how do I even get started?

Let’s be honest, therapy is kind of... weird. You meet with a complete stranger and proceed to tell them your biggest fears, vulnerabilities and unmet dreams. Cool. I want to acknowledge and honor the courage it takes to show up to that first appointment. It’s ok if it takes a little while to warm up. Like any relationship, it may take time to build trust and understanding. Know that this is normal and expected. If you give it some time and are still not feeling it, let’s talk about it. You need to find the right fit for you. Therapy is an investment of time, money and emotions, and it has to work for you.

What Should I Expect in Therapy?

Therapy is about having a safe space to open up, explore what you’re struggling with, and gain deeper insight into your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Not every session will be you sobbing on the couch. Nor will it be rainbows and sunshine. Therapy is hard work. Sometimes the work leaves you feeling super motivated, excited, ready to conquer the world. Sometimes sessions can be challenging, and you may feel exhausted, angry or upset. It’s important to know that therapy does not end at the end of the 60-minute session. You will spend time between appointments processing and completing homework assignments to help you gain clarity, integrate and apply what you have learned during the therapy session.

Is therapy for me?

It’s very common for people to want to try therapy but aren’t sure if their situation or problems are “bad enough” to warrant it. Therapy is not just for those who have experienced trauma, are too depressed to function, or are severely impacted by mental health issues. This could not be further from the truth. Therapy is for anyone who wants to better themselves. Whether it is trying to create a better work-life balance, having trouble dealing with your boss or colleagues, worrying about your non-existent love life, or wanting to live the life you always dreamed. It can be anything you want some help with or gain clarity around.

How long do i have to go to therapy for?

Therapy is tailored to you, your personality, strengths and limitations. It depends on what you are seeking help for, the severity of the issue, how hard you work in and outside of sessions, and if other concerns come up for you. Sometimes the concerns you have will resolve in a short time frame, other concerns may take a while to unpack and sort through. Also, life happens, and events, good or bad, can change the trajectory. In general, I like to start seeing people on a weekly basis. This helps you and I to get to know one another, have a good understanding of the goals you are working on, and develop that trust that will help you get to your goals faster. Once you feel like you are managing well, we will try every other week to give you time to try things on your own. Once you’re flying strong on your own, we can choose to set up an appointment once a month or once every few months as a way to check in, keep accountable, and get a refresher if needed.

so what about this dance thing you mentioned?

My experience teaching pole and exotic dance gave me the opportunity to learn how disconnected women often are from our bodies, femininity and sexuality. From the time we are little girls, women have been sent the message that we are supposed to do it all. We cook, clean, go to school, work, take care of kids, parents and partners, water the plants, feed the cats… you get it. We’re patted on the head for being “good girls” and are rewarded for being accommodating, pleasant and staying “small”. On top of this, society has sent some us pretty mixed messages as well. We’re supposed to be sexy, but if we dress provocatively we’re “asking for it”. We’re supposed to “put out”, but if we do, we’re a slut. And don’t forget, we have to live up to the beauty standards of models who have been photoshopped, modified and posed to create nothing close to reality. At the end of the day, we’re so busy wiping noses and cleaning off the counter for the millionth that we forget the power of our femininity. Sensual dance is a time that you can reconnect with the sexy, wild woman you are. I offer individual or group therapeutic dance sessions that incorporate both movement and time to process the thoughts and feelings that may arise. Let me know if you are interested in exploring this alternative type of therapy! No prior dance experience required.