Even at a young age, intuitive counselor and certified consulting hypnotist Keridak Silk had sought unique yet positive ways to help people thrive. Inspired by a grade school teacher that encouraged her to embrace individuality, she gained self-confidence that radiates today through her life coaching services. Silk, a Colorado native, also began reading tarot cards when she was 16, thus leading to an interest in metaphysical arts, which she incorporates into her counseling.

Silk’s interest in human service inspired her to study psychology and sociology at the State University of New York at Albany, from where she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1979. She later went on to earn a master’s degree in counseling from National Louis University, in Chicago. Silk has also been a reverend since 1977 and leads programs at the Universal Awareness Fellowship, encouraging people to explore and expand their spirituality. As one who has served people both through the nonprofit sector and as a self-help entrepreneur, she understands how multiple worlds connect.

“Social service, human service and psychology all play together into life coaching, which has been my interest since I was young,” she says. “After I had graduated with my master’s degree, life coaching was just starting to become recognized. I took a class at a counseling conference, learned about it, and then thought, ‘This is how I already counsel.’”

Silk, who has lived in Wisconsin for the past 10 years, has always believed in positively looking forward, but not completely ignoring the past. “Looking back is good to help identify problems, and sometimes you need to clear those issues, but for the most part, looking forward, creating goals and having something to look forward to is a huge part of achieving happiness and confidence.”

Life coaching focuses on the concept that a person already has what he or she needs. “It’s all up to the client. You have all the tools you need inside, and you just need to tap into that,” she explains. “Counseling or psychology typically has a medical model where the belief is that you’re sick and there’s something wrong with you. I’ve always been more positive, guiding people to start with what they’ve got, grow those pieces that are working, and figure out where new skills are needed to make their life what they want it to be.”

Silk intertwines all of her skill sets in order to meet each client’s unique needs. She will use her intuition to help a person grow and trust his or her own intuition, and will use hypnosis when appropriate, as well as past life regression, because she says many issues one currently faces may connect to past lives. She also utilizes divination. “I do this because it works,” she says. “It helps people discover their obstacles and challenges, what path they’re on and how things can be changed.”

Silk specializes in helping people resolve issues with love or family relationships, as well as building confidence in all aspects of life. Some people may be hindered by fear of success or by societal expectations, so she uses positive measures to guide them toward achieving happiness.

Because we are now in the astrological Aquarian Age, which astrologers say is opening a new universal world consciousness, Silk believes those energy shifts are helping people be more receptive to metaphysical philosophies and ideas such as reincarnation, as well as a sense of self-acceptance and transformation.

In addition to one-on-one counseling, workshops and events, Silk now offers the Dragon Egg Academy: online courses in divination, energy work and intuition. She also shares information through podcasts and online articles, and teaches out of the Universal Awareness Fellowship on a regular basis. She encourages people to be part of the Aquarian shift toward consciousness and to reach out if they need help or have questions.

Silk’s vast toolbox of skills, education and experience helps her tailor her services toward what each client specifically needs. “It all comes down to being of service, and what motivates me is seeing people respond and change their lives,” she enthuses.

Location: N91 W17194 Appleton Ave., Ste. 106B, Menomonee Falls. For more information, call 262-404-7119 or visit Keridak.com.

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.