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Joy Faith Wellness

Come home to yourself...

Somatic psychotherapy & embodied coaching for sensitive adults who are tired of abandoning themselves.

Together, we slow down. We listen to your body.
We make space for what's been pushed aside.

So you can live with more self-trust, honestly, and ease.

Meet Joy

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Licensed Creative Arts Therapist

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist

Ordained Interfaith Minister

Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher

Testimonials

Writing my PhD dissertation.

My research is on attachment, looking at how practicing the Discipline of Authentic Movement impacts relationships.

I think I’m almost done. 😰 🤞 🤔

Writing my PhD dissertation.

My research is on attachment, looking at how practicing the Discipline of Authentic Movement impacts relationships.

I think I’m almost done. 😰 🤞 🤔

Tiny apothecary now open!

Tiny apothecary now open!

What we’re doing this week to honor the new year…

- Clients adorn the spiral
- Walking in, they speak what they’re letting go of
- Walking out, they speak what the new reality is

Our ancient human healing instincts are ceremony, art, rhythm, image, nature, story, song, dance, community. These are the healing tools we access in the expressive arts psychotherapies.

I probably lean more towards ceremony than most psychotherapists. I’m also an ordained interfaith minister (2 year program). I love ceremony and I’m very grateful for it and humbled by it.

Wishing you health, personal freedom, and kindness as the seasons turn. ❤️

🎵 Music is Savage Daughter by @ekaterinashelehova

#expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #ritual #ceremony

What we’re doing this week to honor the new year…

- Clients adorn the spiral
- Walking in, they speak what they’re letting go of
- Walking out, they speak what the new reality is

Our ancient human healing instincts are ceremony, art, rhythm, image, nature, story, song, dance, community. These are the healing tools we access in the expressive arts psychotherapies.

I probably lean more towards ceremony than most psychotherapists. I’m also an ordained interfaith minister (2 year program). I love ceremony and I’m very grateful for it and humbled by it.

Wishing you health, personal freedom, and kindness as the seasons turn. ❤️

🎵 Music is Savage Daughter by @ekaterinashelehova

#expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #ritual #ceremony

Prompt: explore boundaries with movement.

I love what I learned from doing this prompt. I start out hesitant and really focused outside myself. With a keen eye, you can see that my body doesn’t have as much weight or groundedness in the beginning.

Once my playfulness emerges(you can see a moment of delight and aliveness on my face), my movement becomes much more fluid and expressive and there’s weight in my body. I’m grounded in myself.

After that, I have more balance between myself and the outside world.

My experience with this prompt is letting me know that taking my time to explore the unknown and making space for my playful nature -when I’m ready- will support me in having boundaries that feel balanced, where I can be present with myself and the world around me.

This is an example of a prompt I might use with clients in therapy. You can try it at home. If you’re looking for more opportunities to get know and support yourself through your body, please reach out. 🩷

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #somatictherapy #dancemovementpsychotherapy #mentalhealth

Prompt: explore boundaries with movement.

I love what I learned from doing this prompt. I start out hesitant and really focused outside myself. With a keen eye, you can see that my body doesn’t have as much weight or groundedness in the beginning.

Once my playfulness emerges(you can see a moment of delight and aliveness on my face), my movement becomes much more fluid and expressive and there’s weight in my body. I’m grounded in myself.

After that, I have more balance between myself and the outside world.

My experience with this prompt is letting me know that taking my time to explore the unknown and making space for my playful nature -when I’m ready- will support me in having boundaries that feel balanced, where I can be present with myself and the world around me.

This is an example of a prompt I might use with clients in therapy. You can try it at home. If you’re looking for more opportunities to get know and support yourself through your body, please reach out. 🩷

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #somatictherapy #dancemovementpsychotherapy #mentalhealth

An opportunity to slow down. 🕯️

This is for you if you want…

- more permission
- increased self-trust
- deeper sense of belonging
- clearer insight into unconscious patterns
- greater ease and freedom in your body
- more peace

No experience needed. This is a movement mindfulness practice. It’s contemplative and also mystical. It’s relational and developmental. It’s awesome.

If you’ve never moved outside of exercise and daily functionality before, this could be a wonderful entry! I specialize in working with beginners. If you have a deep and long body-based practice – you’re welcome here, too.

This practice offers so many benefits, I find myself getting lost trying to list them. Recently, practitioners have said things like this…

- I didn’t know I needed this.
- My mind was quiet for the first time in a long time.
- This restored my hope in humanity.

It doesn’t have to be that deep, even though it is. On a surface level, it’s a wonderful opportunity to slow down and come back to your own center.

If you are curious, I’d be happy to talk to you about this practice. If you wanna join, let me know. If you don’t wanna join this group, but you’d like to practice with me individually in-person or online, reach out for that. 🩷

#dancemovementtherapy #authenticmovement #somatics #consciousness #attachmenttheory #mindfulness #mindfulnesspractice #somatictherapy #bodymindspirit #embodied #embodimentpractice #mystical #presence

An opportunity to slow down. 🕯️

This is for you if you want…

- more permission
- increased self-trust
- deeper sense of belonging
- clearer insight into unconscious patterns
- greater ease and freedom in your body
- more peace

No experience needed. This is a movement mindfulness practice. It’s contemplative and also mystical. It’s relational and developmental. It’s awesome.

If you’ve never moved outside of exercise and daily functionality before, this could be a wonderful entry! I specialize in working with beginners. If you have a deep and long body-based practice – you’re welcome here, too.

This practice offers so many benefits, I find myself getting lost trying to list them. Recently, practitioners have said things like this…

- I didn’t know I needed this.
- My mind was quiet for the first time in a long time.
- This restored my hope in humanity.

