Therapy
As women we often spend far to long believing that we “shouldn’t” be feeling the ways we do. Believing that there is something deeply wrong. We try, unsuccessfully, to make our feelings go away. This holds us back from healing and living our fullest life. But…
There is another way.
What if, instead of avoiding your experience you turned your attention towards it. Is it possible that whatever is arising for you is worthy of your attention? Could it be that what you are experiencing, even if it’s painful, is illuminating a path for you?
The guiding principle in my own life and my work is that we can use our pain to wake up to our life and the world around us. Our pain is an opportunity. A call to action, pointing us in the direction to what needs our love and care. I help women safely open to their pain in a way that fosters compassionate curiosity. Moving out of judgement and self criticism and into self connection.
My Approach
My passion is helping women by using holistic approaches to restore balance in their minds, bodies and relationships. Using holistic strategies such as meditation, nervous system regulation techniques, meaningful self care rituals, sleep hygiene, … I help women create an inner environment that is more resilient to stress, at ease in the face of challenges and better able to identify and enact solutions. For example, you could be overwhelmed with your marriage (lack of communication, not feeling “seen”) and if on top of that you aren’t sleeping well your marriage will feel even more desperate and difficult. My work with women is focused on addressing both issues. I work with women to address underlying issues so you have a greater capacity to handle problems as they arise.
I’m fascinated by the experiences women have as we move through life. Our bodies change, our wants and needs evolve and there is the ever present opportunity to find our own sense of freedom so we can experience happiness, meaning and joy.
Therapy can be one of the greatest resources for self awareness, awakening and healing.
So what does therapy with me feel like? Well, it involves self inquiry, compassion and humor. Here are some of the questions and topics we may explore in session:
When do I lose connection with myself?
When do I notice myself doing things I don’t want to do?
What do I actually want to be doing?
What am I eating? Is that food serving me?
What might my anxiety/depression/grief be trying to tell me?
Do I need to change my bedtime routine?
What happens to my mood when I honor my wants and needs?
What does my nervous system need more of? Less of?
When does my body feel most relaxed? Is it possible to do more of that?
What experiences in my childhood hold the roots of what I am now experiencing as an adult?
Where do I find my own sense of freedom and autonomy within my relationships?
What am I believing to be true? What else is true?
The best way to see if we are a good fit is to reach out. I’d love to talk about what is coming up for you and explore how I may be able to help.
Process of Therapy:
Your First Session
Once your first session is scheduled you will be emailed a link to access your secure client portal. Within this portal you will be able to read and electronically sign all necessary paperwork to begin therapy. You will also find your Initial Intake and Holistic Mental Health Assessment. I utilize a holistic approach that begins with a comprehensive holistic assessment that will give us more information about areas of your life that need to be brought into balance so you can feel your best and have the capacity to address the issues that are bringing you to therapy. Once we have reviewed the assessment and explored what issues you would like to address in therapy I will give you my recommendations, we will set some goals and you will have clarity around what our work together may include.
Ongoing Therapy Sessions
Ongoing therapy sessions are 50 minutes in length. I recommend coming to therapy every week at the beginning. There is a reason why therapy is referred to as a process- it takes time. Having said that many people find relief and a sense of hopefulness after starting. Therapy sessions are a time for you to explore and process what you are feeling and experiencing. I will provide a safe, compassionate and non-judgmental space for you. I see my relationship with you as a long term one. Taking breaks and honoring the natural ebs and flows of your emotional life is encouraged. My door is open.
How can I reach you?
You can reach by by phone or email. I am usually able to respond in the same day but if not I will get back to you within 24 hours. Email: sheila@onebreathhealing.com. Phone: 818-585-2760