A Holistic Approach to Counseling
Holistic mental health counseling is an approach that considers the entire human being- mind body and spirit as well as their life experiences, in the process of healing and transformation. Holistic counseling considers the quality of one’s physical, mental, emotional and financial state, as well as one’s relationships, support systems, and connections, to work towards whole being wellness.
Including the body in the therapeutic process can bring about lasting change and healing. Just like the body knows how to heal a broken leg or from surgery, which is pretty miraculous, the body also knows how to heal our emotional wounds- provided it is given the necessary tools and environment to do so. A critical aspect of this process involves creating an internal environment that alleviates stress and learning healthy stress management and emotional regulation skills.
You are a whole person- mind body and spirit. Often times disease- mental or emotional or physical, occurs because we have lost connection to vital parts of ourselves. We don’t function optimally when we are disconnected from our wholeness.
Various holistic practices which are experiential in nature that can be incorporated into sessions include relaxation techniques, hypnosis, guided imagery and visualization, engagement of creative and imaginative capacities to gain insight and problem solve, meditation and breathing exercises, yoga, expressive arts, journal prompts, exploration of spirituality and life purpose and much more.
Individuals:
•Identify the obstacles and patterns that have prevented you from living the life you want and from being the person you want to be
•Discern what is working in your life from what is not- and what to do next-
•Receive support through times of transition-whether you are navigating college or just graduated, started or lost a job, became a parent, received a new health diagnosis, or are adjusting to a new normal, navigating new beginnings and/or making peace with endings. We are here to walk along side you.
•Move from feeling numb or stuck to greater joy and vitality
•Learn how to free up the vital energy that is spent managing, suppressing and avoiding aspects of your past, so you can shift your attention to living fully in the present
•Learn practical skills for stress management and emotional regulation that can be used daily and will provide lasting change
•Support for mothers- helping you achieve your goals wherever you are on your journey
Therapeutic Orientations
• Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Yoga and mindfulness
• Jungian therapy and Dreamwork
• Cognitive Behavioral therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Body-centered Therapy
• Person Centered- solution focused
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Trauma informed psychotherapy
Couples Counseling
Marriage Counseling: Address conflicts, move past resentment, align parenting strategies, improve communication
Premarital Counseling: an essential step for couples preparing to embark on the journey of marriage. We offer this as six sessions with an option to continue with additional sessions.
Common Topics Covered
Communication Styles: Understanding how each partner communicates and resolving potential misunderstandings.
Financial Expectations: Discussing budgeting, spending habits, and financial goals.
Family Planning: Conversations about children, parenting styles, and family involvement.
Intimacy and Affection: Establishing comfort levels and expectations around physical and emotional intimacy.
Problem-Solving Strategies: Developing skills to handle future challenges together
Family of Origin- looking at patterns from each person’s family of origin and examining what aspects of your upbringing you would like to emulate in your relationship and what aspects you would like to do differently.
This proactive approach not only helps partners understand each other better but also equips them with the tools to navigate future challenges together. By engaging in premarital counseling, couples significantly enhance their relationship satisfaction fostering a resilient partnership built on trust and mutual understanding. Investing in this crucial phase of your relationship can lead to a stronger, more fulfilling marriage.
Adolescents
Adolescent Counseling: Supporting Young Minds
Adolescent counseling provides essential support for teens and pre teens navigating the complexities of growing up, including issues related to identity, mental health, support for individuals with ADHD, and interpersonal relationships. Our counselors are experienced in addressing unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth, offering a safe and affirming environment for self-exploration and expression. Through individualized therapy, adolescents can develop coping strategies, develop tools for emotional regulation, boost their self-esteem and self acceptance, and foster resilience.
