What motivated you to become a therapist?

My motivation to become a therapist stems from my own healing journey through personal therapy. Before undergoing therapy, I doubted the possibility of healing. However, after experiencing firsthand the transformative power of therapy, I became passionate about helping others achieve similar healing.

Why do you believe you're an effective therapist?

I believe in my effectiveness as a therapist because of my deep understanding that healing is possible. My own experiences of feeling lost and misunderstood highlighted the importance of therapy in uncovering and addressing deep-seated issues stemming from childhood. This personal insight drives my approach to therapy, focusing on helping others realize they are deserving of love and belonging.

What sets you apart as a therapist?

What sets me apart is my commitment to forming a trustworthy relationship with my clients, my eagerness to continuously learn and adapt my approach, and my focus on the therapeutic partnership. I emphasize the importance of finding the right therapist-client fit and advocate for a collaborative effort in the healing process, underscoring that healing comes from within, guided by therapeutic support.

How do you describe the process and impact of therapy based on your personal and professional experience?

Therapy is most effective when clients are ready to engage with their deepest vulnerabilities. My professional practice is enriched by my personal journey through therapy, including the significant role of somatic bodywork in accessing and healing deeper wounds. This experience has deeply influenced my therapeutic approach, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and the gradual exploration of one's innermost wounds. I believe in the Gestalt paradoxical theory of change, where true transformation arises from self-acceptance rather than the pursuit of change. My approach is holistic, focusing on being present with all aspects of a client's experience, which facilitates a more profound healing process.

Considering the depth and complexity of therapy, how crucial is it for there to be a strong fit between therapist and client?

The journey of therapy, particularly when it involves delving into one’s deepest wounds, requires a relationship built on trust and understanding. It’s not merely about confronting fears head-on; rather, it’s a gradual process of exploring and understanding these fears. A good therapist guides this exploration, taking careful steps to ensure the client is ready before delving deeper. This approach requires time, as the defenses built around these wounds are strong and protective. Hence, the therapeutic journey resembles a deeply personal voyage into and back from one’s innermost vulnerabilities, necessitating a companion who is not just a guide but also a confidant. The fit between a therapist and client is fundamental, as this connection provides the safety and trust needed to embark on such a vulnerable journey. My own experiences with therapy, especially somatic body work, have underscored the importance of this fit. This form of therapy allowed me to experience vulnerability in a way I hadn’t before, facilitated by a therapist who was present with me through the most challenging moments, affirming the importance of a supportive and understanding therapeutic relationship.

Can you discuss the role of play in the healing process from trauma?

Play is a vital component in the healing journey from trauma. It is, in fact, an act of rebellion. Play is crucial, especially when considering the inner child parts that remain within us. Often, these parts are overshadowed by the more serious, adult-like approaches to recovery, yet they are fundamental to our healing. Addressing these neglected child parts through play can foster profound healing and reconnection with lost aspects of ourselves. Think about it: we all have these child parts in us.