This directory lists information about Vaisnava professionals who are trained and have experience in providing counseling and skill-building services for individuals, couples and families. They have provided references from at least 3 respected Vaisnava authorities and/or senior devotees. While we have not personally experienced the skills of each professional listed, we have tried, as far as possible to make sure each counselor/educator and each matrimonial service listed herein is accurate and accountable. We trust that each counselor/educator will exhibit a high level of spiritual commitment and insight, professionalism, sensitivity and expertise.

 

The North American Grhastha Vision Team is presenting this directory as one of several strategies to support, enliven and strengthen the children, men and women in our society who are endeavoring to live healthy, spiritual lives.
The need for this directory is undeniable. Many devotees, both leaders and lay persons are seeking qualified Vaisnava professionals to assist with marriage preparation, enrichment and counseling. Families are searching for trustworthy guidance in how to prosecute their Krishna consciousness in a healthy family life.

 

Parents are seeking help with raising their children and better parenting skills. Individuals are trying to sort out some of the obstacles and issues that keep the them from expressing their higher potentials. Our jagat guru, Srila Prabhupada, wanted us to have “ideal marriages and families” and instructed couples to get “sufficient counseling” before marriage. We urge you to use and reuse this directory and refer others to it. Right now these listings are primarily accessible to vaisnavas in North America. However, it is our ardent desire to expand these services to other geographic areas.

 

As with any other relationship, we suggest that you carefully consider the counselor you choose. Read his or her entry, make some initial phone contact and generally weigh the connection. Does this counselor’s experience and/or training appeal to you? What are the requirements for receiving counseling? (Fees,how many sessions, etc.,) Does the counselor tell you what counseling consists of? You can ask about their experience and you can ask if others would be willing to recommend them.

This Directory of Vaisnava Marriage Educators, Counselors and Matrimonial services is one attempt to serve the Vaisnava community and please Srila Prabhupada. If you know of other vaisnava professionals who should be included in this directory please contact us by phone, e-mail or snail mail. We welcome your comments and suggestions.

 

With warm regards,
Editors,
The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute
3320 Beechwood Avenue
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

LEGAL DISCLAIMER (Please Read)
The publishers of this directory have compiled the following list of providers as a service to the Vaishnava community. The publishers provide no warranty or guarantee of any type or kind as to the qualifications, competency, abilities, and/ or skills of anyone listed in this directory. Anyone using this directory does so at his or her own discretion and assumes any related risk. The publishers further recommend that anyone choosing a provider from this directory independently verify the qualifications and abilities of that provider.

COUNSELOR LISTINGS
(Alphabetic order)
Codes for kinds of counseling provided:
1 = Premarital, marriage & family,
2 = Children, parenting, youth
3 = Alcohol addiction, other substance abuse counseling
4 = Individual and/or conflict resolution
5 = Grieving, Hospice care, counseling for the terminally ill
1. Arcana Siddhi devi dasi (Anne Cox, L.C.S.W.) and Karnamrta dasa {1,2, 4}
2. Bhakti devi dasi (Mrs. Robert Cohen, M.A.) {1, 2, 4}
3. Cintamani dasi, (Courtney Parks, Ph.D.) & Jagannatha Pandit das (James E. Parks, B.A.) {1, 2, 4}
4. Dhira-govinda das (David Wolf, Ph.D., M.S.W.) {2, 4}
5. Haridasa das (Harvey Stempel, Ph.D., L.C.P.C.) {1, 2, 4}
6. Kaunteya dasa (Ph.D.) {1, 4}
7. Krsnanandini devi dasi (B.S.) & Tariq Prabhu (Tariq Saleem Ziyad, B.A.) {1, 2, 4}
8. Praharana dasi (Pam McFarlane, M.S.W.) {1, 2, 4}
9. Sridevi devi dasi (Dr. Lakshmi Dajak, Ph.D., M.D.) (1, 2, 3,4)                                                                                                                           

10. Prema-vilasa das (Paul Mc Farland, BA) (1,2,3,4)
10. Tamohara das (Thomas L. Pourchot, Ed.D.) & Mantrini devi dasi (Mireya Pourchot, B.S.) {1, 2, 4}
11. Tapati devi dasi (Tatyana Britton) {1, 2, 4}
12. Urmila devi dasi (Ed.D.) {1, 2}
13. Uttama devi dasi & Partha das {1, 2, }
14. Vrajalila dasi, M.B.A. {4}

 

Other Related Services:
Matrimonial Services
The Vaisnava Marriage Registry Services
Hospice Services:
Vaisnavas C.A.R.E., Inc.
Suicide Prevention and Domestic Violence Hotlines in the U. S.
Suicide Prevention and Domestic Violence Hotlines in Canada

Srila Prabhupada instructed devotees to have premarital counseling:

