New to Grow
I am a licensed therapist and a registered yoga teacher and I am thrilled to be able to combine these in my practice of body-mind therapy. I have worked with couples and families for several years and much of the therapeutic lens I look through is a systems view even while working with individuals. I love to hear the stories of others and meet people where they are at along the path of life and learn their strengths while we work together on building skills for challenges. The ever-evolving journey of life has also affected me in my life and I am passionate about assisting others to process and release emotions which may come from daily stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship, mid-life, LGBTQIA or cultural identity concerns. I have a heart for social justice and advocacy in the world at large and how it affects us on an individual level. As we work together, my hope is that you will get more in touch with your true self, develop greater self-compassion, find healing and maybe even have some fun along the way.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session together, I will provide more information about the treatment process including your preferences and answering questions you may have. I would like to get to know more about your situation and the areas of concern that you would like to explore in our time together, to create a plan. During the session, as things unfold, there may be opportunity to learn a breathing technique, yoga posture or mindfulness tool. At the end of session, we will process how things felt in session and if you wish to continue to move forward and then we will schedule.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I enjoy learning. Mostly about people and what makes them laugh or brings them joy in some way. I am interested in health and wellness and try to live it by example. I am both big picture and detail oriented in how I see things, so I am able to see themes and help to narrow the focus into developing goals. I am also deeply empathic and assisting others to have self-compassion is an important part of my work. I am very passionate about social justice and I believe creating change on the small scale can lead to great change in the world.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am eager to work with anyone who wants to create change and find wellness. I have a soft spot in my heart for those who may be struggling with identity concerns or a change in their life situation. A wellness-mindset is important for our therapeutic relationship to work best but this, too, can be developed. The concerns of life, health, family and finances are all very human and happen every day. So does trauma, depression, and anxiety. These are all things that can be addressed in session if you are willing to confront things as they come up and learn tools to assist in healthier connections with the Self and with others. All bodies are yoga bodies, the postures do not have to be difficult to be effective. This will not be a yoga class but a counseling session that utilizes yoga and mindfulness practices.
Mind-body approach
I have been a yogi for many years and have used meditation and breathwork in session. Since receiving my yoga teaching certificate, I now utilize yoga as well to assist in regulating the nervous system as emotions arise during session. This process also creates an awareness of where the emotion is held in the body and helps in finding release to enhance overall wellness.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have utilized the practical tools for developing and using the "wise mind" to enhance relationship with self and others for many years. This method uses mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and personal effectiveness strategies that compliment well with breathing and yoga to incorporate the body and mind in processing emotions and creating change. It also gives space for holding more than one feeling or thought and can enhance self-compassion.
Psychoeducation
As a health professional I feel this is a natural method that arises from engaging with clients. Providing education can create a sense of empowerment and alleviate anxiety giving the opportunity to make decisions and create change as needed.
Attachment-based
This treatment method stems from other couples training I have had in Gottman and Emotion-focused training which helps to assist in seeing the pattern in which couples engage in their relationships. Discovering attachment styles can assist individuals as well as couples to recognize their communication patterns, the reasons behind the behaviors, and make positive changes to improve them.
Gottman method
I have level 2 training as a Gottman therapist and have utilized the techniques for several years. It is my preferred method in working with couples as it gives very practical, well-researched tools for improving the relationship.