Relationships
Relationships are fundamental to our existence and every relationship we encounter is informed by the relationship we have with our self.
We are born into the world reliant upon others and our environment for survival and a sense of belonging. Our sense of self develops within our closest relationships and is informed by memories, experiences, feelings and beliefs, which are all symbolic ways we perceive ourself and others.
Often when our sense of self feels restricted or unwelcome with others, difficult attachment experiences from the past may be triggering our ability to be more intimate with others. Many people I work with say, ”I don’t want to be that person” about some unwanted or undeveloped part of themselves that arises in close relationships and hinders a deep felt desire for connection and true belonging. Patiently attending to these parts with curiosity can increase your capacity for self trust within relationships and transform self criticism, or feelings of shame into a greater level of self acceptance.
.
Utilizing mindfulness skills and body centered awareness tools can be helpful for exploring and identifying how repressed feelings and beliefs can impact our nervous system and its response to perceived relational threats that override our desire for relatedness and ability to share openly with others in a way that can be received.
Developing awareness for the signals the body expresses and interrupting automatic thoughts and behaviors can also increase your sense of safety, spontaneity, and trust in maintaining healthy boundaries for yourself as you relate with others; particularly if you are trying to repair a relationship or navigating a break up or divorce.
I also encourage working with dreams, synchronicities, image and movement when appropriate to facilitate an expressive and expansive dialogue with your intuition and experience in the moment that can lead to new potentials for intimacy and expression.
Whether you are seeking individual therapy, couples counseling or support with a family member or colleague, we will develop new tools for engaging, communicating and authentically expressing your authentic self with more compassion, confidence, and ease.