“The two marriages recommended by you may be performed at that time as well, but only after having sufficiently counselled the respective devotees. This marriage business should not be taken as a farce, but is a very serious matter. Recently so many couples have been cast adrift by the waves of maya's influence. That is hard to check, but still the devotees must realize the responsibilities of household life. And there is no question of separation. Too much this has been happening and I am very much displeased. So if they are promising not to separate under any circumstances, but to work cooperatively in the service of the Lord, then my sanction is there for their marriage, and my blessings as well. Otherwise not.” Srila Prabhupada letter to: Bhagavan -- Los Angeles 7 July, 1971

“Marriage with a view to peaceful and virtuous life and with a view to procreate servants of the Lord is a good institution for a Vaisnava.” Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur - A great vaisnava acharya who demonstrated an exemplary household life

 

Arcana-Siddhi devi dasi L.C.S.W., and Karnamrita das
Name of Agency or Service: Private practice
Address: 1025 Krishna Road
Sandy Ridge, North Carolina 27046
Phone: (336) 871-2374
E-mail: arcanasiddhi@yahoo.com
Languages we speak and understand fluently: English
Qualifications, including training, degrees, certifications, related affiliations, etc.:
B.S., Psychology; M.S., Social Work; Licensed Certified Social Worker, Family Therapy Certification, Children and Adolescents Certification. Members of the North American Grihastha Vision Team.
Why we are committed to providing this service:
We see the grihastha ashrams as very, extremely important to the future of Srila Prabhupada’s movement, both internally and for preaching.
Services are provided as part of a team and individually?
As of June, 2007 we have worked with or served over 50 couples and many individuals. Our services are provided as a team to devotee couples. Our service is available to the general public and Vaisnavas.
We conduct workshops/seminars or present at marriage & family conferences: Yes
I am the author of the following:
Many Back-To-Godhead articles
Are you certified to administer one of the premarital or marriage inventories? Yes
Effectiveness of our services evaluated through:
Feedback from clients
Vaisnava references:
Her Grace Rukmini devi dasi
Her Grace Mahara devi dasi
Her Grace Pranada devi dasi

“In spiritual life, there is no allowance of association of man and woman without being married”
Srila Prabhupada, letter to Jadurani, October 26, 1967

Bhakti Cohen (Mrs. Robert Cohen, M.A.)
Name of Agency or Service: Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice
1515 NW 7th Place,
Gainesville, FL 32603
Phone: (352) 514-4648
E-mail: bhaktic@bellsouth.net
Languages I speak and understand fluently: English
Qualifications, including training, degrees, certifications, related affiliations, etc.:
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies, University of Florida
• Masters Degree in Counselor Education, University of Florida
• Education Specialist Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Florida
Areas of specialty: Individuals, couples, premarital/marital therapy, children/adolescents, families with special needs, elder issues
Memberships:
• 2001 - Present: American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
• 2001 – Present: American Counseling Association
• 2003 – Present: Florida Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
• 2004 – Present: Collaborative Family Healthcare Association
Why I am committed to providing this service:
My service to my spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, is to strengthen the grihastha ashram through therapeutic counseling intervention. I also would like to see ISKCON institute pre-marital counseling for all couples wishing to be married in the Movement. This would require the couple to undergo a 3 to 4 week course in premarital counseling with an approved ISKCON counselor. By identifying issues and problems as well as developing communication skills prior to marriage, there is a greater chance for success in the long term marital relationship.
Services are provided as part of a team and individually?
On a personal note: My husband (Brahmatirtha das) and I have been in the Krishna consciousness movement since 1972. We have been married for 35 years and have 2 sons who are in their early thirties, happily married, and successful in their chosen careers.
Practice or service open to the general public or just for Vaisnavas:
My private practice is open to the Vaisnavas and the general public.
Are you certified to administer one of the premarital or marriage inventories?
I am able to administer the following inventories:
• Prepare/Enrich
• Locke/Wallace Marital Inventory
• Multiple marital assessments from John Gottman’s The Marriage Clinic

Effectiveness of my services evaluated through:
I am in private practice along with my esteemed colleague, Dr. Lynne Rigney-Barolet, a fellow Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (of more than 25 years). Dr. Rigney-Barolet served as my supervisor throughout my graduate experience as well as my post-graduate 3-year internship. She is a trusted and valued associate.
Vaisnava references:
His Holiness Rtadhvaja Swami
His Holiness Hridayananda das Goswami
Her Grace Malati devi dasi
Cintamani devi dasi (Courtney Parks, Ph.D.), Jagannatha Pandita das (James E. Parks, B.A.)
Name of Agency or Service: Transformation Workshops
Address:
609 Market Street, Rear
Port Royal, PA 17082
Phone: (717)-527-9971
E-mail: jeparks@embarqmail.com; cparks@embarqmail.com
Languages we speak and understand fluently: English

Jagannatha Pandit das: B.A.: 18 years counseling experience in both devotional and non-devotional environments. Provide counseling and self-development workshops individually and jointly with wife, Cintamani devi dasi. We have assisted couples with both premarital and marital counseling. Currently employed as a Youth Development Counselor,with the state of Pennsylvania and have worked as a substance abuse counselor and social worker. Member of the North American Grihastha Vision Team.

