A major focus of my work with clients is on emotional literacy. Often, clients seek relief from “bad” feelings, but these feelings can come from various sources. For instance, anxiety might actually be restlessness or irritability, especially during the first year of recovery. The label for a feeling depends on what it truly refers to—its actual cause. Understanding the true source and name of a feeling is empowering because it helps us know what to do about it. I will work with you to identify the origin and nature of these “bad” feelings and determine the best way to address them.
Many of our day-to-day feelings stem from how we interpret past experiences, observations, and imaginations. Sometimes, we get trapped in memories, unable to move forward, and this can prevent us from creating new, positive experiences because we’re not present in the moment. Together, we will revisit those memories that shape your life’s story, and work to re-script or re-story their significance. We’ll also work to develop mindfulness practices that are designed to help you connect with your bodily experiences and come back to your senses. This will help you engage more fully with the present and create new, better memories.
The best analogy I can use to describe my role to my clients is that of an optometrist. People come to me seeking relief from their suffering and wanting to change their lives. They often think their life consists of the people, places, and things around them. While sometimes these external factors do need to change, more often, it’s the lens through which they view these factors that needs adjustment. The stories we tell ourselves and others are the lens. Together, we will work on shifting your focus regarding what happens or has happened in life, to change the course of what happens next in your story.
