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, ethnicity and mental health can restrict and impact self-expression and life mobility. These influences, in addition to familial patterns, societal marginalization, relationship trauma and sexual oppression are just some of the ways we can feel 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 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 and co-create healing and meaning from your experiences.
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.
What is Marginalization Trauma? One of my specialities includes healing from traumatic experiences of marginalization, othering and/or not belonging. These experiences can lead to deep anxiety, stress, confusion, vigilance, self-denial, depression and disconnection from your truth. I hold your experiences with grace and understanding and provide support and somatic education about how to safely feel your feelings which otherwise may feel overwhelming and exiled from your truth. It is very helpful to look at how these feelings may relate to old beliefs and fears linked with past trauma and early relationships to help you understand how present day issues may be influenced by dynamics from the past. Every step of therapy is your choice and together we co-create the growth you are seeking for yourself.