Cintamani devi dasi: Ph.D., Developmental Psychology. 18 years counseling experience in both devotional and non-devotional environments. Provide counseling and self-development workshops individually and jointly with husband. Currently employed as a clinical consultant for a large social service agency with specific focus on therapeutic foster care and host home children and their families. Previous employment includes 1) outpatient therapy for individuals, couples, families and groups, 2) national clinical director for an employee assistance program for a governmental agency, 3) clinical and research director for a violence prevention program, and 4) university professor in statistics and cross-cultural psychology. Member of the North American Grihastha Vision Team.

Why we are committed to providing this service:
We see this service as supporting the mission of Srila Prabhupada and our guru maharaja, Bhakti Tirtha Maharaja by assisting Krishna’s great and beloved devotees. As we serve in this way, we are also greatly enriched by the loving reciprocation.
Services are provided as part of a team and individually?
We provide counseling services as a team and individually. Our service is open to Vaisnavas and the general public. We conduct workshops or seminars and present at marriage & family conferences.
Are you certified to administer one of the premarital or marriage inventories?
Marriage Inventory 108: The Vaisnava Version.
Effectiveness of our services evaluated through:
By obtaining feedback from the recipients/participants, both during and after the completion of the counseling/workshop process.
Vaisnava references:
Their Graces Vrajalila devi dasi and Ekavira Prabhus
Their Graces Kunti devi dasi and Madhavacharya das
Her Grace Indrani devi dasi
Dhira Govinda dasa (David Wolf, Ph.D., M.S.W.)
Name of Agency or Service:
Life Skills Coach, Mental Health Counselor (State of Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker),
Personal Transformation Trainer, Director of Satvatove Institute,
State of Florida Psychotherapist Intern Supervisor
Address: 10822 NW 199th Avenue
Alachua, Florida 32615
Phone: (386) 418-2037 or (352) 538-7191
E-mail: DavidWolf@Satvatove.org

Languages you speak and understand fluently: English and Hebrew
Qualifications, including training, degrees,certifications, related affiliations, etc.:
I hold a Ph.D. in Social Work, an MSW, and B. Sc. in Psychology, and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I founded Satvatove Institute and serve as its Executive Director.
Why I am committed to providing this service:
I want to serve the Vaisnava community. Using my skills and training as a counselor is an effective way to contribute to the society of devotees.
As of June, 2007 I have worked with or served: 150-200 couples and thousands of individuals
Services provided as part of a team or individually? Both
Is my practice or service open to the general public or just Vaisnavas? Open to the general public.
I conduct workshops or present at marriage & family conferences:
I have developed and conducted hundreds of workshops and courses on helping skills, child protection, personal transformation, and many other topics. More information about these workshops is available at www.Satvatove.org. ; I have published articles in some top journals in the fields of psychology and social work, including Psychological Reports and Social Work.
Are you certified to administer one of the premarital or marriage inventories?
I have no special certification in this area.
Effectiveness of my services evaluated through:
From comments I have received the services are effective and appreciated.
Vaisnava references:
Her Grace Maha Visnupriya dasi
Her Grace Malini dasi
His Grace Brahma Tirtha dasa

”...If he is in need of sex, who forbids him? A man in sex life is not neglected by us. The only thing we want is that sex life can be allowed only in married couples. So get him convinced about it.” Srila Prabhupada, letter to Rayarama das December 21, 1967

Haridasa das (Harvey Stempel, Ph.D., L.C.P.C.)
Name of Agency or Service: Private Practice
Address: Maryland
E-mail: harvstempel@gmail.com
Languages I speak and understand fluently: English
Qualifications, including training, degrees, certifications, related affiliations, etc.:
Ph.D., Pastoral Counseling, Loyola College in Maryland
M.S., Pastoral Counseling, Loyola College in Maryland.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Maryland.
LPC Texas; 4 units Clinical Pastoral Ed.
Why I am committed to providing this service:
I remain committed to this service because it is important for the long range health and well-being of the community of devotees. For me, it provides an opportunity to offer confidential help to devotees in important areas of their lives.
As of June, 2007 I have worked with or served: 11-20 couples
Services provided (on staff) but individually
Is my practice or service open to the general public or just for Vaisnavas? It's open to the general public.
Are you certified to administer one of thepremarital or marriage inventories? Prepare/enrich
The effectiveness of my service is evaluated through:
Clinical case conferences. Peer discussion. Client feedback.
Vaisnava references:
His Grace Annuttama das
His Grace Sesa das
Her Grace Arcana Siddhi devi dasi

