Therapeutic Approach

I believe that therapy is a partnership and that change is possible through awareness and self-care.  As we learn to look at and listen to our thoughts and feelings we can understand how they are experienced in both body and mind. We begin to feel and speak our truth from a place of self-love. As a therapist, I try to listen for things unspoken, ask the right questions, and help you to find the words and feel heard. We are all complicated and we are often conflicted; being honest takes great courage. Understanding that change is not easy, I work collaboratively with children, adolescents, and adults on issues ranging from trauma, depression, anxiety, and loss, to relationship distress and difficult life transitions. My approach is holistic as I integrate practical components of various cognitive behavioral/strengths-based approaches with gentle mindfulness and somatic healing. My hope is for clients to feel more at ease with themselves and others, in body, mind, and heart. Wisdom doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from presence.




 
 

Art & Mindfulness

People today see art as a skill that only certain people can master. This is not true. Art can be a mindfulness practice that is healing. When a therapist can bring the right kind of art making into a session, it is process that is soothing. Through mindful art making, clients can use their distress, anger, sadness, confusion, or fear to create something beautiful and tangible.

Creating in therapy has a two fold benefit: the process & the product.

Process: the act of creating, in itself, is healing, regardless of what is being created or how it looks. The freedom to create without judgement from self- or others helps us learn to express ourselves in the moment, and accept ourselves as we are. The process, without judgement is a mindfulness practice. It can be very relaxing, lessen our need for approval, decrease our fear of the future, and generate the experience of “flow.”

Product: the created product facilitates communication in therapy, opens the door for greater understanding, shares unforeseen messages, and, of course provides the client a beautiful keepsake. This keepsake will be a source of pride and an ever-present reminder of the beauty that can come out of embracing honest expression and a willingness to grow.

These creative experiences can be chosen, varied, and repeated at will by clients, both in and out of therapy. Art-making requires that the client make choices and be an active participant in their healing process, which can be quite powerful.