Therapy

Have you ever intellectually known something isn’t good for you, but you can’t seem to stop doing it? A somatic approach could help.

In traditional talk therapy, we tend to explore our issues from a top-down approach — through logic, reasoning, and self-awareness. 

In somatic therapy, we use a bottom-up approach. Rather than inviting you to just think more, we turn to the body for information and guidance. We start embodying how we want to feel, instead of just thinking about it.

We won’t just be talking in circles about your anxious thoughts - keeping you stuck in your mind. We’ll explore how your internal patterns are influencing you.

For those of us who have experienced trauma, our nervous systems may have been overworked for a long time. We tend to our nervous systems in somatic therapy, learning how to give our system what it needs through mindfulness and body centered work.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an intuitive approach that helps you understand your inner world. These "parts" have different thoughts, feelings, and jobs.

There are no “bad” parts - all parts have purpose and have served you in some way. However, parts can sometimes take over in ways that feel extreme and are out of alignment with the life you want for yourself. 

We approach with curiosity about where they come from, how they got their jobs, how they’re trying to help you know (even when it feels like they’re doing the opposite!), and what they need for you to be able to heal.

Some common parts I tend to see:

A people pleasing part that is quick to prioritize others.

An intellectualizing part that uses analyzing, rationalizing, and problem solving to try to think your way out of things.

A numbing part that uses hours of scrolling to disconnect after feeling triggered.

A distractor part that keeps you constantly busy with work, social plans, and never ending to-do lists. 

Over time, you can come into harmony with your parts and embody the wise Self that is already within you.

One of my fav quotes explains it best: “Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes).” — Walt Whitman

Both are focused on relationships and the way you connect with people.

Relational Theory dives into connections throughout your life, from romantic to friendships.

In therapy, we'll use our own relationship as a mirror. We'll examine how you relate to me as your therapist and use this dynamic/our interactions to uncover patterns that mirror your relationships outside the therapy room. This real-time exploration allows us to learn new, healthier ways of connecting.

For example, I might say to you, 'I noticed you hesitated when I asked about your needs in our sessions. Can we explore what makes it challenging for you to voice them?' This helps us work on expressing your needs more confidently.

Attachment Theory provides insights into bonds formed in early life and helps us better understand anxious or avoidant attachment styles. We integrate this understanding to enrich our relational work.

ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) is about learning how to accept and “feel your feelings" without judgement.

It focuses on making decisions that are aligned with your values and staying in the present moment by developing mindfulness.