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What's with the name "Brain Flower"?
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Brain Flower to me is a nod to the phrase “brain power.” I believe there is great power in blooming and growing into more of who we were designed to be.
What is the best part of being a counselor?
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I feel very blessed to be present in another’s story for a season and to do the sacred work of entering relationships centered on suffering. Being a witness to hope, healing, and triumph over adversity is a wonderful experience. I love celebrating clients' wins with them! I am learning more and more how truly strong people are and how joy can be found in the most unlikely places. I am honestly inspired and frequently challenged by the bravery of clients as they lean into and steward their pain.
What is your counseling style?
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I personalize my counseling approach to serve each client according to their specific needs. However, I do have some core modalities I utilize. I am a S.A.F.E. (somatic and attachment focused) EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained clinician. EMDR is a therapy originally established to treat trauma, but today can be used to treat a wide variety of presenting issues. Even if I am not doing EMDR with a client, I still may utilize EMDR emotional regulation resources. Another modality I utilize is Attachment Theory, which considers how early attachment styles are replicated in adult relationships. I work through a Family Systems lens which focuses on family of origin dynamics and multigenerational patterns. I have completed training in DNMS (Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy), a parts work approach designed to nurture and meet the needs of wounded child parts. Lastly, I really enjoy incorporating artistic expression and mindfulness practices when it is a good fit for clients.
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How long does counseling take to work/ begin noticing results?
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Another way to ask this question is “How long does it take for change to take place?” and the answer is…you guessed it…it depends. Some factors that influence this include: type of presenting issue, level of investment, timing of intervention, intensity/volume of traumatic experiences, working with a therapist that feels like a really good fit for you, and more. As a general rule of thumb, I would say it takes about 4-6 sessions to see change developing.
What counseling related topics will be included in this blog?
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I have a special interest in serving clients who have experienced trauma, so a number of entries will include information surrounding trauma informed care. I appreciate seeing client’s presenting issues through an attachment lens, so this perspective will likely color a number of my posts. In addition, I would like to write about a variety of topics such as anxiety, perinatal mental health, couples-related issues, stress, co-dependency, restorative self-care, grief, and more. Due to being an avid reader, I will also include highlights and personal take-aways from some of my favorite reads.
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What encouragement would you give to someone who is considering starting the counseling process?
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In the words of Albus Dumbledore, “Numbing the pain for a while will make it worse when you finally feel it.” I cannot deny that counseling is a challenging process. I often share with clients that sessions are like going to battle in the deepest pain points of your life. All this said, the freedom on the other side is so worth it! Letting the fear of trying something new (like counseling) influence your decision makes fear the leader of your life. Fear does not deserve that level of power. Be brave! You can do it! (you’ll be glad you did).
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