“Our Krsna is a great family personality. Krsna is never a mendicant, and our ambition is to enter into Krsna’s family and to associate with Him personally. So to marry and to become an exemplary householder is the ideal life of Krsna consciousness.” Srila Prabhupada letter to James Doody, July 10, 1969

Kaunteya das, Ph.D.
Name of Agency or Service: Congregational Development Ministry
Address: ISKCON Mayapur, India (I don't have yet a personal and reliable mailing address)
Phone office: +91-3472-245619
E-mail: kaunteya.jps@pamho.net
Languages I speak and understand fluently: English & Italian (some Spanish)
Qualifications, including training, degrees, certifications, related affiliations, etc.
I took the one-day PREPARE/Enrich course, I took and presented on counseling, communication, etc. I am a mediator and I have a Ph.D. in Indovedic Pscyhology.
Why I am committed to providing this service:
I am not really committed to this service as a priority, but I would like to be connected and hear of the developments and be instrumental in making the service available to a wider audience. I certainly see couple/family development as an essential aspect of community building.
As of June, 2007 I have worked with or served: Nothing specific in terms of marital counseling.
Services provided as part of a team or individually?
I am open to the idea of both, as a preaching tool also. My service is open to the Vaisnavas.
I am the author of the following:
I wrote articles in the Congretational Development Journal and www.hamahatta.org. I compiled the Bhakti-vriksha Manual, the Book of Icebreakers, and Super Sunday.
Are you certified to administer one of the premarital or marriage inventories? Prepare/Enrich
Vaisnava references:
His Holiness Jayapataka Maharaja
Her Grace Krsnanandini Devi Dasi
His Grace Anuttama das

“Anyone proposing to marry must produce some outside income and live outside the temple, they must know this in advance and be prepared to carry such a burden. Let them be married, but at their own risk.” Srila Prabhupada letter to Harsarani devi dasi, February 28, 1972

Krsnanandini devi dasi, B.S. and Tariq Saleem Ziyad, B.A.
Name of Agency or Service: The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute
Address: 3320 Beechwood Ave.
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Web site: www.dasiziyadfamilyinstitute.org
Phone: (216) 321-0930
E-mail: krsnanandinidevidasi@yahoo.com ; dzfamilyinstitute@yahoo.com
Languages you speak and understand fluently: English, some French
Qualifications, including training, degrees, certifications, related affiliations, etc.
KDD: Minister, certified teacher, B.S., Education;
TSZ: B.A., Psychology and Business Administration
Both: pending CFLE (Certified Family Life Educators), certified PREPARE/Enrich instructors, certified instructors in Survival Skills for Healthy Families, Co-directors, The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute, former Vice-Presidents, The Marriage Coalition, a group of clergy, therapists and others dedicated to reducing the divorce rate in the greater Cleveland, Ohio area and providing resources for premarital and marriage enrichment and training; Instructors and Consultants in The Better Together Project, have written and implemented curricula for interpersonal relationship skills, youth character building and spirituality. We perform marriages for Vaisnavas and other God-conscious folks. We developed and maintain a web site to provide marriage and family services and to help devotees find compatible, suitable mates, members of the North American Grihastha Vision Team.
Why we are committed to providing this service:
Our work with couples, families and youth is part of our service to our beloved guru and the Vaisnavas. We know that healthy marriages produce healthy, happy children who grow up to live in healthy societies. We have a combined total of 19 children and have dedicated our lives to being instruments to bring healthy skills in communication, conflict resolution, goal setting etc. to the Vaisnava community and society in general.
As of June, 2007, we have worked with or served: over 150 couples and many individuals.
Services provided as part of a team or individually? Husband and wife team.
Is my practice or service open to the general public or for Vaisnavas?
We serve Vaisnavas and the general public
We conduct workshops or present at marriage & family conferences:
We were co-presenters at the 2003 Smart Marriages Conference in Reno/Lake Tahoe, Nevada and again in July, 2004 Dallas, Texas; We conduct workshops, seminars and training in marriage and family skill building, youth character development, claiming the prosperity consciousness, and spirituality. Provide training for mentor couples;
I am the author of the following:
The First Book of Hare Krsna Puzzles, Quizzes & Riddles;
How To Raise Your Children Spiritually, magazine articles including:
Teach Your Children the 3C’s: Courtesy, Consideration, and Cooperation, Addictive Relationships: I love you so why can’t we get along?
Are you certified to administer one of the premarital or marriage inventories?
Yes, Prepare/Enrich, and we’ve created an inventory specifically for Vaisnavas, "The Vaisnava Version 108".
Effectiveness of our services evaluated through:
Feedback from clients, evaluation forms from couple services and workshops and follow-up services, calls and letters to and from former clients.
Vaisnava references:
His Holiness Bhaktitirtha Swami
Her Grace Malati Devi
Her Grace Kamagiri Dasi

Lord Caitanya said to a devotee, “Be patient and return home. Don’t be a crazy fellow. By and by you will be able to cross the ocean of material existence. You should not be a show bottle devotee and become a false renunciate. For the time being, enjoy the world in a befitting way but do not get attached to it. Within your heart, you should keep yourself very faithful but externally, you may act like an ordinary person. Thus Lord Krsna will soon be pleased with you and deliver you from the clutches of Maya.”

