I view counseling and psychotherapy as a journey of exploration, an invitation to deeply examine both our inner and outer worlds—the experiences, relationships, and emotions that shape our lives. For therapy to be effective, it must be rooted in trust, authenticity, and a strong connection between client and therapist. In our work together, my goal is to help you cultivate a deeper awareness of your strengths and resources, and uncover untapped potential to better navigate the challenges you face. We will focus on fostering genuine, compassionate connections with yourself and others, while helping you identify and express your true feelings about yourself and your life.
This process is all about you—your needs, your desires, and your unique journey. I am here to listen and walk alongside you as we navigate this therapeutic path together. My approach is guided by what I hear from you, adapting my skills to meet you where you are and co-create a path forward.
I don’t approach therapy from a perspective of illness or disorder, but rather from the view of dis-ease—recognizing that symptoms are signals that something within you needs attention and to be heard. As a body-centered therapist, I encourage you to tune into the messages your body is sending and explore the wisdom it holds. Together, we can allow your deeper inner voice to emerge within the safe space of our counseling relationship.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a type of therapy that can be useful when someone is experiencing difficulties due to traumatic or other difficult experiences. Unlike in traditional talk therapy where change is facilitated through talking about our thoughts and feelings, in SP, the body is also viewed as an important source of information and an avenue through which change can occur. During an SP session, we may explore bodily sensations, movements, and what we perceive through our senses and see how they relate to our thoughts and feelings. By working with both the body and the mind we seek to identify personal strengths and resources in order to heal trauma and live richer and more fulfilling lives.
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, with an open and non-judgmental awareness. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and the environment around you.
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve overall well-being. Common techniques include meditation, deep breathing, and mindful observation.
Recent advancements in neurobiology and brain science highlight the profound impact of present-moment awareness on our mental and emotional health. Mindfulness fosters neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself in response to new learning and experiences. In therapy, it helps us develop a deeper awareness of the layers within our experiences, emotions, and beliefs, allowing for greater self-understanding and growth.
Many of us carry the effects of trauma from our past experiences, both in our minds and bodies. These traumatic memories can manifest in patterns of behavior and emotional responses such as panic, anxiety, hypervigilance, nightmares, sleep difficulties, addiction, eating disorders, migraines, self-criticism, and limiting beliefs about ourselves and the world.
As a Certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, I use a mindfulness-based, body-centered approach to treat trauma and attachment wounds. This method integrates traditional talk therapy with movement, sensation, and safe touch to help heal the body and mind. From my experience, I have found this approach to be particularly effective in gently addressing the underlying emotions that hold us back from living a fuller, more vibrant life.
Intimate Relating for couples focuses on deepening emotional, physical, and psychological intimacy between partners. It emphasizes improving communication, understanding each other's needs, and fostering a more profound connection in the relationship. This approach often involves exploring emotional vulnerabilities and addressing issues related to trust, boundaries, and emotional closeness.
Key components may include:
Emotional Awareness: Helping both partners become more aware of their emotions and how these emotions impact the relationship.
Communication Skills: Enhancing the way partners communicate, ensuring they express their needs, desires, and concerns in a constructive and loving manner.
Vulnerability and Trust: Encouraging partners to be open and vulnerable with each other, which helps build trust and emotional intimacy.
Conflict Resolution: Teaching couples how to resolve conflicts in a healthy and respectful way, minimizing misunderstandings and resentment.
Boundaries and Space: Helping couples establish and respect personal boundaries, while also finding ways to stay connected and supportive of each other.
Mushkan A. Defilippo , 2017
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