It doesn’t have to be that deep, even though it is. On a surface level, it’s a wonderful opportunity to slow down and come back to your own center.

If you are curious, I’d be happy to talk to you about this practice. If you wanna join, let me know. If you don’t wanna join this group, but you’d like to practice with me individually in-person or online, reach out for that. 🩷

#dancemovementtherapy #authenticmovement #somatics #consciousness #attachmenttheory #mindfulness #mindfulnesspractice #somatictherapy #bodymindspirit #embodied #embodimentpractice #mystical #presence

Dance Movement Psychotherapy helps clients become more whole. A mark of health is being able to shift between different emotional states with relative ease.

Humans can get stuck in emotions…. stuck in a bad mood no matter what, stuck being so serious that affection or playfulness feel impossible, getting paralyzed in fear even though everything around is safe. Dance Movement Therapy changes that.

It’s not just talking about ideas about feeling (how heady). It’s actually experiencing those feeling states and the ability to shift them.

Dance Movement Therapy supports clients to build new parts of themselves that didn’t exist before, from the inside out through movement and embodiment.

Plus, this way of working is fun! It’s stress relief and mindfulness practice. You don’t need any experience. Dance Movement Therapy sometimes looks like dance. Lots of times it just looks like some body awareness- breathing, body scanning…. some soft but powerful entry points into the body.

Unless you are a somatic practitioner of some sort, chances are you’re pretty disconnected from your body – given our societal norms. It’s impossible to be really healthy and fulfilled when we’re disconnected from our bodies. This is because our bodies are the guidance systems we were given to understand and fulfill our needs.

Dance Movement Therapy helps us understand and use our inherent guidance systems (our bodies) to their full potential.

We don’t need ChatGPT to tell us to drink water. We don’t need research studies to let us know that dance is better than antidepressants for treating depression. Our bodies can tell us these very basic things, once we listen to them.

Hope you’ll join us in the spaces where we get to explore being fully ourselves- human, messy, and alive!

#dancemovementtherapy #takingnewclients #embodiment #somatichealing #danceheals #breathawareness #bodyaware #mindfulness #stressmanagement #alternativehealth

Dance Movement Psychotherapy helps clients become more whole. A mark of health is being able to shift between different emotional states with relative ease.

Humans can get stuck in emotions…. stuck in a bad mood no matter what, stuck being so serious that affection or playfulness feel impossible, getting paralyzed in fear even though everything around is safe. Dance Movement Therapy changes that.

It’s not just talking about ideas about feeling (how heady). It’s actually experiencing those feeling states and the ability to shift them.

Dance Movement Therapy supports clients to build new parts of themselves that didn’t exist before, from the inside out through movement and embodiment.

Plus, this way of working is fun! It’s stress relief and mindfulness practice. You don’t need any experience. Dance Movement Therapy sometimes looks like dance. Lots of times it just looks like some body awareness- breathing, body scanning…. some soft but powerful entry points into the body.

Unless you are a somatic practitioner of some sort, chances are you’re pretty disconnected from your body – given our societal norms. It’s impossible to be really healthy and fulfilled when we’re disconnected from our bodies. This is because our bodies are the guidance systems we were given to understand and fulfill our needs.

Dance Movement Therapy helps us understand and use our inherent guidance systems (our bodies) to their full potential.

We don’t need ChatGPT to tell us to drink water. We don’t need research studies to let us know that dance is better than antidepressants for treating depression. Our bodies can tell us these very basic things, once we listen to them.

Hope you’ll join us in the spaces where we get to explore being fully ourselves- human, messy, and alive!

#dancemovementtherapy #takingnewclients #embodiment #somatichealing #danceheals #breathawareness #bodyaware #mindfulness #stressmanagement #alternativehealth

You might think it’s ugly and shameful to give space to…

-Talking about the nightmares you lived…

- Letting the tears or scars be seen…

- Naming the suicidality, disordered eating, depression, abuse…

… I feel grateful it’s getting expression. I’m not glad there’s pain, but what a triumph when it gets some space to be named and held and moved and shifted, when it gets acceptance and maybe even compassion.

I think none of us get out of this life without some big and overwhelming pain. There’s so much bravery in being honest about that. I don’t think less of you for your darkness; I’m not afraid of it. I’m in awe of it. I’m in awe of the healing journey we get to share.

You might think it’s ugly and shameful to give space to…

-Talking about the nightmares you lived…

- Letting the tears or scars be seen…

- Naming the suicidality, disordered eating, depression, abuse…

… I feel grateful it’s getting expression. I’m not glad there’s pain, but what a triumph when it gets some space to be named and held and moved and shifted, when it gets acceptance and maybe even compassion.

I think none of us get out of this life without some big and overwhelming pain. There’s so much bravery in being honest about that. I don’t think less of you for your darkness; I’m not afraid of it. I’m in awe of it. I’m in awe of the healing journey we get to share.

Your darkness holds your light. And when they both have space to be- ahhh-the wonder!

Your darkness holds your light. And when they both have space to be- ahhh-the wonder!

From my recent ketamine psychotherapy session.

I’ll be collaborating with holistic psychiatric nurse practitoner @sylviafremerman . She’ll prescribe the medicine to my clients, and she also leads ketamine therapy in her own practice. So, we got the ball rolling. Sylvia led my journey and was an excellent guide.

In my journey, I focused on getting support in my transition to a home office. Lots of perfectionism, urgency, and fear getting stirred up by this huge and exciting change.

Ketamine journeys inspire me to express through drawing and give me messages in words. This time, this message came:

Nothing is perfect. Everything is whole.

I believe that; even the broken things have an inherent wholeness.

I was going to make the center of the image like a white or yellow light- but it unexpectedly felt good and right to make it really dark.