Praharana devi dasi (Pam McFarlane, M.S.W.)
Name of Agency or Service: University Health Network, Toronto
Address: Toronto, Ontario Canada M8V3M8
Phone: (416) 503-0715
E-mail: praharanadd@yahoo.ca
Languages I speak and understand fluently: English
Qualifications, including training, degrees, certifications, related affiliations, etc.
BSc, MSW, RSW, Masters in Social Work, counsellor since 1989, Child Protection Office Manager for ISKCON Canada; Deputy GBC for Canada.
Why I am committed to providing this service:
We need to support and serve devotees in their service to Srila Prabhupada
As of June, 2007 I have worked with or served: 30-50 couples and many individuals
Services provided as part of a team or individually? Individually
Is my practice or service open to the general public or just for Vaisnavas? Vaisnavas only in Toronto area
I conduct workshops or seminars or present at marriage & family conferences:
I present at conferences regarding my work as a social worker
I am the author of the following: None, yet
Are you certified to administer one of the premarital or marriage inventories? Prepare/Enrich
Effectiveness of my (our) services evaluated through: Devotees are appreciative
Vaisnava references:
His Holiness Bhaktimarga Swami
Her Grace Subuddhi Dasi
His Grace Annutama das

“But in this age of Kali, Bhaktivinode Thakur recommends that it is better to cultivate Krsna consciousness as a householder.” Srila Prabhupada, letter to Mandali-bhadra, November 2, 1969

“If they are promising not to separate under any circumstances, but to work cooperatively in the service of the Lord, then my sanction is there for their marriage, and my blessings as well. Otherwise not.”Srila Prabhupada, letter to Bhagavan das, July 7, 1971

 

Prema-vilasa dasa   Disciple of HH Narayana Maharaja

Name of Agency or Service: Paul McFarland Counselling                                                                                                                                     

Address: London, England www.paulmcfarland.co.uk Phone: +44 (0)7707 191456 email:info@paulmcfarland.co.uk                        Languages you speak and understand fluently: English and Hindi                                                                                                                          

Briefly describe your qualifications, including training, degrees, certifications, related affiliations, etc.: Levels 1, 2 and 3 Certificates in Counselling Skills (NCFE approved) Foundation Degree (FdA) in Humanistic Counselling from Guildford College in Surrey, England (passed with commendation) BA honours degree in Counselling from the University of Greenwich in London, England (passed first-class) I am a member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and abide by their professional code of ethics. Briefly tell why you are committed to providing this service: I have been a devotee practicing strictly since 1982 and feel my experience as a devotee, in family life, and as a counsellor would prove useful to devotees struggling to navigate the demands of living spiritually in a materialistic society. Carefully applied, the wisdom and emotional calibration derived from the therapeutic journey can be of immense value to spiritual life.                                                                                                                                                                                                   Describe your working experience as of November 2011:  In addition to serving as a psychotherapist in private practice, I have previously worked at youth counselling agencies in Redhill, Surrey and Croydon, Surrey in England, and am currently employed at a counselling agency for adults in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England.                                                                                                             

Do you provide services as part of a team or individually?I provide one-to-one counselling in the London area, and also offer telephone counselling and video-link counseling via Skype for those further afield.                                                                                                                    

Is your practice or service open to the general public or just for Vaisnavas? My practice welcomes both devotees and non-devotees. Are  you an author?I translated from Hindi and published many of Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja’s primary titles, including The Nectar of Govinda-lila, Going Beyond Vaikuntha, Bhakti-rasayana, Sri Prabandhavali, Bhakti-tattva-viveka, Sri Upadesamrta, Sri Hari-kathamrta Volumes 1 & 2, and Sri Vraja-vilasa-stava. All of these titles are available for both viewing and download from my website in PDF format. I have also authored four articles on counselling, which are available for both viewing and download at my website. I am currently writing a book on Vaisnava psychology, which focuses on ways in which insights from the field of psychotherapy can improve the spiritual practice of devotees.                                                                                                                                                                                     

How do you evaluate the effectiveness of your services? I currently attend monthly individual clinical supervision as well as monthly group clinical supervision, in accordance with professional standards delineated by my governing body. I also gather direct feedback from clients.                                                                                                                                                                                                          Provide the names and phone numbers or e-mail addresses of three mature Vaisnavas who can act as references for your character and dedication: Bhogini dasi aka Caroline Vieira (Srila Prabhupada disciple and qualified psychotherapist) – e-mail: caroline.vi@ntlworld.com      Kripamoya dasa (Srila Prabhupada disciple at Bhaktivedanta Manor) – e-mail: kmdasa@gmail.com   Subala-sakha dasa, email: subala@talk21.com. 18-year disciple of Srila Narayana Maharaja and a high school chemistry teacher in Northern Ireland.

