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 protection. Our development and sense of self is built within our closest relationships. Our sense of belonging is held within memories, feelings and beliefs, which are symbolic ways we perceive our self.
Our relationship with these self-symbols is navigated through our imaginations. When our imagination is restricted from traumatic past experiences, our sense of self can also feel restricted. This narrowed sense of self generates defenses like anger, fear, confusion or withdrawal from interaction in an attempt to feel safe. Our ability to authentically communicate and express ourself can be thwarted which becomes a pattern.
Many people I work with say, ”I don’t want to be that person” about some unwanted or undeveloped part of themselves. These parts may carry disappointment and core wounds in need of healing. Utilizing mindfulness skills with body centered somatic tools is an effective way to explore and identify how repressed feelings and beliefs impact our nervous system and its response to perceived relational threats. Developing a relationship with the innate integrity of the body is helpful not only for interrupting automatic thoughts and behaviors; it can also increase your sense of safety, spontaneity, and trust within yourself and in relation to others.
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 expression. Whether you are seeking individual therapy or couples counseling with a partner, family member or colleague, we will develop new tools for exploring, engaging, and authentically relating with your self and others with more confidence and ease.