mind-body psychotherapy

Counseling or therapy is a collaborative process of becoming more intentional, of cultivating a space for healing or growth. For some people it is a process of making the unconscious conscious. For yet others it is the search for a sense of peace in the midst of trauma or illness. Embarking on the journey of mind-body therapy with me is an opportunity to journey inward to know yourself at a greater depth, with more clarity and objectivity. Through a broader and accepting way of knowing our entrenched beliefs, patterns, and ways we’ve been conditioned by life, we begin to unveil a liberated way of living with confidence, peace, and presence. Working with Adults and Adolescents, I offer a relationship-based form of psychotherapy that is grounded in Gestalt and Existential Theories, Neuroscience, an interesting mix of rural PA upbringing with Eastern Philosophies, and Buddhist Psychology. Utilizing experiential healing methods such as meditation, mindfulness exercises, body-based practices and neuro-associative learning, my aim is to walk with you, and at times guide you, in the process of healing. My approach to counseling is an integration of talk therapy and body-based work.

outdoor counseling

Outdoor counseling (also known in some circles as Ecotherapy) is really just that, counseling sessions that take place outside the traditional therapy room setting. It could be where we walk-and-talk, sit in a park, or go for a hike or jog (easily enough that we can still talk without breathing too hard :) - really anything that brings us a little closer to nature.

For those interested in or curious about outdoor counseling, I might encourage you to take a look at this article. There are unavoidable differences and drawbacks between being in the therapy room and being outside. Most notably, the difference in privacy which is an important consideration. There are also upsides to being outdoors, such as being active and moving our bodies or exploring our disconnected relationship with nature and how this influences the stress, anxieties, or sadness we may be experiencing.

"Studies show shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing or time spent in green spaces, can reduce the stress hormone cortisol and increase your immune defense system." - Selhub and Logan, 2013

What to Expect

The first few sessions will be spent discussing what brought you into this mindfulness-based counseling process, building our therapeutic relationship and setting intentions for the healing process. During this initial phase, we will discuss a plan moving forward, creating a customized road map for our therapeutic process. Led by co-created goals and intentions, your healing journey has the opportunity to include talk therapy, body-based practices such as guided meditations, as well as mindfulness and cognitive exercises. Counseling can be time-limited, or an ongoing process of deep personal healing and growth. A typical session is 60 minutes, however, slightly shorter or longer sessions are an option.