Sridevi dasi (Dr. Lakshmi Dajak, Ph.D., M.D.)
Name of Agency or Service: Looking for employment
Address: 8418 Rd. 338
Carriere, MS-39426
Phone: 228-255-5063
E-mail: drlakshmi_2000@yahoo.com
Languages I speak and understand fluently: English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarathi
Qualifications, including training, degrees, certifications, related affiliations, etc.
Training: Marriage and Family Therapist.[ USA]
Pediatrician and Neonatologist [INDIA]
Degrees:
Ph.D. Marriage and Family Therapy [USA]
MA. Marriage and Family Therapy [USA]
M.D. Pediatrics and Neonatology [INDIA]
D.C.H-Diploma in Child Health -Gold Medalist.
Certification: Prepare and Enrich- Certified Counselor.
Affiliations: Member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.

Why I am committed to providing this service:
This is Krsna's work, and working for well-being of all families is very close to my heart. CHILDREN need a happy family, and parents need to work on personal issues and also be taught parenting skills to cope with today's world. COUPLES need to learn how to build a healthy, loving, spiritual partnership. FAMILIES need to support, encourage, and love one another, since the family forms the basic building block for society. Taking time and energy to build relationships will ensure the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health of families- this will lead to a happy community, society, nation and world. As Kali-yuga advances, making things more difficult, we need to do this as a duty to future generat
As of June, 2007 I have worked with or served:
over 1200 clincial hours of therapy with individuals, couples, parents, and families.
Services provided as part of a team or individually? Both
Is my practice open to the general public or just for Vaisnavas?
General public and Vaisnavas. Working towards licensure.
I conduct workshops or seminars or present at marriage & family conferences:
Yes, workshops for devotees, general public.
I am the author of the following: None yet
Are you certified to administer one of the premarital or marriage inventories?
Yes, Prepare and Enrich
Effectiveness of my services evaluated through:
My clinical Supervisor
Vaisnava references:
His Holiness Candramauli Swami
Her Grace Indrani Devi Dasi
Her Grace Vrajalila Devi Dasi

Tamohara das (Thomas L. Pourchot, Ed.D.) and Mantrini devi dasi (Mireya Pourchot, B.S.) ®
Name of Agency or Service: ISKCON Child Protection Office
Address: 636 Turkey Creek
Alachua, FL 32615
Phone: (352) 283-5844
E-mail: tamohara@yahoo.com and mantrinidasi@yahoo.com
Languages we speak and understand fluently: English
Qualifications, including training, degrees, certifications, related affiliations, etc.
Tamohara das: B.A. Applied Behavioral Sciences; M.S. Human Resource Development; Ed.D. Educational Psychology; former Associate Professor, Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Chicago School of Professional Psychology; former Dean, Illinois School of Professional Psychology; current Director, ISKCON Child Protection Office, Member, GBC Board of New Vrindavana, certified PREP Marriage Educator; certified Good Touch, Bad Touch Trainer and Facilitator; member, SSPT Counseling Initiative; member, N.A. Grihastha Vision Team; disciple of Srila Prabhupada since 1972.
Mantrini devi dasi: B.S. Child and Family Studies; publicity manager, ISKCON Child Protection Office; certified PREP Marriage Educator; certified Good Touch, Bad Touch Trainer and Facilitator; member, Board Member, Children of Krishna, Inc.; member, N.A. Grihastha Vision Team; disciple of Srila Prabhupada since 1972.
Why we are committed to providing this service:
We see counseling and teaching as the service we can provide devotees. We are committed to helping our Vaisnava family become healthy and balanced so that our society can become an example of ideal human life.
As of June, 2007 we have worked with or served: more than 150 couples and many individuals
Services provided as part of a team or individually?
We work together as a husband and wife team. We have been married 37 years, all but two of those in Krishna Consciousness. It has been helpful to couples to have a male and female perspective in the marriage counseling arena.
Is our practice or service open to the general public or just for Vaisnavas? Just for Vaisnavas.
We conduct workshops or seminars:
Child Protection Trainings; Good Touch, Bad Touch Trainings; Communication and Relationship seminars; PREP Marriage Education Seminars; devotee support groups
I am the author of the following:
Adult Development and Learning Perspectives from Educational Psychology, co-editor. Tamohara das, (Thomas L. Pourchot.)
Are you certified to administer one of the premarital or marriage inventories? No
Effectiveness of my services evaluated through:
Positive feedback from devotee clients
Vaisnava references:
His Grace Anuttama das
His Grace Romapada Swami
His Grace Badrinaraya das

