One breath, one goal, one step...It begins with one, an individual, to be slowly & staidly built upon. Individual therapy can Help address & change negative patterns that keep you stuck, past trauma, etc. affecting your mental health while learning more about yourself, free from the worries and constraints that hold you back affecting your mental health while learning more about yourself & making healthy behavior changes that improve your mental health & wellness.
Individual therapy/psychotherapy involves meeting with a therapist, one-on-one for the purpose of reducing internal challenges which may occur in the form of problematic behaviors, beliefs, feelings, and/or somatic responses (sensations in the body). In addition, ongoing psychotherapy is a common use for means of self growth and self actualization for many people. Therapy can help people to confront barriers which interfere with emotional and mental well-being. Some people enjoy therapy and relish the journey of becoming more conscious about themselves, their inner workings, and their relationships. Whereas others may be resistant to the idea therapy. I work with both groups of people, as well as those who are in between. therapy may increase help to increase positive feelings, such as joy, peace, self-esteem, spiritual, connection, love, etc.
As a child/teen, you can feel as if each year, month, and sometimes, even each day, you are learning, growing, thinking, & feeling in new ways that you had not been aware of previously. You may experience situational difficulties that are time-limited, or experience major life changes that will prove to be life-long, and at times even positive encounters can cause stress.
The way I work with children is not one in which the child can be dropped off for a session with me and s/he gets “fixed”. There will be times in which the child’s caregiver(s) will join in the session to work on the family dynamic (how the caregiver(s) and the child interact & communicate with one another). During these specific sessions, at times, I may seem to be a "translator"…If there is a moment within the session I can assist with “translating”/aiding the conversation towards healthy communication with different coping skills, I will. This is with the ideal end result being one in which the caregiver(s) and child/teen can speak without the use of myself, by utilizing the coping skills you attain within session. Child/Teen psychotherapy is considered anyone 17 years of age and under. Child/Teen psychology encompasses a wide array of topics, from the genetic influences on behavior to the social pressures on development. It focuses on the mind and behavior from prenatal development through adolescent. Child/Teen psychology deals with not only how children & adolescents grow physically, but with their mental, emotional, and social development, as well. Initially, I will begin with an Integrative theoretical stance, from which I will then branch out to a Child-Centered approach. Person/Child-Centered therapy believes, first and foremost, for successful therapy to occur the relational climate/rapport created by my (the therapist’s) attitude towards your child (the client) is of the utmost importance. We will work on exploring the use of research-based external coping skills, to use in conjunction with counseling strategies, to achieve a greater level of emotional and behavioral regulation. Some examples of coping skills include, but are not limited to, breathing techniques, nature sounds, laughter, and sensory stimulation. Working with children has always been a passion of mine throughout my life whether it be as a teenager volunteering at a hospital on the Pediatric floor. Or during college and beyond, being a dance instructor, a cheer coach, nurturing/having a watchful eye as a nanny, or one of the many other ways during my life. It makes sense that my journey has led me to help/aid children attain a positive self-esteem/image & sense of self, release & move forward from past traumas, and more, via their own mental wellness & well-being.
Our family members are often the people with whom we have some of our most powerful relationships. They are the people to whom we are genetically or emotionally bonded, but our connections with them are not immune to conflict. Family therapy or family counseling is a form of psychotherapy that aims to reduce distress in the family system by helping members learn new ways of working together and managing challenges.
In Family Therapy, the family is seen as a "whole" system, rather than just as the sum of its individual members. It focuses on relationships within the family unit and takes place with the family members present. As with individual and group therapy, Family Therapy is used to approach a wide variety of therapeutic goals. Rather than viewing problems as owned and caused by a particular family member (also called an "identified patient"), Family Therapy, helps to identify the ways that relationship and individual problems are caused and maintained by the family dynamics. For example, if a child is having academic and social problems, the focus will be on identifying the family patterns that have contributed to the child acting out, rather than working on existing in the mind/psyche with the child alone. Family Therapy may be the primary focus of treatment, or could be used as a supplement to individual therapy.
Struggling with arousal/feel a loss of passion/sexual pleasure? Want sex in different ways or frequency than your partner and/or with different partners? Working in the sex industry without any supportive outlets to rant or rave about day-to-day life? Experiencing sexual pain, difficulty achieving orgasm. You don’t have to keep avoiding your feelings, thoughts, and beliefs about sex or continue to feel like the topic of sex is too "taboo" to discuss. Sex therapy addresses a wide array of sexual concerns that impact both individuals and relationships. Sex therapy can help you to explore & have the sexual life you desire.
