Classes? Coaching? Therapy? How do I know which one will work best for me?
I want to start right off the bat by clarifying the reason I offer a variety of services. Therapy is expensive. Even for those who are insured, there are deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance, charge-backs, etc. I want to make somatic self-care more accessible by providing different ways to access this style of learning and healing. More broadly speaking, I find the idea of how people seek help to be fascinating.
Let’s use the metaphor of a day at the beach (because I adore the ocean). In depth psychology, the ocean is loaded with symbolism, in particular of the unconscious where thoughts and feelings tumble around outside of our immediate awareness. There’s a lot going on down there that can affect our daily actions and interactions whether we like it or not. And it can be hard to tell what’s going on in there without some help.
Weekly classes and workshops are a fun, relatively low risk, way to play in the sand and get some perspective on the ocean. It’s really big, after all. We can stay relatively safe on the shore with easy access to coping skills, presumably with just a bit of prompting or assistance. There is a lot we can do without ever setting foot in the ocean, although we may let a wave splash at our feet now and then. We may do some pertinent experiential sharing and you may learn about yourself but the focus generally remains on specific goals or take-aways. These experiences are designed to provide a holding space for exploration of deeper themes you may want to pursue outside of class.
Coaching is a bit riskier. When we’re ready to start wading into the water, we might need some extra support. A coach can provide you with the resources you need to start exploring deeper content. Coaching acknowledges that the ocean is there, and that we’re in it, but the focus is still more on the surface, like snorkeling. It’s a great choice for approaching an issue(s) that you’re already aware of, refining a specific coping skill, or finding a launching point for further self-reflection that you want to explore on your own. Coaching is generally not suited for trauma work or addressing specific mental health concerns like depression. Please note that my coaching program is on hold as of December 2024 as I acquire more training in this area.
Therapy/counseling can be very vulnerable. As much as I love the ocean, I know I can’t live down there and I need a lot of tools and practice to get comfortable diving in. A guide may look like anything, but in terms of western medicine, that tends to look like supervision, degrees, certifications and hours of practice. I’m not here to say a beautiful, silent humpback whale, an ancient sheltering oak tree, or an elder you trust might not give you all the wisdom you need, but they may not always be available. If you’re looking for an objective, compassionate person who has already done a lot of metaphorical swimming, you may want to consider therapy. Counseling may be the best choice for growing after trauma, exploring deeper themes and meanings, and addressing more systemic issues either individually or with a group of people who have been through something similar.
Still not quite sure which approach is best for your situation? Feel free to email or call me for a free 20 minute discovery session to explore the possibilities!