Tapati devi dasi (Tatyana Britton)
Name of Agency or Service: The Capstone Family Center , (Parent-Aide Program –Prevention Child Abuse), Child and Family Services of Southwestern Michigan, Inc. (Respite Care Providers for children)), Berrien Mental Health Authority (Respite Care Providers for children)
Address: 2818 Mason St.
Niles, Michigan 49120
Phone: Home:(269) 687-9491 Cell (269) 357-6383
E-mail: tapatidasi@mail.ru
Languages I speak and understand fluently:
English, Russian, (My husband, Prema Bhakti das speaks French, Spanish and English)
Qualifications, including training, degrees, certifications, related affiliations, etc.
Psychology/ Social Work Diploma (Stratford Career Institute, Washington, DC);Preschool teacher diploma (Russia); certified Facilitator of Good Touch, Bad Touch; certified Foster Home for children with complete Foster Care training; Member of Michigan Association for Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Parents; Building Strong Families - Michigan State University; Strengthening Multi-ethnic Families and Communities (A violence prevention parent training program for service providers); Life Skills Seminar Dhira Govinda dasa; The Mandt System Introduction, Interpersonal Communication, Assisting, Separating, Physical Restraint; Child Protection Courses (Dhira Govinda dasa, Tamohara das and The Capstone center) Scientific Content Analysis Laboratory for Scientific Interrogation; Monthly In-service Training by the Capstone Family Center to provide in-home support services to families at risk of abusing or neglecting their children.
Why I am committed to providing this service: It is my dharma and it is what I do best.
As of June, 2007 I have worked with or served: over 80 couples and individuals
Services provided as part of a team or individually? Both
Is my practice or service open to the general public or just for Vaisnavas?
Open to the public and Vaisnavas
I conduct workshops or seminars or present at marriage & family conferences: Yes.
I am the author of the following: None
Are you certified to administer one of the premarital or marriage inventories? No
Effectiveness of my (our) services evaluated through:
Yearly evaluations and supervisions by Agencies we work for.
Vaisnava references:
Prabhavishnu Swami
Chandramauli Swami
Sri Guru Carana Padma devi dasi and Vraja Mohan das (Buffalo Grove, IL)

Urmila devi dasi
Name of Agency or Service: Counselor
Address: Traveling
E-mail: urmila@radharani.com
Languages I speak and understand fluently: English
Qualifications, including training, degrees, certifications, related affiliations, etc.
PREPARE pre-marital counselor; Master Practioner, Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) This certification is a two-year intensive training and practicum in therapy and counseling; B.S., M.S. Education; B.S. Education and Religion;
M.S.A.; Ed.D. (doctorate) in Educational Leadership
Why I am committed to providing this service: It is vital for Srila Prabhupada's society
As of June, 2007 I have worked with or served:
10-20 couples specifically for marriage counseling. I've done extensive counseling for parenting issues and a broad range of difficulties in many areas.
Services provided as part of a team or individually? Individually
Is my practice or service open to the general public or just for Vaisnavas?
Vaisnavas so far, but I’m open.
I conduct workshops or seminars or present at marriage & family conferences:
I've given many seminars on parenting and child training.
I am the author of the following:
Vaikuntha Children and many magazine articles
Are you certified to administer one of the premarital or marriage inventories?
Yes, PREPARE, though I have the materials for FOCUS also.
Effectiveness of my services evaluated through:
Rocky marriages healed
Vaisnava references: Pandava Sena

“Acts of sacrifice, charity and penance are not to be giiven up but should be performed. Indeed, sacrifice, charity, and penance purify even the great souls” The Supreme Lord Krsna speaks in Bhagavad Gita, Ch. 18, text 5

