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Feminist, Inclusive, Trauma-Sensitive Psychotherapy In St. Louis
Somatic PsychotherapySomatic psychotherapy is a gentle experiential method of resolving trauma, healing from anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and other mental, emotional, and physical health challenges by working with the autonomic nervous system. More here.
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Depth & Archetypal We are a part of nature and the land, of the deep and ancient stories that live in it, whether we know it consciously or not. When we become separated from our sense of place, nature, and the land, we become separated from ourselves, as well. Nature, dreams, archetype, image, connection. More here.
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EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is a robust, evidence-based method that uses eye movements to work deeply in neural networks to reprocess difficult or traumatic events. More here.
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Image Copyright (c) Pearl, 2016
The therapeutic relationship itself has been shown to be one of the strongest factors in psychological healing, and my office on The Hill in St. Louis is a warm, safe and gentle place in which to establish that relationship. Therapists have varying philosophies, trainings, and ways of working. When choosing a therapist it's a good idea to find out what their philosophy and training is, meet them in person, and then decide for yourself if it's a good fit for you.
Similarly, sometimes a therapist will recommend a client see a different therapist. Every good therapist wants to make sure that what each client is dealing with is within their areas of expertise. If not, the therapist will provide a referral to another practitioner. It can also happen that what a client or potential client is dealing with is too activating of a therapist's own past trauma for that therapist to be effective within that therapeutic relationship. The best therapists know how to recognize their own limitations, and refer a client to someone else who can better help them when that happens. While we do like a challenge, no one can provide optimum care for every person in every scenario. And a therapist who takes care of themselves, including having their own therapy regularly, is going to be able to be more present for their clients. Learning and respecting our own human limits is part of that self care. My area of specialty is trauma, anxiety, and PTSD in adult women.
Because I am not in a clinic or on a team, but simply in a solo private practice, I do not see people who are currently or recently actively suicidal or homicidal, perpetrating violence or abuse, or currently in abusive intimate relationships or human trafficking situations; however, I am more than happy to provide resources if during screening we find one of these situations present, and to call emergency services with you to get help. And I do see people who are recovering from these things.
Computer use can be monitored. If you are in danger, call one of the hotlines here or 911. When you can, clear your device cache.
I work with a whole person approach: conscious thought, unconscious thought and images, emotion, and body sensation; individual psyche and the person in the environment. I am trained in CBT and do use it, but it's not my primary approach. I believe that it's important to address what's held in the body, and that the deeper self, the unconscious, is vital to our growth, integration, individuation, and experience of life. This is how our strongest, deepest, innate healing systems are activated.
Please meet and interview any potential therapist before deciding if it's a good fit. While I do not offer free in-person consultations, we will set up a 10-15 minute phone call before making an initial interview appointment. After that initial interview we'll determine if we have a good fit for building a therapeutic relationship. It also might help you to understand the difference between a psychotherapist and a life coach, before you make your decision about who to see.
Therapy is not a like getting a massage, where you go in with the purpose of just feeling light and lovely every time you walk out. That happens over time, but: Therapy is hard work. It takes bravery, the willingness to explore thoughts and feelings, encounter one's own light and shadow. I like the way St. Louis Wellness Center says it on their web site, "The success of the client’s treatment relies heavily on the client’s willingness to be honest, take responsibility, and have courage to make necessary changes."
Please note: Nya the Dog will be in session with us. If you're allergic to dogs that might not work for you. If you love dogs it might be awesome!
