There are times in life when things can feel very hard. Lingering sadness and overwhelming worry can threaten to overwhelm us. A history of childhood trauma and early adversity can take root in our bodies and impact every area of our life. We may even find we are relying on addictions and unhealthy behaviors to cope with our deep unease. If you find yourself feeling stuck in old patterns and are wanting to reclaim more joy in your life, connecting more deeply to the wisdom of the body can facilitate the change you are seeking. My intention is to create a safe place in therapy to gently and compassionately support your journey in living your best life.
I have over 20 years of clinical experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, attachment, addiction, and other mental health disorders. Over those years I have learned that shame is a very powerful force that often keeps us from asking for help. My priority to help people feel safe and create a gentle, compassionate therapeutic environment where you can feel fully able to show up. If we don’t feel safe and valued we will not be able to do the work we need to do to transform our lives. I have had extensive training in body-centered therapy, mindfulness practices, Motivational Interviewing, evidenced-based strategies for working with addictions, and trauma -all have been invaluable in my work in helping others to create meaningful change in their lives
My background and passion is in using a somatic approach in therapy to help integrate the body, heart and mind (Hakomi method). Helping to create more spaciousness so we can begin to hear the messages for our bodies that lead us to greater healing. Growing research illustrates the importance of the mind-body connection and the need for an integrative approach toward health and well-being. A somatic approach works to access the wisdom of the body and help to gently release trauma and shift old patterns that no longer serve us. This approach is centered in mindfulness and works toward cultivating a compassionate, nonjudgmental awareness of the experience in the present and facilitate mind-body integration. I am also utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) within this somatic framework.
I am also in long term recovery myself and have had the lived experience of what that feels like to reach out for help, the bravery it takes to take those first steps to make those changes in our lives. I have learned over the years how to cultivate for myself great compassion. This journey for most of us is filled, at times, with incredible challenges and suffering. Being able to move into these places of vulnerability with immense kindness seems to soften the sharp edges of life and allow us to open up to the possibility of joy. I feel incredibly honored to be a part of your journey and work in partnership with you to create the changes you are hoping for in your life.
Licensed Psychological Associate {LPA} #1704
Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) #1371
“I am feeling some powerful shifts in my life from the work I’ve been doing with Denise. I feel seen and validated. My old wounds and defenses are being loved into healing. We are calling out the trauma and my nervous system is given the chance to calm and get grounded. I can’t recommend her enough. It was the right thing at the right time for me. Maybe it is for you too.”
-Sonya