My Approach
Mix and match some of the most powerful personal growth practices for mental, emotional, and spiritual well being.
Take what resonates for you, leave the rest.
Get to know the parts of you.
We are all made up of different parts, different inner archetypes (e.g. inner child, inner wise person, inner shadow, etc.). Getting to know the different parts of us brings a greater ability to self-soothe when the parts that feel depressed, anxious, grieving, angry, or insecure show up; an ability to embody the parts that represent our best self; and an ability to accept and integrate the WHOLE of who we are.
▾ Read more about "Parts Work"
Our personalities change throughout the course of the day. We think, feel, and behave differently depending on who we are with, what triggers are present, and our conscious intention. This is because the WHOLE of our personality consists of many parts (aka subpersonalities, aka inner archetypes). Each of our parts has their own unique personality. For example, we all have an inner child part. Sometimes, due to challenging childhood experiences, our inner child might be wounded and when operating from this part we might respond to challenges in a reactive way. Our inner child can also be a source of playfulness, creativity, and wonder. Similarly, all of us have access to an inner wise part. Sometimes we do not listen to our wisdom because our wise part is telling us something we don’t want to hear. Other times we might lose touch with our wisdom, however this part is always there, whether or not we listen and whether or not we have lost touch. Additionally, we all possess an inner warrior, inner critic, inner parent, etc. Getting to know our different parts brings self-awareness; a greater ability to self-soothe when the parts of us that feel depressed, anxious, grieving, angry, or insecure show up; the ability to embody the parts that represent our best selves; and an ability to accept the WHOLE of who we are. The power of parts work can be accessed through talking, experiential exercises, art making, guided meditation, and deep imagery journeys depending on what you most effectively respond to. This approach is largely influenced by Jungian, Internal Family Systems, and Reparenting therapies.
Change Your Patterns.
We will become well acquainted with the particular nature of your thinking, feeling, and behavior patterns so that you can learn how you might be getting in your own way without even realizing it. We will gain insight into what your automatic patterns are, where they come from, and what you can do to start the process of developing healthier thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
▾ Read more about Changing your patterns
Our reality is shaped by our thinking, feeling, and behavior patterns. For example, if a person has a thinking pattern where they always expect the worst, that person lives in an anxiety-filled reality, even when everything is actually ok. Our thinking, feeling, and behavior patterns are rooted in past experiences and wounds. The person who constantly thinks about the worst-case scenario, does this for good reason- maybe their parent was anxious when they were a child and they took this anxiety on, or perhaps some sort of traumatic experience taught them to always except the worst. In our work together, you will gain insight into the ways in which events in your past- including your formative relationships- have shaped your current thought, feeling, and behavior patterns. You will learn how to reality test the patterns that are no longer serving you, while consciously incorporating new thoughts and behaviors as a means to begin shifting your mind’s infrastructure to form newer and healthier patterns and feeling states. In other words, you will develop states of being that are more aligned with the things you want for your life.
Hypno-therapy
Insight and will power are not usually enough to make changes because our subconscious mind runs the show. I can guide you into a meditative state where we can not only hear what your subconscious mind wants to communicate, but so too can we input healing belief systems and feeling states on a deeper level of consciousness. For a detailed description of my approach to subconscious reprograming, click here.
▾ Read more about working with the subconscious mind
We can know why we feel, think, or behave a certain way; we can know that we want to change; we can even know exactly what to do in order to start the process of change, but many times, despite our knowledge and intention, we continue acting in accordance to our programming. This phenomenon is why some people who have been in therapy for many years have in depth understanding about the “why” of their problems, they have tools to implement, however their problems remain the same. With your permission, I can guide you into a meditative state where we can not only access and hear what your subconscious mind wants to communicate, but so too can we input healing belief systems and feeling states on a deeper level of consciousness. This means we are doing the work of healing and rewiring your brain chemistry at a deeper layer. This is the fastest and most effective way to make lasting changes. This technique is influenced by Carl Jung’s “active imagination,” deep imagery journeys, archetypal psychology, art therapy, hypnotherapy, and Yoga Nidra.
Become the Witness, Become Conscious, Live in Flow.
There is a state of being that some wisdom traditions call “Self,” others call “The Witness.” Self/ Witness is a conscious state, where one is aware, present, and ALIVE. When we loose ourselves in thoughts of our personal psychological dramas (i.e. the stuff of more traditional therapy) we miss out on this moment right here. We also miss out on our ability to Create the kind of life that we want to be living. We miss out on “flow state.” I can guide you towards Self/Witness/Flow state by integrating meditative or experiential practices inspired by the philosophies of Yoga and Taoism.
