Certified Vedic Counselor Credentials :: My Training & Qualifications
Author :: Jess Marie 🌻 CVC, CAHC, INHC, E-RYT
Prospective clients seeking holistic mental health support from me wonder ::
What qualifications ‘should’ a Vedic Counselor have?
How is this different from therapy?
Is this approach legitimate?
These questions matter deeply. When one entrusts their healing journey to a guide, understanding that guide's training, credentials, and ethical foundation becomes essential.
As a non-clinical, non-conventional, multi-certified Vedic Counselor, I hold professional credentials through three leading organizations: the American Institute of Vedic Studies (CVC & APC), the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (CAHC), and Yoga Alliance (E-RYT). I've devoted over ten years to intensive study of Vedic sciences under respected teachers including Dr. David Frawley (Paṇḍit Vāmadeva Śāstrī), integrating ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding of trauma-informed, consciousness-based care.
My virtual practice serves clients worldwide, honoring both the American recognition of Vedic Counseling as Complementary & Alternative Medicine, and the ethical standards of my professional lineages. What follows is a transparent exploration of my credentials, training, and the unique value non-clinical Vedic Counseling offers those seeking transformation beyond conventional approaches.
What Is a Vedic Counselor?
A Vedic Counselor is a non-clinical mental health professional trained in ancient Vedic wisdom traditions including Yoga, Āyurveda, and Vedānta. Unlike licensed therapists, Vedic Counselors focus on dharmic guidance, root cause resolution, and holistic transformation through consciousness-based practices.
Certification typically requires extensive training through accredited institutions like the American Institute of Vedic Studies. This preparation encompasses philosophy, psychology, health sciences, ethical counseling practices, and spiritual development: creating practitioners who understand the complete human Being from physical body to pure consciousness.
Vedic Counseling addresses mental, emotional, physica, and spiritual dimensions simultaneously, recognizing that lasting transformation emerges when we explore underlying patterns, karmic imprints & misalignments rather than merely managing symptoms.
Why Non-Clinical Vedic Counseling Offers Unique Value
The non-clinical nature of Vedic Counseling isn't a limitation: it's a distinction that allows for a different paradigm of healing.
Clinical approaches often focus on diagnosis, symptom management & pathology based on the medical model. Vedic Counseling honors one as a whole Being, addressing spiritual dimensions, karmic patterns, dharmic alignment, and consciousness itself: aspects often overlooked in conventional mental health treatment.
Key Distinctions ::
Clinical Therapy typically:
Focuses on symptom reduction
Works within diagnostic frameworks
May create dependency on external intervention
Primarily addresses psychological dimensions
Vedic Counseling emphasizes:
Root cause resolution
Consciousness-based transformation
Client responsibility & empowerment
Integration of mind | body | spirit & Soul
This approach works beautifully alongside conventional therapy when clinical support is needed, while offering profound support for those seeking transformation beyond the scope of traditional mental health treatment.
My Vedic Counseling Certifications & Training
Vedic Counseling Credentials
I'm a certified Integral Vedic Counselor & Āyurvedic Psychology Consultant (CVC & APC) through the American Institute of Vedic Studies, the leading organization for Vedic professionals internationally. Founded & directed by Dr. David Frawley D.Litt. (Paṇḍit Vāmadeva Śāstrī), AIVS serves as a vehicle for promoting authentic Vedic teachings across all branches: Yoga, Vedānta, Āyurveda, Jyotiṣa, and Vastu.
These certifications represent advanced training in consciousness-based counseling that addresses mind | body | spirit as interconnected dimensions. The rigorous curriculum includes:
Vedic philosophy & psychology
Consciousness-based healing modalities
Dharma & karma principles
Ethical counseling practices
Integration of all Vedic sciences
It's truly an honor to have gained study recognition & credentials as a student of Dr. Frawley, one of the foremost Western scholars of Vedic traditions, author of over thirty books, and recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan award from the Government of India. His work inspired me well before I became one of his students.
Ayurveda Credentials
In regards to Āyurveda, I'm a Certified Āyurvedic Health Counselor (CAHC) through the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA), as well as having earned specialized credentials through higher education & training at Maharishi International University: Bachelor's Degree in Āyurveda Wellness & Integrative Health and Certification as an Āyurveda Consultant (AC).
NAMA is the professional association that oversees certification for Āyurvedic Health Counselors in the United States. Founded in 2000, NAMA has grown to include over one thousand two hundred members, including Āyurvedic practitioners, educators, students, and supporters. NAMA certifications are recognized as the standard of excellence in Āyurvedic medicine and are highly respected by both practitioners & clients internationally.
My Āyurvedic training integrates seamlessly with my Vedic Counseling credentials, allowing me to address constitutional imbalances (prakṛti), offer personalized nutrition & lifestyle guidance, and understand how mental-emotional patterns manifest through the body's energetic systems.
Yoga Credentials
I'm a Certified Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) through Yoga Alliance, the largest nonprofit association representing the worldwide yoga community with over one hundred thousand registered teachers. The E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) designation indicates over five hundred hours of training and significant teaching experience.
I've also earned specialized credentials through continuing education & training:
Yoga for 12-Step Recovery
Trauma-Informed Yoga
These specializations ensure I can offer practices that honor the nervous system, respect trauma responses, and create genuine safety for those navigating difficult healing processes.
