Words

When I listen in session, I really pay attention to the words we use. How we speak about ourselves can reveal so much about what we think, how we feel, and how we care for ourselves.

I like helping people create a reverence for themselves and others. Sometimes we use such negative words. We can hear them from others or just make them up ourselves. We can say things like, “I’m so stupid” or worse.

I listen for words that let me know when someone is putting themselves down just for being human. We can confuse having needs with being too needy. Having unrecognized and unmet needs can be expressed in ways we regret.

Self-compassion

I enjoy helping people experience the liberation of self-compassion which creates authentic and accurate self-care and self-accountability. No shame, no put downs. In kindness, looking at how we care for ourselves we can make changes–Changes in our actions, changes in our words, and changes in our experiences.

We can build a peaceful life with our own permission and awareness. Developing self-compassion and comfort in stillness creates new possibilities.

Previously held beliefs and emotions can be transformed. Our day-to-day patterns in communication and behaviors change. Being in stillness such as meditating or relaxing can even change cells in the brain in positive ways. We have such potential to create new lives.

Learning to be still

While at times therapy can involve emotional discomfort, learning to be still and kind to oneself makes the discomfort useful. I always respect your right to guide the session; I would never insist we discuss something upsetting. When we both agree it is useful and manageable, then we can proceed with honest and emotional exploration as or when that is needed. However, change can begin right away.

It’s my job to notice pivotal moments, to help you notice the internal and external conversations that limit your understanding of yourself and your options in those moments. And to help you create new life and self-affirming choices in those moments.

Eventually you don’t need me; you notice those moments; and with trust, confidence and compassion, you make choices that feel good and that reflect your value. You create patterns for living that sustain mutual regard with others and provide calm and joy with in and around you.