The message in the card I pulled was about trusting the unknown, the feminine darkness. I love the darkness, the unknown, the mystery more and more as the years pass. You can remind me of that when I’m obsessing about having control over something trivial. 😉

I don’t believe ketamine therapy has helped me understand anything I didn’t already know, but it has definitely made important healing insights much more clear and integrated.

I’m glad to offer this therapy to my clients. In addition to being impactful and supported by research, it’s also cozy, intimate, and uplifting. I think we could all use some more if that.

#ketamine #ketamineassistedtherapy #integrativewellness #integrativepsychotherapy #dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #somatictherapy #traumahealingjourney #traumatherapy #mentalhealth #consciousness #rewireyourbrain

From my recent ketamine psychotherapy session.

I’ll be collaborating with holistic psychiatric nurse practitoner @sylviafremerman . She’ll prescribe the medicine to my clients, and she also leads ketamine therapy in her own practice. So, we got the ball rolling. Sylvia led my journey and was an excellent guide.

In my journey, I focused on getting support in my transition to a home office. Lots of perfectionism, urgency, and fear getting stirred up by this huge and exciting change.

Ketamine journeys inspire me to express through drawing and give me messages in words. This time, this message came:

Nothing is perfect. Everything is whole.

I believe that; even the broken things have an inherent wholeness.

I was going to make the center of the image like a white or yellow light- but it unexpectedly felt good and right to make it really dark.

The message in the card I pulled was about trusting the unknown, the feminine darkness. I love the darkness, the unknown, the mystery more and more as the years pass. You can remind me of that when I’m obsessing about having control over something trivial. 😉

I don’t believe ketamine therapy has helped me understand anything I didn’t already know, but it has definitely made important healing insights much more clear and integrated.

I’m glad to offer this therapy to my clients. In addition to being impactful and supported by research, it’s also cozy, intimate, and uplifting. I think we could all use some more if that.

#ketamine #ketamineassistedtherapy #integrativewellness #integrativepsychotherapy #dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #somatictherapy #traumahealingjourney #traumatherapy #mentalhealth #consciousness #rewireyourbrain

It’s been a good back road to here. Now, I feel giddy when my clients say they love how our sessions draw from so many different modalities and can really be catered to them and what they need that day. Art therapy for fuller expression and integration, yoga for stress relief, somatic therapy for inner child healing, dance therapy for emotional and mental shift, guided yoga nidra to build self-awareness, or maybe just talking. Sure… let’s create it and know that psychotherapy is deep and demanding… and can also be joyful, restful, creative, and empowering. 😆☺️

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #mentalhealth #somatictherapy #joyful #feelittohealit #holistic

It’s been a good back road to here. Now, I feel giddy when my clients say they love how our sessions draw from so many different modalities and can really be catered to them and what they need that day. Art therapy for fuller expression and integration, yoga for stress relief, somatic therapy for inner child healing, dance therapy for emotional and mental shift, guided yoga nidra to build self-awareness, or maybe just talking. Sure… let’s create it and know that psychotherapy is deep and demanding… and can also be joyful, restful, creative, and empowering. 😆☺️

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #mentalhealth #somatictherapy #joyful #feelittohealit #holistic

Your body can be a safe place.

Body-based psychotherapies can teach clients how to first tolerate and then later befriend their internal experience.

Instead of constantly avoiding what happens in the inner world, clients learn to build presence.

The initial crack of presence, with consistent inquiry and practice, can become as deep as a canyon. The body and mind- once hellish and overwhelming- become the resource for peace.

This is part of how us humans are designed. Our modern norms have made us forget that. Our bodies were never meant to be places we exile ourselves from. May we return back home to them, with love, and soon.

#dancemovementtherapy #somatictherapy #bodybasedtherapy #authenticmovement #windowoftolerance #presence #bodylove

Your body can be a safe place.

Body-based psychotherapies can teach clients how to first tolerate and then later befriend their internal experience.

Instead of constantly avoiding what happens in the inner world, clients learn to build presence.

The initial crack of presence, with consistent inquiry and practice, can become as deep as a canyon. The body and mind- once hellish and overwhelming- become the resource for peace.

This is part of how us humans are designed. Our modern norms have made us forget that. Our bodies were never meant to be places we exile ourselves from. May we return back home to them, with love, and soon.

#dancemovementtherapy #somatictherapy #bodybasedtherapy #authenticmovement #windowoftolerance #presence #bodylove

A Light in the Dark ⭐️

These next few months generally tend to hit my clients harder. Especially in the Northeast, there’s so much darkness, so much cold, and the stress of holiday and family demands ramp-up anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and trauma. Let’s help each other through it.

This online expressive arts group is for you if you want to…

⭐️ Get support navigating holiday-related stress
⭐️ Get relief from seasonal depression
⭐️ Relax and rejuvenate with self-care
⭐️ Enjoy no-pressure creative expression
⭐️ Be allowed to be grumpy about it all
⭐️ Get a boost of hope, support, and encouragement
⭐️ Make new friends and be inspired by others

No artistic experience is needed. Expressive Arts Therapies are not about skill or product. They are about the deep healing power of our natural human instinct for creative expression.

About Me: I’m a licensed Creative Arts Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist. I’ve worked clinically in inpatient psychiatric and eating disorder treatment, residential treatment for adolescents, outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment, intensive outpatient substance use disorder treatment, public school, and jail. I’ve been in private practice for the last 3 years. Before becoming a psychotherapist, I worked as a yoga teacher incorporating reiki, visualization, yoga nidra, breath work, and expressive movement. I’ve been leading healing groups and classes for 17 years. My mission is to support clients in having more self-love and happiness while living their version of a fulfilling life. 🩷

#expressiveartstherapy #arttherapy #collage #supportgroup #onlinesupport #creativityheals #integrativepsychotherapy #holidaysupport #seasonalaffectivedisorder

A Light in the Dark ⭐️

These next few months generally tend to hit my clients harder. Especially in the Northeast, there’s so much darkness, so much cold, and the stress of holiday and family demands ramp-up anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and trauma. Let’s help each other through it.

