
“The highest form of love is the love that allows for intimacy
without the annihilation of difference.”
Parker Palmer
Your desire for change is a powerful catalyst.
Harness that desire, and you can reshape your life.
Harness that desire, and you can reshape your life.
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here. I serve couples and individuals who are ready for change, and with folks who are eager to explore, recover, or jumpstart their creative lives. Here is a principle I found on my own journey that has been life-altering:
If you treat your dilemma as a catalyst or incentive for change – it will transform your relationship with yourself, others and the world.
Whatever it is that brings you here, I see you. I see the aliveness embedded in your impulse for growth. I see your innate creativity, imagination and desire. You arrive with hurts and wounds, yes. And, you possess extraordinary resources, immense goodness. I guide folks to compassionately explore their dilemmas, harness the powerful desire for change, and embody their strengths with confidence.
Whether you’re facing an impasse in your marriage/relationship, planned or unplanned change and loss, a life transisiton, energy draining anxiety, stymied creativity or unfulfilled longing – the following applies:
No dilemma can be resolved through the mindset that created it. We need new eyes.
This is not your fault. We come by our beliefs innocently during tinyhood, through family and culture. If you are experiencing an impasse of some kind….if you’ve used substances, relationships, and activities to feel better, you are not alone. I used these coping behaviors to feel less anxious. I just wanted to relax. But ultimately, none of that worked. And that was good news! Because a radical clarity emerged that’s as true for you as it is for me:
The energy of desire, used consciously, can reshape your life, animate your vision and empower you to live on your own terms.
Now, what if the bind you’re in is a uniquely creative imperative? The old ways coping or relating are no longer viable; a new way has to be found, one that supports the direction that calls to you. That new way can be discovered right in the middle of whatever you’re facing. This is yourbirthright: To grow and change without sacrificing all that you love and value.
We are mammals, relational beings made for connection. As such, you, like my clients, may want to:
* Stop walking on eggshells and say what you feel and think honestly –
without alienating everyone in the process.
* Get the critic and perfectionist off your shoulder and become more spontaneous –
without the fear you’ll leave everything behind and join the circus.
* Replace second-guessing with self-validation and express your wants for intimacy –
without the anxiety that you’ll become arrogant or indifferent or “too much.”
* Prioritize pleasure without apology and love your miraculous body –
without feeling guilty, lazy or self-indulgent.
* Open to inspiration and guidance from dreams and creativity practices –
without feeling self-consciously “woo-woo” and judgmental.
It it a beautiful thing – to name, affirm and orient toward your heart-desires. A relief to relate from genuine care, love, and warmth. A joy to feel embodied and meet life with confidence. A blessing beyond measure to befriend your nervous system and become a more regulated self-in-relationship.
I’m an attuned field guide with a highly imaginative approach and perspective. My expertise is drawn from decades-long deep dives in creative imagination, family systems, trauma and post-trauma learning, polyvagal theory, and other healing modalities.
If you choose to work with me, I promise this: I commit alongside you. Because this work and you really matter. It is a privilege I don’t take lightly. During this journey, I will support what helps you flourish and hold the vision you have for yourself with an intentionlly tender, fierce and playful presence.
Do these words resonate? Contact me! I’d love to hear from you.

Krayna Castelbaum
Conversation & Creativity Instigator
Artist & Writer
And suddenly you know:
It’s time to start something new
and trust the magic
of beginnings.
Meister Eckhart
- (541) 318-0045
TESTIMONIALS
Krayna helped illuminate the joy of living a life focused on presence and open-heartedness rather than external circumstance and accomplishment alone. I now live with more love and less fear.
– Jonathan Williams
Krayna was a gift from the heavens! My brother and I needed help to untangle a challenging childhood. We were raw, confused and hurting. We needed a witness to help us see the bigger picture. She was masterful. We left that single healing session with deep understanding and peace. I worked with Krayna after that for other reasons. Every session was unique and unfolded in ways I could never have imagined. Krayna asked great questions, listened attentively, and guided me to discover parts of myself I was ready to find. I am forever grateful for the healing and growth that I gained during my time with Krayna.
– Jesse A.
Our work with Krayna gave us new ways to relate to each other and examine issues rather than blame each other. We took responsibility for ourselves. Instead of constantly blowing up at each other, we learned to check in with ourselves, pause, calm down, and re-engage once the fight/flight or freeze responses had passed.
Yelling was replaced with silence and space, and then later, with conversation and being heard. We learned to listen to other’s opinion and ask questions from a place of curiosity rather than judgement. We found the goodness in our relationship, and we voice our appreciation for each other often. This was incredibly profound.
Investing time, money, and energy into our marriage was a huge step in the right direction. To intentionally ask for help, be open to change, and have a time and space dedicated to meaningful conversation was saved our marriage. We are happy to refer others to Krayna!
– Lauren and John C.
I refer people to Krayna all the time. She helped me think about what I say, versus just saying it. She helped me orient myself to the here-and-now. When I think it’s all about me or I take things personally, I remember there are so many reasons why people do what they do or think what they think. When I’d go down a rabbit hole and land in the dark, Krayna helped me find my way back to myself. I accept and soothe myself; I don’t get activated as fast or as frequently as I used to. That’s what the work gave me. Krayna is our household name.
– Lois R.