Lee Weir
Trauma work is my passion. In the nearly twenty years I have worked in this field I am constantly astonished and rewarded by the growth I witness as individuals experience healing. My own journey through trauma led me to my work, and granted me the opportunity to experience an array of ways to heal. I now incorporate personal and observed experiences into my counseling practice to help others experience growth and healing. I incorporate mind and body work through breath work, yoga and EMDR. I would love to connect and start, or continue with you on your healing journey.
My focus is on LBGTQ+ and BIPOC populations, as in my experience our populations are often retraumatized in the process of seeking support, so I seek to create safety.
First session
The first session is usually pretty chill. We'll discuss basic counseling safety and ethical matters. We will also discuss the pre-session paperwork you completed, in addition to you sharing a bit more about yourself and your expectations for counseling. Of course, you can ask me tons of questions if you like, this first session is to get a vibe, see how we click, offers you a chance to see if you'd like for me to assist you in your journey. I will also ask a few questions about your history with counseling and will take your lead on how much you choose to unearth in the first session. Ultimately, I hope you feel comfortable to move forward, have some goals identified, and are willing to put some trust into the process.
Strengths
My focus is on LBGTQ+ and BIPOC populations, as in my experience our populations are often retraumatized in the process of seeking support, so I seek to create safety. I also have specialized training in treating developmental, systematic, and sexual trauma. My hope is to help individuals break the labels and expectations that hold us, find compassion for our differences and limitations, and express our true selves.
Ideal clients
I love serving black and brown bodied individuals, as well as those in the LGBTQIA+ community. These tend to be underserved populations who can often be revictimized and left unseen in the counseling session. I want counseling to be a safe space where you know your individuality and collective history are welcomed. I'm a brown bodied, non-confirming, kid who grew up in the southern United States in the 80's with an immigrant father. Like Farmer's Insurance, "I know a thing or two, cause I've seen a thing or two." It's not only my academic background or professional achievements that draw me to serve, but lived experience and the desire to support others making their way in this chaotic world.
Treatment methods
Attachment-based
You take a look through the eyes of "little you" to help understand how your early interactions with your caregivers (ie parents) formed your beliefs about the world; the way you view, interact, explore, and trust the environment and the people around you.
EMDR
EMDR helps to reprocess traumatic memories to remove the emotional charge. Additionally, I utilize Attachment Focused EMDR which can often focus on the things you haven't received, such as neglect, misattunement, or having emotionally detached caregivers, which may have left you with feelings of emptiness or not being enough. This a a very compassion focused approach to reprocess and re-nurture your inner child.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
Utilizing REBT we will map out how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. When we identify negative thought patterns, then we find evidence to challenge those thoughts to help facilitate healthier, more realistic ways of viewing and engaging in the world.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
We will identify your values and how you currently view your alignment with your values. ACT helps us to move towards what we want, as opposed to attempting to escape, and thus, keep our focus on what we don't want.
Location
Virtual sessions