This online expressive arts group is for you if you want to…

⭐️ Get support navigating holiday-related stress
⭐️ Get relief from seasonal depression
⭐️ Relax and rejuvenate with self-care
⭐️ Enjoy no-pressure creative expression
⭐️ Be allowed to be grumpy about it all
⭐️ Get a boost of hope, support, and encouragement
⭐️ Make new friends and be inspired by others

No artistic experience is needed. Expressive Arts Therapies are not about skill or product. They are about the deep healing power of our natural human instinct for creative expression.

About Me: I’m a licensed Creative Arts Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist. I’ve worked clinically in inpatient psychiatric and eating disorder treatment, residential treatment for adolescents, outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment, intensive outpatient substance use disorder treatment, public school, and jail. I’ve been in private practice for the last 3 years. Before becoming a psychotherapist, I worked as a yoga teacher incorporating reiki, visualization, yoga nidra, breath work, and expressive movement. I’ve been leading healing groups and classes for 17 years. My mission is to support clients in having more self-love and happiness while living their version of a fulfilling life. 🩷

#expressiveartstherapy #arttherapy #collage #supportgroup #onlinesupport #creativityheals #integrativepsychotherapy #holidaysupport #seasonalaffectivedisorder

3 Years in Business Today!

In following my path so far, I’ve worked as a preschool teacher, public school teacher, and yoga teacher. Being an expressive arts psychotherapist is where I’ve landed for the last 11 years. It has been, and continues to be, such a humbling and bewildering honor to be with other humans delving into the most messy and beautiful parts of life.

3 Years in Business Today!

In following my path so far, I’ve worked as a preschool teacher, public school teacher, and yoga teacher. Being an expressive arts psychotherapist is where I’ve landed for the last 11 years. It has been, and continues to be, such a humbling and bewildering honor to be with other humans delving into the most messy and beautiful parts of life.

Research rooted in practicing The Discipline of Authentic Movement, developed by Janet Adler.

I’m curious, now, about the exploding popularity, desperation, and understanding that the BODY MATTERS in psychological health.

I became a yoga teacher in 2008, after already being a dancer for 23 years by then. Yoga practice (primarily posture and meditation) was a portal to an embodied consciousness for me. Lots of the breath, cognitive, and mindfulness practices I see booming in psychotherapy today (square breathing, 3/5/7 breathing, DBT wise mind, HeartMath Heart-focussed breathing, body scanning), I learned from the ancient Indian practice of yoga. While these techniques work, there’s a way in which they’ve become prescriptive under our dysfunctional US system that mostly seeks a quick and outside fix.

I love the Discipline of Authentic Movement, which makes no room for quick fix or prescription. Drop in, see what is there, experience it, come to know some relationship with it, allow the unconscious to express. From that presence, with self and others, there may be integration and regulation.

Somatic or body-based psychotherapy is much deeper, wider, and complex than any prescribed quick-fix movement, breath, or cognitive technique. Thank goodness for the techniques, and may we use them to our benefit! May we also remember, and prioritize, our human complexity.

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #mentalhealth #integrativepsychotherapy #somatictherapy #dancemovementpsychotherapy #feelittohealit #authenticmovement #bodypsychotherapy #embodiment #consciousness #mindfulness #yogaformentalhealth

Research rooted in practicing The Discipline of Authentic Movement, developed by Janet Adler.

I’m curious, now, about the exploding popularity, desperation, and understanding that the BODY MATTERS in psychological health.

I became a yoga teacher in 2008, after already being a dancer for 23 years by then. Yoga practice (primarily posture and meditation) was a portal to an embodied consciousness for me. Lots of the breath, cognitive, and mindfulness practices I see booming in psychotherapy today (square breathing, 3/5/7 breathing, DBT wise mind, HeartMath Heart-focussed breathing, body scanning), I learned from the ancient Indian practice of yoga. While these techniques work, there’s a way in which they’ve become prescriptive under our dysfunctional US system that mostly seeks a quick and outside fix.

I love the Discipline of Authentic Movement, which makes no room for quick fix or prescription. Drop in, see what is there, experience it, come to know some relationship with it, allow the unconscious to express. From that presence, with self and others, there may be integration and regulation.

Somatic or body-based psychotherapy is much deeper, wider, and complex than any prescribed quick-fix movement, breath, or cognitive technique. Thank goodness for the techniques, and may we use them to our benefit! May we also remember, and prioritize, our human complexity.

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #mentalhealth #integrativepsychotherapy #somatictherapy #dancemovementpsychotherapy #feelittohealit #authenticmovement #bodypsychotherapy #embodiment #consciousness #mindfulness #yogaformentalhealth

Our nervous systems, the ways we relate to other people and respond to situations, are shaped by the things we experience.

In these images, the leaves are separate from the imprints they made. The leaves will blow away and decay this year. The imprints will last longer.

In trauma treatment, we understand that the original experience is over, but the imprints last. Trauma therapy facilitates gently changing those imprints into something that feels more supportive and healthy for the now.

If you feel frustrated, not understanding why you have certain upsetting reactions or repeat harmful patterns, first be gentle with yourself in understanding that life imprinted upon you. Next, know that there is scientifically-backed support to help you change those imprints.

#onlyhuman #somatictraumahealing #somatictherapy #dancemovementtherapy #polyvagaltheory #attachment #expressiveartstherapy #posttraumaticgrowth #creativeartstherapy #feelittohealit #mentalhealth

Our nervous systems, the ways we relate to other people and respond to situations, are shaped by the things we experience.

