Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What will you do to help me?
A: My job as a therapist is to work with you to take a U-turn and explore your internal system. I carry the flashlight while you are learning how to pause, sit with yourself and explore the inner workings and parts. It's my job to follow your lead and support you on this journey. The system inside often needs attention, and my role is to help navigate this deeper exploration. Sometimes that path unfolds and surprises us. I believe it takes courage to take the first step to look and get curious... In group space, this happens while we witness each other and can deeply impact collective healing. The power of group work is beyond words.
Q: What if I don't want to really feel that pain?
A: I'll be sitting with you until you're ready to explore your options. We will likely need to meet the parts of you concerned about this pain. Sometimes our systems are alarmed because a part of us feels hurt inside and protective parts don't want us to go there. Often times exploring what's going on feels unfamiliar and/or threatening. We often don't know that we have the resources to create safety by developing relationships with each part of us. I see group therapy as an exploration into learning and knowing all of our parts inside while developing a connection to our greater SELF. We may need and want to continue blaming others while attempting to protect the system. This makes so much sense and this is often part of the journey. I see my job as helping you explore where you are by taking a U-turn and developing the curiosity needed to deeply hear what the system needs you to know as well as where the system needs attention and care. Often this is a befriending process and takes some time to create some sense of safety inside.
Q: Will you have the answers to my problem?
A: We will definitely be exploring the questions you bring and the answers you are looking for. I believe ultimately you are the one capable of accessing the direction and map there. Our system, when balanced has a deep knowing and the journey is often discovering how we learn to trust. We will certainly work with all of the parts of you that may be struggling to let that guidance be known. Sometimes as new explorers, we really don't know what that is, so I see my role as your group therapist to support you to connect and discover that inner truth. Sometimes we are overwhelmed and unable to connect with it. I'll invite you to take one step at a time, at your own pace mindfully, uncovering what's there while inviting you to create curiosity and relationships in the experience within yourself.
Q: I don't know if I want to stay in my relationship, how will you help me?
A: I believe my role is to help you explore your struggle. Sometimes we have arguments actively going on inside. You will probably have reactions to both paths (one side that wants to stay and the other side that wants to leave) and we will explore these positions. Not only will we identify and get to know the struggle, we'll find ways to get curious how to be with the struggle in a way that allows the system to feel met, cared for and deeply listened to. Unburdening the system, and supporting healing is part of the journey. I trust you'll know what to do when you are ready, clear and deeply connected to yourself. That's what Self Leadership is. It's a term we use in the Internal Family Systems model. The Process Model would call this our Highest Self. This is known by many indigenous traditions and religions.
Q: I can't ever get over the loss of my partner/child, how is therapy going to help?
A: In my experience of grief, we don't ever "get over it." I believe our relationship to the loss shifts in the healing process. We may need to experience the parts of us that carry our sadness, anger, regret for however long they need. It's my job to hold the space for you to explore all of the unfinished processes, pain and struggle related to the death and loss. Sometimes we have to ask "why" before we are ready to accept "what is." The unfolding of that is~ is what I honor, witness, support and hold plenty of space for in my office with deep compassion and patience.
Q: Do you take insurance?
No. I am not included on any insurance panels and charge a fee for service. My current session fees are payable by check, cash or credit card. I always make room for a few lower fee paying clients. I also provide clients a "Super Bill" which is a receipt for services. Clients with health insurance can submit the super bill for reimbursement.
