ABOUT THERAPY

 

Feelings of shame, grief, anger, fear, and sadness are part of being human. We often attempt to block or deny these experiences by trying to hold it all together, disconnecting from ourselves, or staying as busy as possible. If you’ve never been to therapy before, or if therapy has been difficult in the past, it might feel intimidating to consider the idea of facing these experiences.  While looking at our shadows, traumas, and pain might be uncomfortable, therapy should never feel forceful or create new hurts. Rather, it allows for gentle exploration, moving at a pace that is inextricably connected to the trusting relationship we build together.

I believe that we all have what we need within to heal, and it is my great privilege to support you in unearthing your unique sources of strength and resiliency. Rather than viewing you as a problem to solve, I seek to get to know you as an individual and to learn what healing means to you. Modalities and approaches I often draw from include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Internal Family Systems, various somatic therapies, and mindfulness. I am trained as a yoga teacher and may also weave in yogic principles and practices when suitable. I tailor my approach to each individual, however, focusing not on pathology but instead on connection and empowerment. Together we will uncover the approach that resonates with you.

TRAUMA

 

When we experience trauma, our sense of safety in the world can be compromised and we may find ourselves acting out of insecurity, fear, anxiety, or anger. We might shut down and detach, feel anxious and agitated, or act out in ways that hurt ourselves and others. We may begin to believe that we are powerless and inadequate, or turn to substances to find comfort and escape. Whatever our story or however we’ve tried to get through hardships, we often need support in processing and integrating past trauma into our lives so that we can move forward in a way that feels empowered, liberated, and fully alive.

“Talking about it” is often helpful; however, the body and specifically the nervous system store memories of trauma that talk alone can’t always access. I work with you to identify where both body and mind are holding on to difficult emotions, images, beliefs, and memories, and to incorporate new ways of moving through these states from a place that is gentler on your body and more beneficial for your entire being. We work at a pace that feels appropriate and with an approach that works for you, and my training as a trauma therapist allows me to hold a grounded, contained space for this process. Together we can incorporate healthier beliefs and more adaptive ways of being in the world.

“I’m still learning to love the parts of myself that no one claps for.”

-Rudy Francisco

ANXIETY & DEPRESSION

Anxiety can hijack our nervous system, making it difficult to regulate our emotions or be present with our existence. Anxiety often lives hand in hand with depression, which can rob us of our vitality and make it difficult to find a sense of meaning or purpose. When we experience anxiety or depression we might feel numb and disconnected or constantly on edge and vigilant. Whatever direction your nervous system tends to go, I work with you to tap into your true Self as a key source of wisdom, to get to the root of what is causing distress, to tolerate discomfort with authenticity, and to reclaim a sense of aliveness, presence, purpose, and joy.