Holistic Therapy Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an effective approach that helps you improve your thoughts and emotions. Unlike traditional methods that focus on changing your thought processes or eliminating uncomfortable feelings, ACT emphasizes cognitive flexibility to acknowledge that discomfort is a natural part of life. By utilizing tools centered around defusion, ACT creates space between you and your uncomfortable thoughts, allowing you to engage in actions that align with your core values. This process can be enhanced by integrating concepts from existential therapy, providing a deeper understanding of your experiences. Additionally, exploring the principles of polyvagal theory can further support your journey in navigating discomfort and life's challenges, especially through the lens of intersectional feminism, which highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in emotional well-being.

Polyvagal theory helps us understand the connection between the body, brain, and autonomic nervous system. It provides a lens for us to comprehend what our nervous system is doing when it feels dysregulated, and offers tools and interventions to help recenter our systems and maintain regulation. While often used as a foundation for trauma work, polyvagal theory has also proved to successfully support those living with anxiety, depression, and other experiences of dysregulation. Additionally, it can complement approaches such as acceptance and commitment therapy and existential therapy, while also being informed by principles of intersectional feminism.

Existential therapy, much like acceptance and commitment therapy, delves into the profound, often intimidating questions surrounding human existence. By embracing the unknowable, existential frameworks aid clients in exploring vital inquiries such as the meaning of life, the nature of free will, and concerns about death and dying. This form of therapy encourages clients to confront difficult topics that significantly influence daily life but are frequently avoided. Integrating principles from existentialism and the insights of polyvagal theory, existential therapy empowers clients to discover answers that resonate with them, even in the absence of a singular 'right' answer. It fosters a sense of autonomy, encourages the exercise of free will, and helps individuals find meaning, even in circumstances that may seem devoid of purpose, all while being informed by an understanding of intersectional feminism that recognizes the diverse experiences of individuals.

Intersectional feminism acknowledges that various social identities, such as race, class, sexuality, and ability, intersect to create distinct experiences of oppression and privilege. In my practice, I center intersectional feminism within both acceptance and commitment therapy and existential therapy to help clients explore their lived experiences. This approach supports clients in identifying how systems of power and oppression influence their mental health. By recognizing the importance of intersectionality, clients feel more empowered to take control of the factors contributing to their emotional distress, even within systems they did not actively choose to be part of. Additionally, incorporating polyvagal theory enhances our understanding of how these factors impact emotional regulation and resilience.