My Training Timeline & Investment
My credentials represent over 1,500 hours of formal education, including:
300+ hours in Vedic Counseling & Āyurvedic Psychology (AIVS)
500+ hours in Yoga Teacher Training (Yoga Alliance E-RYT)
4-year Bachelor's degree in Āyurveda Wellness & Integrative Health (MIU)
Ongoing continuing education (minimum 20 hours annually)
Over 10 years of dedicated personal Self Work and spiritual practice (ātma-sādhana)
This comprehensive foundation allows me to serve clients with depth, integrity, and multidimensional understanding.
Beyond Credentials :: Authentic Lineage & Continued Learning
Credentials on paper matter, yet they represent something deeper: connection to authentic lineage and ongoing commitment to growth.
Respected Teachers & Lineages
My practice is informed by the teachings of respected Vedic scholars and spiritual teachers including:
Vedic Scholars:
Dr. David Frawley (Paṇḍit Vāmadeva Śāstrī) D.Litt.
Śrī Svāmī Rāma
Paramahansa Yogananda
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar (B.K.S. Iyengar)
Joshua Vincent
Trevor Hawkins
Śrī Aurobindo
Śrī Brahmānanda Sarasvatī (Ramamurti S. Mishra, M.D.)
Spiritual Teachers:
Baird T. Spalding
Matt Khan
Alice A. Bailey
Manly P. Hall
Barbara Hand Clow
Ayn Rand
Rudolf Steiner
I approach the Vedas with reverence, humility, and deep responsibility, recognizing myself as a steward of ancient wisdom traditions preserved across generations by dedicated teachers.
Ongoing Mentorship & Accountability
I engage in consistent mentorship relationships with experienced practitioners who support my continued growth. Current mentorship includes guidance from Dr. Matt Van Auken, MD, MPH, ABOIM, DipABLM, E-RYT, YACEP of The Buddha's Medicine and Jac Kalea Patio of Golden Light Healings.
When working with complex cases or ethical considerations, I seek consultation to ensure I'm serving my clients' highest good. This commitment to humility, accountability, and ongoing learning strengthens the quality of care I provide.
How My Credentials Serve Your Healing Journey
Choosing a guide for your transformation journey requires discernment. My comprehensive training across multiple Vedic disciplines means ::
Holistic Understanding: I address mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions simultaneously, recognizing how imbalances in one area affect all others. This integrative psychology approach weaves together Yoga Psychology, Āyurvedic Psychology, Vedic Counseling, Alchemical Psychology, Transpersonal Psychology, and consciousness-based healing.
Trauma-Informed Care: Specialized training in trauma-informed Yoga and consciousness-based approaches ensures safety, consent, and nervous system awareness throughout our work. I understand how trauma affects the whole system and honor the pace of healing without rushing one's process.
Root Cause Resolution: Rather than managing symptoms, we explore underlying patterns, karmic imprints & misalignments that perpetuate suffering. Many clients come to me after years of conventional therapy that addressed symptoms without resolving core issues.
Authentic Lineage: Study under Dr. David Frawley & other respected teachers connects you to wisdom preserved across millennia, adapted skillfully for contemporary life. This isn't diluted or culturally appropriated wisdom, for it's authentic transmission through established lineages.
Ethical Practice: Professional affiliations with AIVS, NAMA, and Yoga Alliance mean adherence to rigorous ethical standards, confidentiality protocols, and accountability structures. You can review my complete Code of Ethics to understand the principles guiding my practice.
Accountability & Education: I provide clear action steps, promote client responsibility and emphasize education. My clients gain a deeper understanding of their whole Self while learning practical tools for sustained well-Being, not creating dependency, but cultivating sovereignty.
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Vedic Counselors are non-clinical practitioners focusing on spiritual growth, dharma alignment, and holistic well-Being through ancient wisdom traditions. Licensed therapists provide clinical mental health treatment for diagnosed conditions within the medical model. Vedic Counseling can complement therapy or serve as standalone support for those seeking consciousness-based transformation.
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Yes. Trauma-informed Vedic Counseling approaches healing through nervous system regulation, somatic awareness, consciousness-based practices, and honoring one's pace of healing. This approach addresses trauma's impact on mind | body | spirit while empowering client autonomy & safety.
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No. While rooted in Vedic wisdom traditions, Vedic Counseling is a way of Self-knowledge & cosmic knowledge that honors universal laws of consciousness, nature, and dharma. It can integrate with any religious or non-religious worldview. Clients need not adopt specific beliefs or religious practices.
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No. Vedic Counseling is recognized as Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM), which does not require state or national licensure. However, ethical practice requires professional certification through accredited organizations & adherence to established codes of ethics.
“Being in Jess’ care, she’ brought hope & healing into my life. I now have a brighter outlook on my future, thanks to her compassionate guidance.”
In my experience as a client of mental health professionals throughout my life, not all counselors, health coaches, therapists & doctors address the root cause of a mental health issues, provide clear action steps, and promote accountability. While I’m not a licensed healthcare provider, I’ve found that I play a vital, important role in supporting my clients' mental health & wellness by focusing on providing accountability and promoting client responsibility & education. My clients gain a deeper understanding of their whole Self while learning practical lessons & tools for improving their overall well-Being. As a direct result of integrating the principles of the Vedas, my clients make a profound & positive impact on the quality of their lives within only a few months.
Together, we will embark on a profound exploration of the mind, body, and spirit, embracing the transformative power of Vedic wisdom to create lasting positive change.
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Jess Marie 🌻
CVC, CAHC, INHC, E-RYT
Jess is a multi-certified, multi-faceted Vedic professional & business consultant. She offers wellness offerings to support those seeking a more holistic & integrative approach to healing, as well as business support services for professionals in the health, wellness & spirituality fields.
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