Our collaboration starts with an introductory phase, usually comprising four 50-minute meetings. To establish a strong therapeutic connection and build a secure foundation for our work, the most common rhythm is meeting weekly for four consecutive weeks.

The heart of this beginning phase is the co-creation of a safe, open, and authentic space where you can freely explore your experiences without judgment. I am here to listen to your narrative with deep regard and curiosity, working to understand your current concerns, patterns of behavior, and relational history through the lens of your life. We’ll begin to identify the various "parts" of self that shape your day-to-day life. Remember, this initial phase is person-centered and adaptable. We can certainly adjust the timeline and extend our introductory sessions based on your unique needs and comfort level, recognizing that your healing journey is intentional and unfolds at the pace that feels right for you.

Setting the Scene and Ensuring Safety: This is where we gather important context and co-create a space that feels secure and comfortable for you.

Diving Deeper into Your World: We'll explore your unique life timeline, identify recurring patterns, and gently look at how early experiences influence your current feelings and behaviors.

Learning New Ways to See: We'll spend time learning about the therapeutic models we'll use to give you a framework for understanding yourself and your relationships.

Partnering on a Plan: We’ll synthesize everything we’ve learned and establish shared, meaningful goals that will guide our ongoing collaboration.

As we move forward, we may focus on specific modalities:

* Parts Work: I will guide you with curiosity and compassion in identifying and understanding the different parts of you that make up your internal system. Our intention is to listen to these parts and recognize the positive, protective intentions underlying their actions, even when those actions result in unwanted outcomes or symptomatic behaviors.

*Somatic Experience is a gentle, body-centered therapy that helps heal trauma by addressing the energy and physiological responses "stuck" in the nervous system. It works "bottom-up," guiding you to notice your body's physical sensations to safely discharge residual fight, flight, or freeze energy from past events. This process restores your nervous system's ability to self-regulate, promoting greater resilience and calm.

* Inner Child Work: If this is an area of focus, we will gently turn our attention to the younger parts of self that experienced wounding, neglect, or trauma in childhood, with the goal of providing them with the care, validation, and healing they need.