some words about the values, principles, and inquiries that guide my work

depth-oriented, trauma-focused

The original meaning of psychotherapy comes from the Greek – “care or healing of the soul”. I take this definition seriously, and you’ll feel this reflected in how I work. Our souls/psyches have certain needs in this life (connection, meaning, expression…) and they are continually seeking (and capable of) growth and healing.

Suffering happens in many ways, including when we become disconnected from these needs and sources of meaning, and when our unique expression becomes stifled or cut off for various reasons (i.e. loss and unprocessed grief, following a traumatic event, in order to survive emotionally and/or physically in our families of origin, and/or in a larger culture that may not welcome us in our wholeness).

The psyche speaks through “symptoms”, and these symptoms – and feelings and dreams – if we listen, can be roadmaps that take us back to ourselves, to our unmet needs and deepest longings, to access parts of ourselves that have been lost or cut off in order to adapt and survive in our families and the larger culture. I aim to help my clients make sense of their stories and experience, and reconnect with their deepest selves and longings.

earth-minded

I bring an emphasis on connection with nature and beauty, and an understanding that we belong to this Earth and are not separate from it. We are made of the same elements and minerals that are in every other living being and which are found in mountains, creekbeds, glaciers, stars, oceans. Some inquiries that guide me include: What would it mean to truly feel our belonging? To know that each part of us – body, mind, and spirit – belongs to this greater fabric of Life? To trust this belonging and our unique expression? To allow ourselves our seasons and cycles, just as the Earth has its cycles of slowing down, decay, death, birth, and rebirth? To feel responsible and responsive to the land, to see ourselves as bits of Earth to be tended?

How does this look in session? It depends – sometimes it will emerge as a theme or perspective in conversation, in a guided meditation, or an outdoor session. I am interested in helping you foster your own deep connection with the natural world.

liberation-minded

We live embedded in systems that prioritize money, power, and endless productivity over the health and wellbeing of people, communities, and planet. We live in bodies which are impacted by capitalism, patriarchy, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia…the list goes on. We are all increasingly living with the realities of climate change and the fear of what is to come. And no matter what our background may be, most of us are impacted to some degree by the isolation, grind, and insecurity which have become defining characteristics of the modern era.

How could we expect not to be impacted by these circumstances? Could our “symptoms” be expressing deeper longings and needs for things in our world to change, not only in ourselves? What grace can we give ourselves for the challenges we face existing in this world?  How can we care for ourselves and each other in the midst of these realities?