In these images, the leaves are separate from the imprints they made. The leaves will blow away and decay this year. The imprints will last longer.

In trauma treatment, we understand that the original experience is over, but the imprints last. Trauma therapy facilitates gently changing those imprints into something that feels more supportive and healthy for the now.

If you feel frustrated, not understanding why you have certain upsetting reactions or repeat harmful patterns, first be gentle with yourself in understanding that life imprinted upon you. Next, know that there is scientifically-backed support to help you change those imprints.

#onlyhuman #somatictraumahealing #somatictherapy #dancemovementtherapy #polyvagaltheory #attachment #expressiveartstherapy #posttraumaticgrowth #creativeartstherapy #feelittohealit #mentalhealth

If I admit it
That there’s something seductive about those purples
And the way summer’s green leaves are smoldering
If I admit it
That the melancholy artist returns with the nightly chill
The one enamored with the scent of rotting earth
If I admit it
What will happen to summer’s wild child- berry juice on her warm skin
It seems such a loss to let one thing fall away
To receive another
And there’s nothing to be done
But prepare
And appreciate the purples
Admit they’re intoxicating
And honor that a time of transition is whole in itself

#mentalhealthpoetry #expressiveartstherapy #poetrytherapy #summertofall #transition #seasonalaffectivedisorder #grief #acceptance #change

If I admit it
That there’s something seductive about those purples
And the way summer’s green leaves are smoldering
If I admit it
That the melancholy artist returns with the nightly chill
The one enamored with the scent of rotting earth
If I admit it
What will happen to summer’s wild child- berry juice on her warm skin
It seems such a loss to let one thing fall away
To receive another
And there’s nothing to be done
But prepare
And appreciate the purples
Admit they’re intoxicating
And honor that a time of transition is whole in itself

#mentalhealthpoetry #expressiveartstherapy #poetrytherapy #summertofall #transition #seasonalaffectivedisorder #grief #acceptance #change

Grateful to have completed the 2-year SomaSoul® Somatic Therapy training program at @leven_institute . This training was intensive and personal in the most meaningful ways. It’s somatic and attachment-based. A SomaSoul® session would include feeling sensation in the body and then working with sensation using things like presence, breath, reflection, drawing, writing, moving, or imagining. The patterns that bring us to psychotherapy live in our bodies, our nervous systems, and our implicit (non-verbal, unconscious) memories. Somatic and Expressive Arts Therapies access those patterns at those deep levels and bring healing and transformation to them. For me, while I was a student in this program, I felt a lot of support to be seen and held by others in my vulnerability, my fears, my joys- my full emotional aliveness. As a therapist, this is the kind of therapy I attend for myself. I recommend this program every chance I get. 💖

Grateful to have completed the 2-year SomaSoul® Somatic Therapy training program at @leven_institute . This training was intensive and personal in the most meaningful ways. It’s somatic and attachment-based. A SomaSoul® session would include feeling sensation in the body and then working with sensation using things like presence, breath, reflection, drawing, writing, moving, or imagining. The patterns that bring us to psychotherapy live in our bodies, our nervous systems, and our implicit (non-verbal, unconscious) memories. Somatic and Expressive Arts Therapies access those patterns at those deep levels and bring healing and transformation to them. For me, while I was a student in this program, I felt a lot of support to be seen and held by others in my vulnerability, my fears, my joys- my full emotional aliveness. As a therapist, this is the kind of therapy I attend for myself. I recommend this program every chance I get. 💖

HeartMath® techniques change the heart rhythm to sync with the brain and increase positive emotions- informed by decades of science. Amazing!

Practitioners can also use biofeedback devices to watch, in real time, how their heart rhythms shift towards wellbeing as they practice. They learn to use these techniques to shift their overall emotional state towards the positive using breath, imagery, and emotion generation. Amazing!

I learned about the power of breathwork, imagery, and emotional generation through practicing the Indian tradition of yoga before it was so popular in science. As always, I’m grateful for the blending of ancient and modern wisdom. As always, I know there are so many tools available for us on the path to mental health and well-being. @heartmath has a wonderful and informative article about how it works, linked in my bio.
They even describe techniques so you can learn and practice!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, or other mental health symptoms, let me offer you that there is no one right way to move towards wellness, that every small imperfect step matters immensely, and that I believe in you. ❤️

#mentalhealth #biofeedback #bodyawareness #interoception #breathawareness #positiveemotions #mentalhealthjourney

HeartMath® techniques change the heart rhythm to sync with the brain and increase positive emotions- informed by decades of science. Amazing!

Practitioners can also use biofeedback devices to watch, in real time, how their heart rhythms shift towards wellbeing as they practice. They learn to use these techniques to shift their overall emotional state towards the positive using breath, imagery, and emotion generation. Amazing!

I learned about the power of breathwork, imagery, and emotional generation through practicing the Indian tradition of yoga before it was so popular in science. As always, I’m grateful for the blending of ancient and modern wisdom. As always, I know there are so many tools available for us on the path to mental health and well-being. @heartmath has a wonderful and informative article about how it works, linked in my bio.
They even describe techniques so you can learn and practice!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, or other mental health symptoms, let me offer you that there is no one right way to move towards wellness, that every small imperfect step matters immensely, and that I believe in you. ❤️

#mentalhealth #biofeedback #bodyawareness #interoception #breathawareness #positiveemotions #mentalhealthjourney

Good signs all around. Part of mental health is not denying the pain but also being open to beauty and goodness. The more we notice and feel goodness, the more our brains become primed for that. One way to improve symptoms of anxiety or depression is to (not deny the hard feelings but also) practice noticing and feeling the good. What beauty is here for you today?

