THERAPY
Therapy is about growth, healing, transformation and change. Therapy focuses on what has happened in the past that is still interfering with the present. It can often follow a medical model with diagnosis and referrals to other medical professionals for medications and assessments as needed. In therapy there is a lot of focus on patterns of behavior, where did they come from, what you are feeling and why. Therapy also identifies pathology, or imbalances, and “treats” the situation. Therapy is helpful for people who have symptoms of anxiety, depression, fear, overwhelm, despair, chronic illness or unresolved grief. It is excellent for relationship issues, life changes, addictions and self esteem. It is particularly important in issues of trauma, post traumatic stress and end of life issues. Generally speaking therapy tends to be more focused on fixing, healing and processing what is unfinished, out of balance, or uncomfortable so the client can reclaim their peace, joy, their life and themselves.
As your therapist I see you as being complete and whole as you are. I sit with you in a space of compassion and acceptance as I listen to your concerns and access the issues that are present. Together we address the goals of the therapy. The way that I work is to first give you some tools and information that we find works for you, to support you in feeling more present, balanced and at peace. Having established a foundation for you that is your “safe space” we begin to address what is so and why. Some of the therapy process is educational so that you learn how to be present with whatever you are feeling, understand clearly why you are feeling what you are, and also know exactly how to process or transform these feelings. This is to build trust in yourself and to empower your wholeness and self-sufficiency. I tell all my clients “You hire me to one day fire me”! I am all for expediting the process AND supporting you in going at your own pace.
Since every person is unique in the way they process and in what they need, I draw on multiple modalities to address what is coming up for my clients. I use EMDR, Thought Field Therapy, Expressive Arts, Play Therapy and breath work as some of the modalities to support you. I also draw on my Naturopathic background and the latest neurological/brain research to give the most grounded and comprehensive treatment I can offer. I give “homework” assignments to support you in continuing your process in between sessions. These are easy practices that strengthen and develop skills that are meaningful to you.
I specialize in trauma, anxiety and depression, relationship issues, wellness, as well as bereavement and end of life issues. I work with all ages; the youngest, to date, was 1 1/2. The oldest was 93.
The length of time to complete the therapy process is relative to how you process and what your goals are. I generally recommend that clients come in weekly at first, to build the momentum, and then we reduce. However, it is completely your call as to how much time and money you want to invest in your process.
My request to my therapy clients is that you want to heal, learn and grow. If you can come with a curious and available attitude it has been my experience that your process will be far more graceful and productive.
Clients find that if they trust their own rhythm and go at their own pace that they even have fun with their journey!
