YOUR BODY IS YOU Psychotherapy for Adults in Columbia MO & Online
Serving Highly-Sensitive People, Empaths, Introverts & Autists who are seeking support for Burnout, Anxiety & Toxic Situations…
end trying to think your way out of anxiety…
Perhaps there are places you feel stuck & are in a pattern of repeating stress cycles…
You may have been trying to do it on your own, but if you’re feeling stressed most of the time, unfulfilled in your life direction or haunted by the past…it may be time to gain some new perspective.
You’re smart & intuitive, so it may be tempting to continue trying to “push-through” or figure it out on your own, but it could be lovely to feel understood…yes?
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ANXIETY & PANIC
There are many sources for anxiety & it doesn't go away on its own. My specialty is anxiety & panic as it is connected to sensory issues, Autistic masking & trauma response that is trapped in the body (unconscious).
Anxiety is a message needing attention.
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HIGH SENSITIVITY
I help HSPs connect to the gifts of this trait while addressing the challenges it brings, such as...increased levels of anxiety, trauma, sleep issues, etc.
If you hear things others do not, are sensitive to smell, taste, sound, etc. & are highly empathic...you may be an HSP!
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AUTIST BURNOUT
If you think you might be Autistic or otherwise neurodivergent & are struggling..let's talk!
I work with adults who suspect they are neurodivergent to assess & address sensory & relational issues. Burnout caused by masking is a particular speciality.
a curated approach for you…
body-centric approach
Cognitive knowledge & learning are amazing, but including the body in psychotherapy ensures that ALL parts of you feel safe in the therapy room. The work we do together includes Somatic Psychotherapy (awareness of sensation, breath, movement & posture).
Many of us have moved into our heads (thoughts) & are over-riding our instincts. This work is about listening & reconnecting to how & what your body knows. The body knows exactly what pace to move for there to be room for change.
address sensory challenges
Many HSPs (& Autists & ADHDers) experience heightened sensory gifts & challenges. We can address these sensory dynamics in a way that helps transform them into assets rather than pain-inducing set-backs. Boundary building, mindfulness practice, somatic skills-building for nervous system regulation are a part of the work we do together.
In addition, I offer the Safe & Sound Protocol as an intervention to address auditory sensitivities & more.
addressing HSP needs
The focus in my practice is working with Highly-Sensitive People & other Neurodivergent categories (late-diagnosed or undiagnosed Autism, AuDHD). We explore the ups & downs of neurodivergence, while recognizing that High Sensitivity is a trait one is born with & includes heightened sensory perception, higher levels of empathy & a rich internal, mental life. While these traits have immense positives, they can also create vulnerabilities to trauma & relational issues.
you are unique...you have options...
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PSYCHOTHERAPY
Psychotherapy with me is a combination of Contemplative & Somatic Psychotherapy & Parts Integration. The combination is curated to your taste & goals.
Sessions focus on resourcing & balancing all parts of you, so you can experience feeling integrated & “whole” in thought & feelings.
Psychological growth doesn’t happen without time & thoughtful attention. There are many ways to heal, & no way is perfect, but we must begin.
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ASSESSMENT
When I began speaking at length to HSPs on my website, I had an influx of clients asking me for Autism assessment & expressing a lack of assessment services for adults.
I didn’t want to abandon my clients to online quizzes & continued confusion, so I went to work...
I have developed my own approach combining clinical assessments (updating any outdated wording) & an interview format that leaves less room for ambiguity.
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CONSULTATION
I offer Individual Consultations for HSP & non-HSP professionals, caregivers & healers who want support for themselves or need to know how to better support their clients.
Highly-Sensitive People are often drawn to healing & helping professions as well as the arts & have great skill to support others, but may need support to set boundaries for themselves, achieve their dreams & build a toolkit for protecting their energy & time.
Consultation is not psychotherapy.
Your Body is You is for people…
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adding somatic practices & parts integration can make a big difference for HSPs who are able to “stay in their heads” with traditional counseling
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Many people identify with being highly-sensitive & then begin to explore the wider world of Neurodivergence. Many Autistic people make it to adulthood without being identified, which creates decades of pain & traumatic (primarily unconscious) masking.
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creating boundaries is a great first step & safe & sound protocol is an additional option for auditory challenges
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Many HSPs, Empaths & Neurodivergent people read the description of PTSD & feel like it applies to them....except...the event.
The fact is, when one is sensitive small things add up & something that seems "no big deal" to another IS a big deal to the sensitive nervous system.
For example, developing a phobia based on a movie preview you saw on TV when you were 4....imagery is powerful to a sensitive person.
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we first work with nervous-system tools to address the ups & downs
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Burnout has become a bit of a buzz word, but it's no joke! If burnout is not addressed, it is a one-way street to apathy & loss of meaning in your life.
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When our ability to notice & be empathic is favored by others...it gets reinforced & often taken advantage of...do you find yourself being an efficient worker, but all it gets you is more work? The Boundaries you make with yourself to stop over-orienting to others is a game-changer!
Empathic folks also attract "needy" friends & partners at the least & at worst attract narcissistic personality types & energy "vampires."
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Stress doesn’t help any illness heal or improve symptoms. Learning stress reduction techniques, making boundaries & learning to listen to one’s body is the least we can do to feel better or possibly go into remission with autoimmune disorders/diseases.
no time like the present…what next…
If you are interested in Psychotherapy or Assessment…
It’s as easy as can be: Follow the link & schedule your 50 minute session with me. I offer a reduced rate of $100 for the first session, so we can get a feel for if working together is a good fit. If you cannot find a time that works for you, message me via my contact page.
A first session is a great opportunity to see if you like the way I work & we’ll talk about your needs & how to proceed. There will be minimal e-paperwork prior to session.
You can indicate if you would like to meet online or in-person in Columbia, MO.
If you have questions…
Many answers can be found here on my website, but if you have any other questions, reach out, via my contact page & ask all your questions.
If you are interested in Consultation…
If you would like to schedule a consultation, feel free to schedule through the self-scheduler for a 50 minute reduced rate session. I will send you a small amount of electronic paperwork, but you will not need to do my full psychotherapy paperwork. Please note: consultation is not psychotherapy.
Consultation is a stand-alone service, but it can be transitioned into regular consultation sessions or my other services (psychotherapy, assessment, etc.).
You can indicate if you would like to meet online or in-person in Columbia, MO.