MINDFULNESS AND THE BODY

Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy

My therapeutic approach is deeply influenced by Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy.  It is a mindfulness-based, body-centered approach, which is experiential in nature.  This way of working is quite different from traditional talk therapy; while you explore your issues and concerns, your attention is gently brought to your present somatic experience.  By focusing on your body in mindfulness, you are able to reach deeper parts of yourself that might not be accessible by merely talking about the past events on the intellectual/cognitive level.  The body remembers what the mind might not.  Although we might not recall our early significant experiences, they continue to influence us as adults in powerful ways, shaping how we relate to the self, to the others and to the world.

We sometimes find ourselves stuck despite an intellectual understanding of what's holding us back from the very thing we long for.  By turning inward and settling in the present moment, we can explore and transform our somatically held beliefs and expectations.  This way, profound change is possible; we can move beyond our internal blocks and have more options and possibilities.  When we make a deeper, more intimate connection with ourselves, we can respond to life in a way that is more aligned with what we truly want.

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Somatic Experiencing Trauma Therapy

Another model that I use with my clients is Somatic Experiencing Trauma Therapy (SE). SE is a body-centered approach to the healing and resolution of trauma and other stress related symptoms.  This approach looks at our autonomic nervous system (ANS), which governs the fight, flight or freeze responses.  Although ANS is designed to be self-regulating, it can be dysregulated when our nervous system is overwhelmed by a traumatic experience involving intense fear or helplessness.  As a result, the body continues to respond as if it was under threat.  SE offers a framework to assess where we might be stuck in the activation of our nervous system, and provides tools to resolve the fixated state and restore the body's ability to self-regulate.  As a Somatic Experiencing practitioner, I will facilitate the process for you to restore the natural balance and move past the place where you are stuck.

INNATE ABILITY TO HEAL AND GROW WITHIN

I believe that we are all born with an ability to find an answer within, heal our wounds and grow. As a therapist, I facilitate your healing process in a gentle, non-judgmental and respectful manner, providing a safe space for the unfolding to happen from within.

INTEGRATIVE APPROACH

I was initially trained in more traditional talk therapies, and I draw from different modalities depending on your needs. These modalities include Psychodynamic approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Person-centered approach. I'm also available for consultation/coaching sessions which tend to be more brief and focused on situational problem-solving.

“Staying in contact with the body is staying in contact with a deeper knowing.”

Marilyn Morgan