Defining the Approach
My integrative therapeutic approach, refined over a decade, is anchored in two core values: radical acceptance and circulation.
Radical Acceptance serves as the foundation for the change process. From my experience, genuine change, healing, and growth require us first to embrace everything within ourselves and our experiences. This means courageously facing all aspects of our being, regardless of how uncomfortable or painful they may be. By taking responsibility for what is, without shame or judgment, we can establish a healthy relationship with all that exists within us. This connection creates space for new and dynamic possibilities to emerge.
The second guiding value is Circulation, which is essential for the health of any system. When circulation performs optimally, vitality, creativity, and potential flourish; when stagnation occurs, disease and breakdown quickly follow. By approaching our experiences with acceptance and curiosity, we generate a kind of psychic heat that melts stagnant aspects of our psyche, releasing new energy that fosters a coherent and grounded sense of self.
With these values shaping the process, we are prepared to explore the four levels of human experience: mind, heart, body, and soul.
- Mind: We use Narrative Therapy to uncover the stories, values, and unexamined beliefs that shape your identity. Some narratives may need to be embraced or expanded, while others should be released because they no longer align with who you are or aspire to be. Letting go of outdated stories creates space for new narratives that genuinely reflect the person you are becoming. By fostering a dynamic narrative intelligence, we reduce despair and anxiety and enhance your sense of agency.
- Heart: Here, we explore emotions and the various parts of ourselves. These “parts” often express themselves in everyday language, such as “a part of me wants this, but another part wants that.” Each part tries to support the system but has limited resources and perspectives. Our work is to create a space where every part has a voice, ensuring that no single aspect monopolizes the conversation. This inclusivity deepens our understanding of our emotional landscape, fostering resilience and alignment.
- Body: We connect with the body through mindfulness-based Somatic Therapy. Our experiences first manifest physically, and understanding our bodies helps us regulate emotions, which often begin as sensations. By cultivating somatic awareness, we learn to tolerate uncomfortable sensations without triggering stress responses. This shift allows us to perceive discomfort as manageable rather than dangerous, softening habitual patterns and helping us return to an open, grounded state.
- Soul: We explore the level of soul and spirit through Existential Psychology. This level encompasses purpose, meaning, mystery, joy, grief, and creativity – all doorways to spiritual intelligence that leads to more profound wisdom, insight, and understanding.
Throughout our time together, you will learn to embody the values of radical acceptance and the skills of circulation as they relate to the mind (stories), heart (parts), body (sensations), and soul (meaning and purpose). You will leave our sessions with a practical toolkit and a deeper understanding of these levels, enabling you to tend and grow an ongoing dialogue with them as you progress.