Therapy happens not just by sitting down on a couch but also by actively engaging in the world
“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”
Practice Philosophy
Healing starts in an atmosphere that is both safe and comfortable. The challenge is most people usually do not know where to find that or even where to look for it.
Anyone can begin to find their own path
In my several years of experience a conclusion has surfaced that within a safe, loving atmosphere, anyone can begin to find their own path. I have found that aligning with the emotions and energy of the moment begins primarily within the body by asking the simple questions of “what am I feeling, where am I feeling it, and what do I want to do with the energy of who I am?”
My background is in grief counseling as I find most of us have unresolved sadness, guilt, or shame, that upon adulthood transforms into a form of grief. The grief work is done from a somatic base with knowledge and expertise as a certified Yoga instructor, Emotionally Focused Therapist (EFT), with training and understanding in Hakomi, and Depth Psychology.
Energy work
I use both expressive arts and dreamwork to access the various points that depth psychology is focused on. I believe therapy happens not just sitting down on a couch but actively engaging in the world. I do my best to make sure the body is grounded and resourced however that may be. More often this exercise is incorporated by movement including taking a long walk, hiking, or simply holding a Yoga pose and dropping into the emotional experience of it. I also work with the energy we put out into the world, and the energy we attract. This will eventually lead to the energy of change. This is often done through engaging with the client’s imaginal world and allowing the imagination to become a reality.
I work with relationships
Whether the relationship is with yourself, partner, work, or family, the work is changing things within the relationship in order to find more joy or fulfillment in life. My work is with individuals, families, and couples, and it all starts in the same place, in a simple phrase of - "There is a ‘problem’ that needs fixing."
As we mature, relationships need to mature as well to accommodate the ever changing needs. Our world is constantly changing, which means we are too. I work with individuals and couples with this primary aspect in mind. We know ourselves better than anyone else ever will, it just depends on what voice we are listening to, and the courage to make the necessary changes.
FAQs
What types of counseling options do you offer?
In-Person and Video Sessions
As a somatic therapist, there is a lot of information I learn by being in the same room with clients. I prefer to do all my sessions in person, and understand the dilemmas in doing so. I do offer video sessions when needed or required.
Outdoor Sessions
The world exists all around us and how one interacts, appreciates, and engages with it is very important. I schedule sessions often outdoors either hiking a trail or combing a beach. I also have a park-let in front of my office and often do sessions outdoors on the benches.
Do you take insurance?
I do not take insurance. My experience with insurance companies has been far from easy and I found that I spent too much time working with them, following their protocols, requesting repeatedly for payment, and taking too much time away from the client work. The experience I had suggested that insurance companies have their own policies and procedures that are not in alignment with client’s needs. That modality often put more strain on the therapeutic relationship creating more stress than help.
What payments do you accept?
Payments are taken in any form at this point that includes cash, check, credit, or app. I do like to make payments as convenient as possible and have a specific application I use for credit cards that is HIPPA certified and after the first use only involves exchanging text messages. Every payment is required at the time of the session regardless of method.
What is the process like to start working with you?
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please reach out via phone or email. I like scheduling an introductory phone call prior to scheduling an appointment so we can get to know one another prior to making any commitments. An introductory phone call will take no more than 20 minutes. The phone call an opportunity to explore your interests in the work and what I offer.
How do I schedule an appointment?
In addition to a preliminary phone call there is some paperwork involved as well as some standard legal information that needs a bit of discussion. I like to send the paperwork via email for your review, and it needs to be signed and returned. We will have a follow up discussion regarding the paperwork and I will do my best to answer any questions at our first session. I do like to schedule the first session sooner than later, and am happy to work around the client’s schedule as best I can.