#mentalhealth #positivepsychology #noticingbeauty #glimmers #neuroplasticity #beauty #noticing #goodvibes #positivevibes #goodomens #gratitude #integrativepsychotherapy

Good signs all around. Part of mental health is not denying the pain but also being open to beauty and goodness. The more we notice and feel goodness, the more our brains become primed for that. One way to improve symptoms of anxiety or depression is to (not deny the hard feelings but also) practice noticing and feeling the good. What beauty is here for you today?

#mentalhealth #positivepsychology #noticingbeauty #glimmers #neuroplasticity #beauty #noticing #goodvibes #positivevibes #goodomens #gratitude #integrativepsychotherapy

Calling for participants! Join a free movement mindfulness support group while participating in my PhD research study. No experience needed, but must be committed to full attendance. Group meets for 8 Saturdays, in-person, in Lenox, MA. Fill out the form linked in bio (or below) to inquire.

https://www.joyfaithwellness.com/freemindfulnessgroup

Calling for participants! Join a free movement mindfulness support group while participating in my PhD research study. No experience needed, but must be committed to full attendance. Group meets for 8 Saturdays, in-person, in Lenox, MA. Fill out the form linked in bio (or below) to inquire.

https://www.joyfaithwellness.com/freemindfulnessgroup

Several insurances accepted in MA and NY for virtual or in-person psychotherapy.

Several insurances accepted in MA and NY for virtual or in-person psychotherapy.

I definitely believe in self-accountability but sometimes it’s crucial to stop and question the environment.

In therapy, a big part of what comes up is realizing systemic norms and asking, “Did I sign up for this? Do I want to participate in this, continue this, or compare myself to it?”

This could be norms for communication learned in childhood, body-image judgements learned from media, limiting beliefs about intelligence or creativity learned from a teacher, normalized violence and callousness learned from a hostile government, or anything else.

On the journey to self-growth, it’s important to take a clear look at the environment and be intentional about how to show up. If you compare yourself to external norms that don’t align with your beliefs, unease will be inevitable. In this global reality, healing is a subversive act.

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #mentalhealth #somatictherapy #dancemovementpsychotherapy #question #becurious #rebelious #subversive

I definitely believe in self-accountability but sometimes it’s crucial to stop and question the environment.

In therapy, a big part of what comes up is realizing systemic norms and asking, “Did I sign up for this? Do I want to participate in this, continue this, or compare myself to it?”

This could be norms for communication learned in childhood, body-image judgements learned from media, limiting beliefs about intelligence or creativity learned from a teacher, normalized violence and callousness learned from a hostile government, or anything else.

On the journey to self-growth, it’s important to take a clear look at the environment and be intentional about how to show up. If you compare yourself to external norms that don’t align with your beliefs, unease will be inevitable. In this global reality, healing is a subversive act.

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #mentalhealth #somatictherapy #dancemovementpsychotherapy #question #becurious #rebelious #subversive

Did the global pandemic normalize psychotherapy as a basic wellness support for the average person?

Did the global pandemic normalize psychotherapy as a basic wellness support for the average person?

Progress, not perfection…

In psychotherapy, it’s normal to feel frustrated when an old pattern happens, one you thought you moved past already.

Healing and personal growth aren’t so linear. The ups and downs, the shocking regressions to old ways-they’re part of it and they’re as normal as it gets.

So what happens if you focus on the setback or limitation? What happens if you focus on what you want to create, and keep taking action for that?

These spiders inspired me: just do what’s mine to do, one imperfect action at a time. 🕷️

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #mentalhealth #somatictherapy #dancemovementpsychotherapy #feelittohealit #naturetherapy #inspiredbynature

Progress, not perfection…

In psychotherapy, it’s normal to feel frustrated when an old pattern happens, one you thought you moved past already.

Healing and personal growth aren’t so linear. The ups and downs, the shocking regressions to old ways-they’re part of it and they’re as normal as it gets.

So what happens if you focus on the setback or limitation? What happens if you focus on what you want to create, and keep taking action for that?

These spiders inspired me: just do what’s mine to do, one imperfect action at a time. 🕷️

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #mentalhealth #somatictherapy #dancemovementpsychotherapy #feelittohealit #naturetherapy #inspiredbynature

You’re invited to slow down…

Your body is an amazing resource capable of bringing you deep calm. Self-touch is one way to use the body for wellness. Remember, you don’t have to feel calm to engage in soothing practices.

#dancemovementtherapy #dancemovementpsychotherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #somatictherapy #somatics #mentalhealth #feelittohealit #grounding #nervoussystemregulation #mindfulness #slowdown #pause #bepresent

You’re invited to slow down…

Your body is an amazing resource capable of bringing you deep calm. Self-touch is one way to use the body for wellness. Remember, you don’t have to feel calm to engage in soothing practices.

#dancemovementtherapy #dancemovementpsychotherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #somatictherapy #somatics #mentalhealth #feelittohealit #grounding #nervoussystemregulation #mindfulness #slowdown #pause #bepresent

Everything we experience shapes us. Our bodies adapt to the environment. Most of our mental health, physical health, or external circumstances are not final. Whatever you’ve been through, you’re still growing and changing right now. Whatever you’re going through, you can sprout and grow. “Stuck” is a mindset, as well as a lack of support and resources. Psychotherapy can help you grow intentionally, in the ways you want.

#dancemovementtherapy #dancemovementpsychotherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #mentalhealth #somatictherapy #feelittohealit #posttraumaticgrowth #resiliency #personalgrowth #keepgrowing #intentions

Everything we experience shapes us. Our bodies adapt to the environment. Most of our mental health, physical health, or external circumstances are not final. Whatever you’ve been through, you’re still growing and changing right now. Whatever you’re going through, you can sprout and grow. “Stuck” is a mindset, as well as a lack of support and resources. Psychotherapy can help you grow intentionally, in the ways you want.

