Coming Home to Yourself

Ever since I was a kid, I was fascinated with people. Why they do what they do. How they see themselves and the world. I was also born a feeler. A deep deep feeler. I could spend hours sitting with myself, exploring my thoughts and feelings, losing track of time and my grasp on reality. So it only made sense that I sought a degree in Psychology, which is the study of the mind and behavior.

Fast forward many, many moons and I am now a solo private practice business owner, loving my day to day exploration of my clients’ minds and behaviors, hoping to make some small difference in at least one person by truly seeing them, helping to normalize their “craziness” and show them that often times what they see as their deficit is really their superpower.

In this work, it is my passion, my mission, to hold the mirror up for others so that they can see themselves as I see them. Beauty in all of their imperfections. Warriors of the unfortunate and unwanted situations they have been placed in. I understand that the mind is the place to start but I wholeheartedly believe (and science supports) the power in the mind+body connection. If the body can be a place of peace, grounding, and safety, I believe we can manage almost any hurricane of the mind.

By getting connected to this vessel that holds our inner world, memories and traumas, we can come to see that it has also carried us through these experiences, keeping us living, breathing, and ultimately safe. This is home. While my home can feel chaotic at times, much like waves swelling and crashing over me, with skills training, I can find the lighthouse guiding me to stability. For me, personally, my lighthouse is my breathing. I can use this tool to ground and calm my storm. Inhale, 1, 2, 3, 4. Exhale, 1, 2, 3, 4. Inhale peace. Exhale fear. I. Am. Calm. I. Am. Safe. I. Am. Home.

Others may find movement to be more helpful. Yoga, walking, running, washing dishes, wrapping yourself in a hug, rocking. In some way, move your body to release your mental energy. If you can get good at this, connecting your mind and body, focusing on their function of safety, I can promise that the seas will feel a bit more manageable and you a bit more confident in your ability to sail.

Thanks for reading the ramblings of my therapist mind. Hopefully you found something of use. If you are interested in learning skills to calm your mind+body, reach out to a licensed mental health professional or let me help connect you to one of my amazing colleagues to get started today.

Until next time. Be well.