Transform through the magical process of writing your story
Here's a bit more information on what our sessions may involve, but please keep in mind, your sessions will be uniquely created based on your personal story and intentions:
Initial Story-telling & Intention setting
We begin with your story and "the secret story of your heart" as Elizabeth Lesser calls this deeper look past your outer life circumstances into your soul's yearning for growth. I will bear witness to your story, hold space for your journey and support you in identifying where you are in your process. In our first few sessions, I will support you with writing intentions and developing a plan for our writing together, which is based on your personal goals and honors your unique pace. We will look at your story and identify "limiting core beliefs" and the "emotions underneath the belief" as you moved through different stages of your trauma or major transition. (Spilkin 2016). Some of the other practices we might engage in during this time period are, but not limited to: resourcing exercises through triggers, other methods of creating including art, music and yoga/embodiment, writing in nature, guided meditation, and pranayama (intentional breathing).
The Writing process
The middle place of our time together, like the middle place in trauma or major life transition, is often the most uncomfortable and therefore the most transformative. This is the time for deep and active exploration and integration through writing. Narrative, fiction, poetry, journaling, freewrites - you name it. No type of writing is off limits. We can tie writing to specific life events or travel as applicable. As you write and share your voice with me, I will offer reflections for how your soul wants to break open and transform. We will explore your own hero's journey, identify resources gained from your experience, and write your story from a "new, empowered perspective" (Spilkin 2016).
story ceremony
The work we have done together is sacred, so we honor it through custom-created ceremony. This can be a private ritual, a ceremony with your community or anything in between. When we give space to recognize the journey, the experience is sealed in our hearts forever. Imagine writing vows of self-love and performing a commitment ceremony to yourself or inviting close loved-ones to bear witness to your intentions as you gather around an outdoor fire or climbing a mountain to watch the sunrise and speaking your heart to the trees. I help you to purposefully design, prioritize, and follow-through with your chosen way of symbolically honoring your journey.
My approach is inspired and influenced by:
Occupational Therapy Theories and Approaches in Community Mental Health & Wellness
Yoga and Practices of Embodiment, specifically Trauma-Informed Yoga, Yin Yoga and Harmonium Sound Healing
Post-Traumatic Growth Theory and the work by Sweigh Emily Spilkin & Katie Asmus
Creative Writing, specifically exercises designed by Elizabeth Lesser, Anne Lamott, Natalie Goldberg & Jack Collom
Temple Practices - The Awakening Women's Institute
Books & Articles:
Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow by Elizabeth Lesser
When the Heart Waits by Sue Monk Kidd
Dance of the Dissident Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Rising Strong by Brene Brown
Women Who Run With the Wolves by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes
The Butterfly Hours by Patty Dann
Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, & Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
The Way of Transition by William Bridges
Opening Up by Writing it Down by James W. Pennebaker and Joshua M. Smyth
My own life's story has been my greatest teacher, and I am grateful for its lessons.