#dancemovementtherapy #dancemovementpsychotherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #mentalhealth #somatictherapy #feelittohealit #posttraumaticgrowth #resiliency #personalgrowth #keepgrowing #intentions

Didn’t know seaweed roots to rocks! The need to root, to ground, to hold onto something. What do we root to and how does it shape a life? Root to community, kindness, breath, play, gratitude, laughter, beauty, honesty, tenderness, respect, dignity. Root to anger, resentment, fear, shame, fighting, denial, numbing. What do we root to, and how does it shape a life?

#mentalhealth #dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #naturehealing #naturetherapy #lessonsfromnature #root #ground #getcentered #values

Didn’t know seaweed roots to rocks! The need to root, to ground, to hold onto something. What do we root to and how does it shape a life? Root to community, kindness, breath, play, gratitude, laughter, beauty, honesty, tenderness, respect, dignity. Root to anger, resentment, fear, shame, fighting, denial, numbing. What do we root to, and how does it shape a life?

#mentalhealth #dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #naturehealing #naturetherapy #lessonsfromnature #root #ground #getcentered #values

You’re invited to slow down…

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
- Ferris Bueller.

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #somatictherapy #dancemovementtherapy #somatics #mentalhealth #feelittohealit #slowdown #pause #mindfulness #mindfulnesspractice #bodyscan #bepresent

You’re invited to slow down…

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
- Ferris Bueller.

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #somatictherapy #dancemovementtherapy #somatics #mentalhealth #feelittohealit #slowdown #pause #mindfulness #mindfulnesspractice #bodyscan #bepresent

Trauma teaches our bodies to adapt in ways that keep them feeling safe. Our senses can become heightened to help us discern if we’re safe or not. Our defensive response system becomes more easily triggered. This becomes a problem when our nervous system turns to auto pilot trying to keep us safe when it’s not necessary or useful.

For a long time, my nervous system would override me into a freeze response during any conflict. I would watch it happen, but couldn’t do anything about it. I would want to speak, or move, but would just freeze. A client recently described their own similar experience. They were yelling and screaming, mean to someone they loved. They were watching it unfold, thinking it was unreasonable, but they couldn’t stop. Body awareness and working somatically is what helped me transform this nervous system response.

I think it can be helpful to name that our bodies are working the way they’re designed to. If you can’t help but shut down, yell, or run away during a conflict, your body learned somewhere along the way that that could keep you safe. But you don’t have to be stuck there. Body-based psychotherapy can help teach your nervous system that there are other safe options. And the teaching is not theoretical or logical – it is through experience. Experience is what taught your nervous system unsafety in the first place, and experience is what’s needed for it to relearn safety.

And if you’re having a hard time accepting or loving yourself because of the ways trauma has impacted you, I feel compassion for you.

The grief and anger over what might’ve been different without trauma, the moments of deep self-mistrust or shame, the difficult relationships. I get it.

I’d like to offer you that your experience might make you stronger, more compassionate, and more discerning. You might have a killer sense of dark humor, and your Spidey senses could actually be pretty useful. To be clear, I don’t wish trauma on anyone . But also, to me, whatever you are living- all the truth of you- makes you more whole and real, not less.

We’re always growing so long as we’re living (I hope). PS – do you like my dark humor? Let me know in the poll.

Trauma teaches our bodies to adapt in ways that keep them feeling safe. Our senses can become heightened to help us discern if we’re safe or not. Our defensive response system becomes more easily triggered. This becomes a problem when our nervous system turns to auto pilot trying to keep us safe when it’s not necessary or useful.

For a long time, my nervous system would override me into a freeze response during any conflict. I would watch it happen, but couldn’t do anything about it. I would want to speak, or move, but would just freeze. A client recently described their own similar experience. They were yelling and screaming, mean to someone they loved. They were watching it unfold, thinking it was unreasonable, but they couldn’t stop. Body awareness and working somatically is what helped me transform this nervous system response.

I think it can be helpful to name that our bodies are working the way they’re designed to. If you can’t help but shut down, yell, or run away during a conflict, your body learned somewhere along the way that that could keep you safe. But you don’t have to be stuck there. Body-based psychotherapy can help teach your nervous system that there are other safe options. And the teaching is not theoretical or logical – it is through experience. Experience is what taught your nervous system unsafety in the first place, and experience is what’s needed for it to relearn safety.

And if you’re having a hard time accepting or loving yourself because of the ways trauma has impacted you, I feel compassion for you.

The grief and anger over what might’ve been different without trauma, the moments of deep self-mistrust or shame, the difficult relationships. I get it.

I’d like to offer you that your experience might make you stronger, more compassionate, and more discerning. You might have a killer sense of dark humor, and your Spidey senses could actually be pretty useful. To be clear, I don’t wish trauma on anyone . But also, to me, whatever you are living- all the truth of you- makes you more whole and real, not less.

We’re always growing so long as we’re living (I hope). PS – do you like my dark humor? Let me know in the poll.

You’re invited to slow down…

You don’t need hours of mindfulness. Even just one deep breath will create a shift. Join me here for a 3-minute practice of breath awareness.

#integrativepsychotherapy #mentalhealth #somatictherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #dancemovementpsychotherapy #mindfulness #breath #breathawareness #slowdown #pause #meditation #dancemovementtherapy

You’re invited to slow down…

You don’t need hours of mindfulness. Even just one deep breath will create a shift. Join me here for a 3-minute practice of breath awareness.