Uttama devi dasi and Partha das
Name of Agency or Service:
Rise Up-Relationship Improvement thru Spiritual Education by Uttama devi dasi and Partha das
Address: Box 964 Ashcroft BC , Canada, V0K 1A0
Phone: (250) 457-0293
E-mail: uttamadd@yahoo.com , gvtcanada@gmail.com
Languages We speak and understand fluently: English
Qualifications, including training, degrees, certifications, related affiliations, etc.:
Happily married since 1971; Prepare/Enrich premarital and marital inventories; Bhaktisastri Degree
Why I am committed to providing this service:
Without family stability, it is very hard to develop Vanarsrama. We have observed that marital strife has both short term and long term impact on family and community. In Saranagati, divorce is high on the list of reasons why devotees have left our community over the last 15 years. We see a great need to help grihasthas develop better relationship skills. As we both came from stable loving family backgrounds, we appreciate how that model facilitated us in part to have a satisfying devotional relationship and we would like to pass on our experience of 36 years of marriage. Devotees observe our relationship and we are frequently asked for advice, so we decided to take training to further qualify ourselves to assist them.
As of June, 2007 we have worked with or served: 50 plus couples
Services provided as part of a team or individually?
Premarital and marriage mentoring; Relationship skill building seminars.
Is my practice or service open to the general public or just for Vaisnavas? Vaisnavas
We conduct workshops or seminars or present at marriage & family conferences: Yes
I am the author of the following: None at present
Are you certified to administer one of the premarital or marriage inventories? Yes
Effectiveness of our services evaluated through:
Personal feedback; referrals; community comments and feedback; visible improvements in marriages.
Vaisnava references:
His Grace Jaya Govinda das
His Holiness Bhaktimarg Swami
His Grace Rasaraja das

Vrajalila devi dasi, M.B.A.
Name of Agency or Service: Conflict Resolution
Address: RR1 Box 838,
Port Royal, PA
Phone: (717) 527-4250
E-mail: Vrajalila.Bts@pamho.net
Languages I speak and understand fluently: English
Qualifications, including training, degrees, certifications, related affiliations, etc.:
B.A., UCLA Berkeley, M.B.A., New York University; 27 years ISKCON training, 8 years professional consultant as a mediator and Conflict Resolution facilitator.
Why I am committed to providing this service:
It is important for the expansion of Srila Prabhupada’s misssion
As of June, 2007 I have worked with or served: 70 couples.
I work with groups and internationally with heads of organizations in mediation.
Services provided as part of a team or individually? Both
Is my service open to the general public or just Vaisnavas? Both
I conduct workshops or present at family conferences:
Workshops in mediation and conflict resolution for couples and individuals
I am the author of the following: None yet
Are you certified to administer one of the premarital or marriage inventories?
Doesn’t apply to my service
Effectiveness of my services evaluated through: Client feedback and assessment
Three Vaisnava references:
His Holiness Bhaktitirtha Swami
Her Grace Malati devi dasi
Their Graces Cintamani devi dasi and Jagannatha Pandit das

“There are many purificatory processes for advancement of human society to spiritual life. The marriage ceremony, for example, is one of these sacrifices. The Lord says that any sacrifice which is meant for human welfare should never be given up. The marriage ceremony is meant to regulate the human mind to become peaceful for spiritual advancement” Srila Prabhupada, Purport, Bhagavad Gita 18:5

Canadian Suicide Hotlines:
Ontario:
• Ottawa: 613-238-3311
• Toronto: 416-408-4357 or 416-408 HELP
Alberta:
• Calgary: 403-266-0700 or 1-800-563-6016
Teen Line: 403-264-8336
• Edmonton: Support Network Crisis Line 780-482-4357
Salvation Army Crisis Line 780-429-0230
British Columbia:
• Victoria: Crisis Line 250-386-6323
Youth Line: 250-386-8255
• East Kootenay region, from Golden to the Alberta and USA borders.
Crisis Line 24 hours 1-800-667-8407
Manitoba:
• Winnipeg: 204-946-9420 or 204-946-9109 or 204-786-8686
Teen Line: 204 783-1116
Newfoundland:
• St. John's: 709 579-1601
Quebec:
• Montreal: 514 723-4000
Saskatchewan:
• Regina: 757-7803 24 Hour or 525-5333
Battered Women Crisis Lines:
Ontario
• anywhere: 416-863-0511 or 1-866-863-0511
Quebec:
• Montreal: 514-383-4994 or 514-270-8291
Saskatchewan:
• Regina: 1-800-214-7083; Kid's Help Line 1-800-668-6868
Newfoundland anywhere: 1-800-726-2743
British Columbia:
• Vancouver 604-687-1867
• Victoria, (250) 472-4388
• Kamloops, (250) 376-1948
Alberta:
• Calgary (780) 232-8717
• Edmonton, (780) 471-6709
Manitoba, anywhere: 1-877-977-0007

The DASI-ZIYAD FAMILY INSTITUTE is a wholistic skill-building agency. We develop and implement workshops and curriculum for interpersonal relationships, youth character building, and spirituality.

The Vaisnava Marriage Services Registry
We have successfully paired Vaisnavas who are seeking Krsna-Conscious marriages. Allow us to serve you.
Sign-up now! With a $32.00 registration fee, be introduced to devotees like you who are trying to devote their lives to Krsna with the help of a mutually sincere devotee mate. This is no ordinary dating or matchmating service. Clients must agree to have 4-6 sessions of premarital counseling upon registration. Trained counselors also provide marriage enrichment and counseling services.

Register at www.dasiziyadfamilyinstitute.com or
call (216) 321-0930 for more information and a registration form.