▾ Read more about becoming conscious
In this moment, right here and now, as you read these very words, you are alive. ALIVE! All human beings have access to life vitality in the present moment at any given moment- it’s a manner of letting go of the psychological dramas of our thinking minds in order to connect to the power of now. From this state of being, we can be with our pain at the same time as feeling peaceful, we can find balance amidst the instability of transitional periods. We can also, at a certain level of practice, LET GO of our automatic thought patterns. The Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali teach us, "the empty mind carries the pearl." When our mind is empty our life can flow through us. And perhaps more exciting than even that, these practices teach us how to control our mind. We can learn how to use the mind as a tool when it serves what we want to accomplish- rather than getting swept up in the mind's autopilot programs. Once we learn how to control our mind, we have the power to capitol C Create our reality. I can guide you through this process in a variety of modalities, including: meditation, art making, writing, experiential games, and nature connection practices.
Create Your Life.
Sometimes this work is about having a clear vision for what you want your life to look like, and then breaking that vision down into achievable goals from week to week. If you don’t know what you want, fantastic, you and I can play with some exercises to help you figure that out. This work is about uncovering a life vision that is deeply rooted to your sense of meaning and purpose. And then being held accountable to take active steps towards making that vision a reality.
▾ Read more about coaching
This exploration can help you feel into a life vision for yourself that holds deep meaning. Once you have your clear vision we will break it down into concrete and achievable steps which you will be held accountable for accomplishing each week. When you are unable to accomplish a certain task, that is a good sign that something internal might be getting in your way. Other techniques can come in to remove these internal blockages.
Art Therapy.
Art therapy has absolutely nothing to do with artistic ability. If you know how to hold a pencil and scribble then you are engaging in an act of creative expression. Remember when you were a kid? Did you care about “good” art then? Or did you grab a handful of crayons and scribble with freedom on the wall?
▾ Read more about art therapy
Art can serve infinite purposes in a therapeutic process. First, it can be a manner to cathartically release otherwise overwhelming emotions in a creative and fun manner and can become a coping skill that serves you throughout life. Second, making art can speed up the process of creating new patterns since it activates new neural networks in the brain that are connected with the way patterns are formed. Third, subconscious aspects of yourself might emerge in the art making process as well as be influenced by the art making process. Fourth, art can offer opportunities to speak through metaphor when discussing things directly is too difficult. Overall, the creative process carries innate healing properties that can only be understood fully through experience. I can design individualized art therapy projects that are unique to you and deeply connected to your therapeutic goals.
Nature Therapy.
We spend our time driving for hours in steel boxes, living and working within concrete walls- sometimes overwhelmed by the noise and distractions of city living. When we remove ourselves from this hectic environment and spend time in Nature we can find incredible comfort and inner peace. We find ourselves, more authentically.
▾ Read more about Nature Therapy
When we remove ourselves from city living to spend time with Nature, we can find that in the newfound space and quiet, we hear ourselves once again. And if we know how to listen, we might find Nature is our wisest teacher and guide. Spending time in Nature increases creativity, relieves depression and anxiety, improves memory and focus, and re-wires our stress response hormones. Listening to the signs, omens, and metaphors of Wilderness can give us clarity and guidance when we need it most. Spending time amidst the mysteries of the wild, can remind us that we are a part of something greater and this puts things into perspective. Studies show that even looking at photographs of Nature can be of benefit. With select clients and groups I can include Nature and/or wilderness walks/hikes/backpacking overnight trips that guide a process of communing with the natural world to receive the myriad of benefits mentioned above. I can also coach clients online in ways to tap into some of these practices.
Outside the Box.
I sometimes include alternative approaches including: Shamanic healing influences, Tarot, Illustrated Cards, Spiritual Counsel, Western Mystery Traditions, and ceremonial magick.
▾ Read more about unconventional tools
One unconventional option is the use of illustrated cards and/ or Tarot cards. I do NOT use Tarot cards to tell you the future. Rather, I use the archetypal imagery of the cards in collaboration with you to create a visual map that represents the complexities and nuances of a conflict. This process allows you to view what lies beneath the surface of a problem and gain knowledge of how to open realms to new possibilities. Cards can also be used to activate dormant archetypes within the self. Some clients are interested in learning about Hermetic Kabballah (Western Mystery Tradition) which is a practice in becoming a capitol C Creator. This tradition teaches how to elevate energy so as to have influence on the surrounding environment. It teaches how to have an impact on, rather than be impacted by. Additionally, I might also incorporate some shamanic healing influences. These influences include things like journeying, connecting to Nature through the belief in animism, and drumming to induce altered states of consciousness. Unconventional tools are only used with clients who specifically express interest of their own accord. Many private clients choose not to engage in these practices and that is totally fine. These influences will appear in workshops, events, and retreats.
Tools to Take Home.
I will provide you with the option of doing homework each week so that you can begin to integrate the therapeutic tools uncovered in session into daily life. Your homework (homeplay) will be specifically tailored to your goals.
You have questions?