I am a sex positive therapist who is sex worker friendly and kink aware. I am nonjudgmental, which means that I do not have any preconceived notions of what your sexuality, identity, etc. “should” look like. Sometimes we live our life, including our sexual life, a certain way because we think we’re “supposed” to do. But it doesn’t always make us happy. By creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment where you can express your thoughts and feelings, we can work together in individualized therapy towards your deeper personal growth & wellness journey, and aid with discovering how to live your true authentic self & life with renewed confidence. You may wonder, "What exactly is sex psychotherapy?" The quick and easy way I describe sexual psychotherapy (which may be referred to as "sexology") is where human sexuality and mental health & wellness overlap. Sex therapy allows you to consider (often for the first time) what your sexual experience has been like throughout your life, what your sexual experience is currently like, and what priorities you have for sexual expression in your future. Therapeutic goals are established by you in the area of your sex life/expression/identity/etc. that cause you difficulty or dissatisfaction, whether that be through internal thought patterns or outward expression. These goals are often addressed in tandem with other therapeutic topics typical to counseling, such as a sexless marriage or relationship, conflict in the relationship, stress, anxiety, depression, gender identity, sexual arousal & response, infidelity, feeling comfortable & confident in the skin your in to be able to express your needs, wants, & desires, sexual behavior, perspectives & attitudes on or towards sex(uality), sexual orientation, communication, sexual difficulties, sexual abuse & trauma, and so many other topics. I was raised to believe that discussing sex & sexuality, was as healthy & comfortable, as speaking about the subject of eating a balanced diet. Look at my “Random: Get to Know Me” section to see what truly kicked it all off. As I grew up and started having conversations with friends, I learned that not only were a vast majority of people not raised in that way...There were taboos, along with feelings of shame, guilt, & embarrassment not only about the specific topic of sex, but understanding their own gender, sexuality, & body that were impressed upon others. This at times could be due to religious upbringing, possibly not feeling comfortable with discussing the topics themselves, or a plethora of other reasons. The DSM 5 (latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) explains that because sexual response involves the body, mind, and emotions, often more than one factor is involved—including problems related to one’s partner, the relationship in general, individual factors (such as aging, poor body image, low self-esteem), cultural or religious factors, and medical factors. As I went through life and my education, I took it upon myself to not only seek out further education on sexual psychology...I also, joined different organizations and groups that would allow me further understanding on a personal & professional level.
Are you looking for nonjudgemental, sex positive, empathetic, and empowering support?
I am here, for you, to provide a listening ear, and a caring space free of judgment and negativity. Sometimes you just need an opportunity of someone offering you an unbiased, open-minded ear should you wish to unburden yourself, vent frustration, or share something you otherwise wouldn't disclose.
SUPPORT AROUND BURNOUT
Are you finding yourself engaging in unhealthy coping strategies (drinking to excess, eating excessive amounts of food: junk or comfort, and/or self medicating)? Are you feeling disillusioned about work & life in general? Are you not turning up for appointments, switching your phone off, or being rude to clients who call? Are you exhausted emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and/or physically? Are you experiencing frustration, cynicism, and/or other negative emotions? This tends to play out in one of two ways: (1.) You’re having more conflicts with other people, such as getting into arguments, or (2.) you withdraw, talking to your friends and family members less. You might find that even when you’re physically there, you’re tuned out. These can all be signs that you are possibly, burned out. This can not only take a toll on you mentally, but also physically, emotionally, & spiritually. To prevent burnout, you need to ensure that you lead a balanced life. Too much work and poor boundaries can take a toll on yourself. It is possible to develop a happy medium where work is not viewed as, so stressful that it takes over your entire life.
SUPPORT WITH FINDING BALANCE IN LIFE
How do you find space in your life and the energy to spend with friends, family, exercise, take a moment for yourself, etc. Unresolved feelings of frustration or anger may lead you to lose your objectivity about work and end up feeling like you simply can’t work anymore. This may possibly be a sign you have fallen out of balance or out of sync with your ownself. Before giving up, step back, and take a look at how (or even if) you are truly balancing your life. *Develop clearly defined boundaries with clients and, if necessary, co-workers. *Work out your priorities and manage your time to reduce unnecessary daily stress. *Have realistic expectations of your self and others. *Take plenty of breaks and do something you enjoy on days off. *Talk to someone you trust about your feelings. *From time to time, look at the big picture. What are your goals? *Challenge negative thinking and self-talk and focus on the positives. *Nurture your emotional self by listening to soothing music, gardening, or following a creative pursuit like writing or art—all are great methods of self expression.
SUPPORT WITH
TRANSITIONING
Transition from sex work into the "mainstream" lifestyle, ambition(s), goal(s), and/or career path A transition according to Webster is "a change from one state or condition to another." It's been stated there are four ways someone transitions out of sex work: Reactionary, Gradual Planning, Natural Progression, and "Yo-yo'ing". I agree with the sentiment that when it comes to transitioning/leaving, people need emotional & psychological support. They also need a nonjudgmental relationship and safe environment, to work through & bounce ideas around, so that they can make choices that are right for them.
Sexual wellness and relationship coaching is a collaborative process that is present and future-oriented and uses action-driven, solution-focused techniques to encourage and promote both growth and change. Successful outcomes are dependent upon the client's willingness to clearly define goals, implement recommended strategies or techniques, and give feedback on your experience. Coaching assumes a current state of mental health, and is currently not a regulated industry. It is not psychotherapy or counseling, and sessions should not serve as a substitute for counseling, psychotherapy, or mental health care. If at any point during your work together Dr. Holly feels that you require a higher level of care and may be better served by another medical or mental health provider, she will discuss this with you directly and assist you in finding an appropriate provider.
Coaching is not the same as therapy. Therapy is focused on connecting experiences and traumas of your past in order to better inform your present state, while coaching is aligning your present state to reach your future goals.
This holistic, emerging field within the psychology world is based on the idea that spending time in nature positively impacts your mental and physical health. Ecotherapy, also called nature therapy, can take place in any outdoor setting, whether in a local park, hiking through the woods, or gardening
Outdoor sessions, grounded in mindfulness techniques and deep breathing with aim of supporting you to embrace movement not only in nature but also transformative movement psychologically and relationally with others and within your experience of your inner self. Ecotherapy/EcoWellness is not an exercise session. It is a reminder to mindfully embrace every step of life's journey as a precious treasure. I will walk with you at a pace that is guided by your pace which provides the opportunity to talk without strain. Walking triggers your body to release endorphins a.k.a. "The Natural Pain Killer/Inhibitor". Please contact me for more specifics related to Ecotherapy/EcoWellness (i.e. locations: park, neighborhood, trail, privacy, confidentiality, and the session fee).