In my psychotherapy practice, my intention is to create a warm, inviting, safe, non-judgmental space where together we can build a strong relationship. I see therapy as a creative and collaborative process. The container of the trusted relationship is where any of the issues plaguing you can be explored, addressed and integrated. Life is not always easy and can be fraught with challenges. While that is true, it can also be incredibly joyous. It is my aim to help increase your ability to navigate the challenges and have more joy in your life.
“The pillars of traditional healing were 1) connection to clan and the natural world; 2) regulating rhythm through dance, drumming, and song; 3) a set of beliefs, values, and stories that brought meaning to even senseless, random trauma; and 4) on occasion, natural hallucinogens or other plant-derived substances used to facilitate healing with the guidance of a healer or elder. It is not surprising that today’s best practices in trauma treatment are basically versions of these four things”
– Oprah Winfrey and Dr Bruce Perry
What Happened to you? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing
It is my belief that therapy needs to involve shadow work and a willingness to delve into the unconscious and memories from the past. As Bessel Van Der Kolk, the leading expert in trauma says, “the body keeps the score” and stores all of your history within it. The body does not forget what has happened to you even if your conscious mind has forgotten. Sometimes parts of us get split off from our awareness as a way to adapt, however; this can cause great distress. For example; what happens to those parts of us, like our child self whose needs were never met or spoken? Those inner yearnings are important and need time and space to be acknowledged and understood.
Of note: In therapy there is a beginning, a middle and an end. All parts of this are important. In the early work, the focus is on building the relationship and rapport, gathering historically relevant data, getting to know you and the issues that feel most present. The middle is the heart of the work, where greater understanding of the issues are revealed, connections made and regulating tools discussed to support the process. The regulating tools like EMDR or Brainspotting, music & rhythm, art & self expression, yoga & meditation, time in nature, exercise etc. In the end, it is important to prepare for the goodbye. We will check in throughout the process to see how things are going. In the end, it is important to say goodbye and reflect on the time spent together and honor the time spent.
In addition: I will meet you where you are at and I will put effort into this healing process just like you will also need to put forth your best effort in your own healing process. Therapy is most effective with consistency and for best success predictable meeting times and intervals is recommended. Together we will decide the intervals between meetings. Often meeting weekly is best practice, however; biweekly can be a great interval as well. As we move through issues, you may want to back off to monthly sessions. Over time tapering down in a caring and mindful way will be helpful as we come to the end of our work together. If you only attend intermittently, you may not feel the maximum benefit.
