Approach

What exactly is Holistic Psychotherapy?

Holistic psychotherapyintegrates traditional “talk” therapy with alternative healing methods. Most traditional talk therapy interventions work with our mental and emotional levels to target ideas, believes, thought patterns, values, relational habits and feelings that are stuck and/or habitual.

The alternative healingmethods work on the physical, energetic and spiritual levels and include energy system balancing techniques, guided visualization, meditation, dream work, somatic awareness, therapeutic breathing techniques, and spirit /soul exploration to name a few.

The beauty ofthe alternative therapies is that they can be learned and integrated into a personal repertoire of healthy coping skills for long-term stability and balance.

A holistic approachengages whatever concern is brought forward on multiple levels.  For example, someone traumatized by exposure to a disaster may push away or push down associated emotions because their human system as a whole can’t assimilate the intensity or magnitude of the feelings. Panic symptoms might arise each time these very strong emotions surface, and when they are pushed down again, the emotions stay stuck and stagnant possibly causing other problems.

Emotions are literally‘energy in motion’, so when they are trapped it can feel as though we are shut down, depressed or anxious to name a few.  An alternative method, such as therapeutic breathing or energy system balancing can alleviate the panic symptoms so the emotions can be accessed in a safe, nonthreatening & measured way, processed and one can move beyond the trauma. This is just one case, of course. Having a variety of tools allows each situation to be assessed individually so that a custom blend of interventions can be applied for effective and complete healing.

Influences

Technical knowledgeis important for a psychotherapist to be effective, but having some important human qualities is also vital.  Essential traits like being an excellent listener, compassion, empathy, caring, honesty, humility, authenticity and integrity are crucial for the therapy process to work well.  These are among the traits I bring to my work, and I am grateful for the influences that helped shape me with these qualities. That being said, I am also grateful for the technical knowledge I use to effect profound change.

The theoretical modelsand alternative methods that most influence my work include Jungian, Psychodynamic, Psychosynthesis, Logotherapy, Transpersonal, Solution Focused, Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative, Somatic Awareness, Expressive Arts therapies, Yoga and Ayurveda, Energy Psychology, Meditation, Physical and Nutritional Fitness.

Operating Principle

I believethe journey inward is some of the hardest work a human can do in their lifetime.  I deeply respect those that take on this work and it is my honor to witness what unfolds.  It is always my goal to support the efforts towards consciousness, growth and healing. So for that reason, if at any time either of us feel that someone else may be better suited to support that effort, I will help you find an appropriate referral.

I am eagerto hear clients’ stories, concerns, hurts, fears, embarrassments, goals, dreams and aspirations, assist in identifying their goals and co-create a roadmap to reach them.  I am always honored to witness the journey of healing, growth, empowerment and transformation.

“There is a ladder.
The ladder is always there
hanging innocently
close to the side of the schooner…
I go down…
I came to explore the wreck…
I came to see the damage that was done
and the treasures that prevail…”

~ Adrienne Rich
Diving Into the Wreck ~