“By letting go of your known way of being, the whole world is revealed to your new eyes.”
-Danna Faulds
My Approach
My approach to therapy emphasizes the belief that we all have strengths, and that we all experience periods in our lives when our strengths become difficult to identify and access. This may be the result of trauma or being overwhelmed from a transition or any myriad of life challenges. In our work together, I view you as the expert on your life and I take on the role of supporting you in uncovering barriers to listening to your innate wisdom and achieving a greater sense of empowerment. I will partner with you to develop skills, access resources, and overcome obstacles to achieving a sense of joy, purpose and overall well-being. In our work together, we will look at the whole self — the mind, body, and the environment and systems in which we interact. I also draw upon our interconnectedness with nature and all living things as a means for developing growth, sense of place, and greater awareness. I bring a variety of techniques into our work together catering each session to your needs and welcoming your input about what feels most supportive and helpful for you. I utilize a trauma-informed and body-centered approach incorporating cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, somatic awareness, guided imagery, self-compassion, expressive arts, subtle yoga, and movement.
About Me
I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Journalism from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After spending a year in AmeriCorps, volunteering with a variety of non-profits in California, Oregon, Florida, and Louisiana, I decided to pursue a graduate degree in Social Work. I procured my Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work and a post-graduate certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy from Appalachian State University. I have been providing counseling services since 2006 and have worked with children, adolescents, adults and families in the home, community, and in an outpatient setting. I work with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, emotional-regulation, trauma, parenting support, relationship issues, spirituality, body image and eating disorders, health challenges, and addiction. I have received post-graduate training in mindfulness, trauma focused CBT, family centered treatment, motivational interviewing, guided meditation, and somatic therapy. I am also trained in subtle yoga, an approach that emphasizes the use of mindfulness, breath-work, somatic awareness, and subtle movements to bring about balance and to help regulate the nervous system. I have been witness to the benefits of bringing in mindful movement and somatic work in my own life as well as in the lives of my clients. Increasing body awareness through gentle movement, guided imagery or meditation, and increased awareness of sensations aids in healing the mind and bringing about more balance, connection and peace.
Modalities For Healing
I am very interested in modalities that focus on trauma and uncovering our innate human resiliency as well as modalities that incorporate mindfulness and somatic awareness, which help us get in touch with our bodies. Being in touch with and connected to ourselves allows us to better connect with others. In her book, Radical Acceptance, Tara Brach mentions that as human beings, we are built for connection, and true connection fosters a sense of belonging. Until we are able to connect with ourselves, it can prove challenging to have meaningful connections with others. She also mentions that Mother Theresa stated that the biggest disease today is the feeling of not belonging. A sense of belonging is integral to our overall health as human beings and, through therapy and self-exploration, we can can begin to find belonging through connection with ourselves, others, and the natural world.
_
_