences, and will make additional recommendations for enhancements you can consider making further down the road, when the timing and budget come together just right for you.

I want a Feng Shui consultation, but my partner doesn't. 


​​It is best to have the blessing of every adult (and older child) in the household before scheduling a consultation.  The effects will be more positive and more powerful, rather than potentially negative and disharmonious.  If you don't think that's possible, reach out anyway; we may still be able to make progress.

What's the difference between you and an interior decorator?

​There are similarities between a Feng Shui consultant and an interior decorator, in that both aim to support you in creating a beautiful, comfortable personal environment.  An interior decorator tends to take on a role of putting together aesthetic elements like paint and fabric swatches, and selecting furniture, fixtures and accessories.  While I have a lifelong love of interior design and some amount of education in it, I did not choose a career as a designer.   As a huge fan of personal development, Feng Shui fills my heart in a way that I was looking for, as it bridged the gap between creating beautiful environments and helping people cultivate positive change in their lives.  
When you hire me as a Feng Shui consultant, I will make suggestions about arrangements and enhancements, and in some situations help you implement them, but I am not in a role of selecting or purchasing the specific contents of your home for you.  Instead we'll work together so that you can have clarity on what you might consider changing on your own to better express who you are now, and to support you emotionally and physically in all areas of life, as you evolve.  While the principles of Feng Shui often give us explanations as to why a space looks or feels beautiful, professional interior decorating doesn't always meet the criteria for a balanced and nourishing environment from a Feng Shui perspective.  (I am also happy to be in communication with a designer if you choose to hire one.)

What is the "Bagua?"

The Bagua is a Feng Shui tool that can serve us like a map.  It looks like a grid and represents the different areas of our lives, and how they correspond to different areas of our homes, according to ancient wisdom.  It can also be used as a framework for wholehearted living.  While it can be used simply, it also has many beautiful layers and facets to play with when it comes to relating it to our homes, our thoughts and our lifestyles.  Here's a free class you can watch to make one and apply it to your home! 

How long does it take to see results?

​There is no concrete answer, as we're all unique individuals with unique circumstances.  In my own experience I have seen results anywhere from 30 minutes, to a few days, to several months after I Feng Shui my space with aligned intention.    Sometimes people will experience something dramatic and surprising, and other times they'll find that they're experiencing exciting shifts, but with more of a steady ripple effect.  

Do I have to become a minimalist?

Nope.  The practice of Feng Shui includes letting go of things that no longer actively serve you, but that does not necessarily equate with a minimalistic environment.   I personally don't consider myself a minimalist.  My house has plenty of lovable surface accessories I've collected over the years, but they actively delight my spirits and/or are currently serving me in some functional way.  However, knowing that Feng Shui expects you to care for everything in your environment, having less stuff can be helpful if you're not a fan of maintenance.

Do I have to become a perfectionist?

Nope.  No matter what your style, you get to create spaces that delight you in whatever way works best.  If you're someone who loves to open your kitchen cabinets and see perfectly matching dishes and glasses, that's fine.  And if you're someone who loves to see an eclectic collection of handmade mugs and vintage mismatched dishware, that's fine too.   (Long ago  my cabinet interiors were the matching-type, but now they're the eclectic handmade-mugs-by-my-kids -type.  Either one works in Feng Shui.)  If they are organized well so that they easily meet your daily needs, that's what's important.  If what's inside delights your spirits every time you look, that's the ultimate goal!

There is so much to discover and enjoy with Feng Shui!

I invite you to join my email list so that you can receive details about workshops and other supportive opportunities as they develop.  There's always something fun in the works!