I believe psychotherapy is situated within cultural and societal contexts. Dominant beliefs and systems of oppression related (and not limited to) gender, sexuality, socio-economic class, race, enthnicity and mental health can restrict and impact self-expression and life mobility. These influences, in addition to familial patterns, relational marginalization, relationship trauma and sexual oppression are just some of the ways we can feel restrained and held back from living authentically and fully expressed in our lives. I hold your unique experience with respect and curiosity to support your freedom to live deeply and freely in integrity with who you are.
I offer a somatic and trauma informed approach to psychotherapy. A somatic (mind-body) approach in therapy invites non-verbal ways of knowing and experiencing into the psychotherapeutic process. Somatic (body-based) psychotherapy entails becoming aware of your bodily experience of your emotions in the present moment. Somatic work is effective for the treatment of trauma. Often times as a result of past trauma we may feel challenging sensations in the body when triggered (heart racing, chest constriction, muscular impulses) and through becoming compassionately aware of these sensations, understanding them and working with these activated states without feeling overwhelmed, one can learn to effectively relate to past traumatic patterns with greater ease and relief. I offer verbal guidance about how to cultivate sensory awareness and listen for what your physical experiences are telling you. I help you build a sense of mastery in working with these sensations to effectively address the concerns you are bringing to therapy while we uncover your personal sense of empowerment related to your core values.
In combination with cognitive and relational methods of treatment, somatic awareness can help with understanding and relating to your emotions on a deep body level. This kind of awareness can help you make sense of your experience, give you direction and guidance and help you skillfully shift life long patterns with compassion, understanding and joy.