It must be acknowledged that taking that leap to begin therapy is a huge step that might initially bring up feelings of anxiety, fear, and even shame. I understand how attending weekly therapy sessions is also a time and money commitment, which might be difficult to adjust to. This is truly not an easy decision and it is valid to have concerns and doubts. I want to leave space for these concerns to be addressed. I offer a free initial first 30 minute session to decide if this is the right direction for you. I also am open to discussing a sliding scale fee if this feels necessary. It takes great courage and strength to begin the journey of exploring and understanding ourselves, even those aspects we reject and dislike. In no way do I take this process lightly. I believe when we are able to really look at ourselves, we are choosing to fully show up in our lives, fulfilling our purpose and direction of who we are meant to be.
My approach to counseling and art therapy is holistic and rooted in the formation of a strong therapeutic relationship. I follow the needs of each individual client and meet you where you are at. I am trained in the latest research-based attachment and trauma-informed theories, including Somatic Experiencing, brainspotting, interpersonal neurobiology, AEDP, and CBT. I allow space for the therapeutic process to unfold as our relationship develops. I use grounding techniques that often involve mindfulness practices and psycho-education, specifically interpersonal neurobiology. I encourage the exploration of internal experience within the body as many of us stay up in our heads and aren't paying attention to what our body's are communicating, sometimes crying out to us. This is important because we tend to store most of our past trauma in our bodies and re-enact past history as if it were in the present. This effects our experience in relationships and the way we see the world. Body or somatic awareness brings us back into the present and helps to release past memories and experiences that are weighing us down.
I provide empathic presence and contained space for you to gain awareness and work through issues that arise during these processes. I offer art making as a powerful tool on this journey. The imagery often awakens insight and has the tendency to open up blocked emotions and levels of creativity that may have never been paid attention to. This can be overwhelming for the psyche at times but if safely guided through, well worth the excavation. I believe we all have the wisdom and courage within us, to transform and become more fully who we are meant to be. We all have the potential to discover and fulfill our souls' unique purposes. Change and movement are an inevitable possibility.
Couples, Family, and Group Art Therapy and Counseling
I also offer couples therapy and upon request and need, group therapy sessions as well. With couples, my approach is informed by the model of AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy). Developed by Dr. Diana Fosha, this is a healing-based approach that combines attachment theory, neuroscience, and somatic awareness methods. For further information on this technique, visit this website: http://www.goodtherapy.org/accelerated_experiential_dynamic_psychotherapy.html#
The focus is on bringing insight into each individuals wounding and past traumas that are playing out in the relationship experience. Often we are triggered by our partners because we are relating to them as an experience of our past that we are reliving in attempt to heal. Relationships can be great pathways towards healing if they are safely, compassionately, and patiently explored.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor: 0171951 Santa Fe, NM 87507
