Traditionally, therapy is centered around talking about thoughts and feelings, using words to describe these experiences. The challenge with words is that they do not completely capture the depths of your inner emotional experience. Words alone are restricting, limited, and have the potential to leave you frustrated and in pain emotionally and physically. In many cases words are used to defend against having feelings. As a result, they manifest physically (headaches, stomach aches, back pain, chest pain, etc.), or in the form of anxiety, depression, acting out, or self destructive behavior. Emotions are an integral part of being human, but can feel intense and scary or ineffective when expressed. If you grew up or currently live in a household or community that doesn't value emotional expression, is in a constant state of high intensity emotions, or sends the message that you are not heard, then fear, avoidance and shame can emerge as a natural result.
““Many eyes go through the meadow, but few see the flowers in it.” - Emerson”
Authentic expression is about moving beyond the shame and releasing the energy used to repress emotional expression. Together we will create a safe environment to listen to the wisdom of your body and find the unique ways in which you need to express emotions such as anger, sadness, shame, guilt, fear, joy, love, and/or excitement. We will utilize sounds, movements, body positions, and imagery to connect with who you are and how you desire to be. We will connect with the energy released and use it to find love, develop relationships, feel appreciation and gratitude, and create the life you desire.
Often people are concerned that if they connect with their feelings, they will fall apart or feel as if they are going crazy. As a result, emotions are viewed as problematic and are avoided or suppressed. In reality no matter how hard we try, emotions cannot be repressed successfully, but when released in a safe, controlled manner they set us free to be who we are.
With proper guidance you will learn to understand, appreciate, and mitigate your emotions when they emerge. With love and support you will learn to recognize that emotions can be intense and overwhelming, but when felt will keep you grounded, living in the present, and empowered to make conscious choices. Ultimately, they allow us to love and be loved, set boundaries, and appreciate all that is around us.