Why Whole Self?

 Why the name “Whole Self?”: Each of our therapists believe that all parts of you are valuable, even (especially!) the parts you think are boring, unlikeable, or cause harm.  We know those parts of you hold a story of their own and are often trying to protect you from feeling pain or haven’t yet learned that they too can be an integrated, loved part of what makes you YOU. Your Whole Self is welcome!

 

What does this look like practically?: Our desire to have all parts of you feel welcome means that we strive to create a therapy space where you don’t have to hide any part of yourself. Messy hair, no makeup? Bring it! Feeling crabby and kinda-pissed-you-have-therapy today- the crabby part of you is welcome too! Need to eat or drink during session? No problem! The last thing we want is for you to feel like you have to be anyone that you’re not, act a certain way, or hide parts of yourself.  We strive to help you be as authentic as possible, and we strive to be that too!

 

What does this look like for my kid?: This means if we hear you to tell your kid, “Listen/be nice to Ms.Therapist” we may gently redirect you, saying something like “All of them is welcome here too!” Often school and other environments require kids to disconnect from their true feelings or dysregulation in order to be seen as “compliant”.  We want to make therapy a space where your child can bring their full self, dysregulation and all, and have an experience of *ALL OF THEM* being seen, loved, known, and accepted.  Because we know that’s how true healing happens, when the parts of us that have been hidden have a place to be seen, known, and helped!

  

What does this mean for me as a parent?: This means we value you as a *person*, not just as a parent.  We will want to get to know who you are, and help you get to know who you are, both inside and outside of being a parent.  We welcome the parts of you that may feel shame, anger, hatred, resentment, and regret about your role as a parent. You don’t have to hide those parts of you- they are welcome too!

 


 What else do you mean by “Whole Self?”: We believe deeply that humans are more than just their thoughts or minds and that there are many ways to heal. We offer various types of therapy and healing modalities to help you come back to a sense of connection with yourself and your body.  These include TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) and the Safe and Sound Protocol, both modalities that work to promote nervous system regulation, allowing for a greater sense of peace and connection with yourself and others.