My therapeutic approach involves attention to each client’s capacity for: Resilience, Identity, Self Expression, and Wellness. 

Resilience. I haven’t met anyone who has escaped the hardships of life, but what I do know is that the human spirit is filled with a resilience-building capacity. Resilience is often forged from devastation and hardship. Probably one of my favorite quotes, speaks to this best:

‘No mud, no lotus’ (Thich Nhat Hanh).

I believe that good things can come from dark places (i.e., grief and loss). That being said, this doesn’t mean that overcoming disappointment or more serious life-threatening experiences (i.e., trauma) is a simple or swift process. We are surrounded by examples of resilience every day, and I’m here to help you rise from the darkness and become another example of resilience for others. 

 

Identity and Self Expression. Life affects how we view ourselves and how we believe others view us. I hold many identities (i.e., therapist, mother, partner, educator, anti-racist, advocate, LGBTQ+ ally - - to name a few). These identities influence how I bring my therapeutic presence into the room with clients. Additionally, I strive to honor the various identities that my clients hold and guide my clients towards achieving authentic self-expression within their valued relationships by exploring:

1) how clients view themselves,

2) what part(s) of their identity no longer serves them, 

3) what part(s) of their identity they want to more fully express, and

4) how they want to more fully connect with others.

 

Wellness. I also invite clients to attend closely to their body! I place great importance on rest/relaxation, nutrition/hydration, exercise/movement, and recreation/play (i.e., creative expression). Our bodies are amazing machines, but we must respect their limits and recharge, given how much we demand of them. Like a car, they require maintenance and care. Chronic periods of stress will cause our bodies to become depleted and unable to thrive. I often remind clients that if you are stressed long enough, you will become depressed. Thus, I will support you in evaluating and addressing the potential imbalances in how you are caring for your body. Additionally, I will approach a deeper understanding of wellness with my clients by exploring the 8 dimensions of wellness, above and beyond the physical realm.

 

In closing, I hope this information gives you a clearer picture of how I might support you on your journey --to RISE to Wellness. I look forward to having an opportunity to support your individual and relational desires. 

With gratitude and appreciation, 

Nicole ~a kindred traveler