#integrativepsychotherapy #mentalhealth #somatictherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #dancemovementpsychotherapy #mindfulness #breath #breathawareness #slowdown #pause #meditation #dancemovementtherapy

“Reclaiming the intermodal aspect of the arts is essentially remembering that we were born with the ability, and the right, to express ourselves creatively in myriad ways.” - International Expressive Arts Therapy Association

Expressive Arts Psychotherapy gives access to what’s beyond thoughts and words. Deeper ways of knowing and integrating emerge. You reconnect with your aliveness- tender heart, wild soul, primal truth. The rigid boundaries of the stories you tell yourself loosen, as raw experience emerges.

Expressive Arts Psychotherapies are appropriate for everyone as a form of psychotherapy. It’s a process-oriented way of working that is not about any final product. You don’t need to consider yourself a creative person either.

With Expressive Arts Psychotherapy, you can be reconnected to your curiosity – a crucial element for learning, finding meaning, finding pleasure, or growing.

As an embodied way of working, it also supports you to know your body as a safe and powerful resource for mental health and overall wellness.

As you share in the creative process with others, you’re reminded that you belong. You can discover that you’re not supposed to be like everyone else, and your uniqueness adds benefit to the world.

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #mentalhealth #dancemovementpsychotherapy

“Reclaiming the intermodal aspect of the arts is essentially remembering that we were born with the ability, and the right, to express ourselves creatively in myriad ways.” - International Expressive Arts Therapy Association

Expressive Arts Psychotherapy gives access to what’s beyond thoughts and words. Deeper ways of knowing and integrating emerge. You reconnect with your aliveness- tender heart, wild soul, primal truth. The rigid boundaries of the stories you tell yourself loosen, as raw experience emerges.

Expressive Arts Psychotherapies are appropriate for everyone as a form of psychotherapy. It’s a process-oriented way of working that is not about any final product. You don’t need to consider yourself a creative person either.

With Expressive Arts Psychotherapy, you can be reconnected to your curiosity – a crucial element for learning, finding meaning, finding pleasure, or growing.

As an embodied way of working, it also supports you to know your body as a safe and powerful resource for mental health and overall wellness.

As you share in the creative process with others, you’re reminded that you belong. You can discover that you’re not supposed to be like everyone else, and your uniqueness adds benefit to the world.

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #mentalhealth #dancemovementpsychotherapy

Happy Pride!

I felt such joy at Berkshire Pride yesterday, and so accepted and loved. So much beauty is possible when we practice accepting ourselves and each other, and coming together in community.

People radiate when they’re supported in being themselves. The place you might hide in you…as being too weird, taboo, awkward, or unwanted…that is the place where I feel safest and most free, because I know it is real and beautiful.

🩷🩷🩷🌈🌈🌈

@berkshirepride @wanderberkshires @gabbyquail @carolinehikes_ @darcydyes @c_ing_redd @bass_player_sam @sallytiskarice

Happy Pride!

I felt such joy at Berkshire Pride yesterday, and so accepted and loved. So much beauty is possible when we practice accepting ourselves and each other, and coming together in community.

People radiate when they’re supported in being themselves. The place you might hide in you…as being too weird, taboo, awkward, or unwanted…that is the place where I feel safest and most free, because I know it is real and beautiful.

🩷🩷🩷🌈🌈🌈

@berkshirepride @wanderberkshires @gabbyquail @carolinehikes_ @darcydyes @c_ing_redd @bass_player_sam @sallytiskarice

Registration closes tomorrow!

A few spots left. Join from anywhere. Link in bio.

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #somatictherapy #mentalhealth #dancemovementpsychotherapy #grouptherapy #supportgroup #bipolarsupport #anxietysupport #depressionsupport #griefsupport #stressmanagement #virtualretreat

Registration closes tomorrow!

A few spots left. Join from anywhere. Link in bio.

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #somatictherapy #mentalhealth #dancemovementpsychotherapy #grouptherapy #supportgroup #bipolarsupport #anxietysupport #depressionsupport #griefsupport #stressmanagement #virtualretreat

Who says moody isn’t beautiful?

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #somatictherapy #mentalhealth #dancemovementpsychotherapy #emotionalintelligence #nofakesmiles #moody

Who says moody isn’t beautiful?

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #somatictherapy #mentalhealth #dancemovementpsychotherapy #emotionalintelligence #nofakesmiles #moody

Want more peace, support, and acceptance around the harder, uglier, and weirder stuff? You can join us June 1st on virtual retreat with @balanced_life_movement !

This experiential retreat, led by Licensed Creative Arts Therapists, focuses on support for grief, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder- bringing an inquiry into strength, purpose, and aliveness.

No experience needed and join anywhere online.

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #somatictherapy #mentalhealth #dancemovementpsychotherapy #virtualretreat #grouptherapy #shadowwork #integration #acceptance

Want more peace, support, and acceptance around the harder, uglier, and weirder stuff? You can join us June 1st on virtual retreat with @balanced_life_movement !

This experiential retreat, led by Licensed Creative Arts Therapists, focuses on support for grief, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder- bringing an inquiry into strength, purpose, and aliveness.

No experience needed and join anywhere online.

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #somatictherapy #mentalhealth #dancemovementpsychotherapy #virtualretreat #grouptherapy #shadowwork #integration #acceptance

Taking new clients in-person (Lenox, MA) or online. Here’s to meaningful support networks and thriving through the tough stuff. Cheers!

#somatictherapy #dancemovementtherapy #creativeartstherapy #ketaminetherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #mindfulnessbasedtherapy #takingnewclients #lookingforatherapist #onlinetherapyworks #expressiveartstherapy #feelittohealit

Taking new clients in-person (Lenox, MA) or online. Here’s to meaningful support networks and thriving through the tough stuff. Cheers!

#somatictherapy #dancemovementtherapy #creativeartstherapy #ketaminetherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #mindfulnessbasedtherapy #takingnewclients #lookingforatherapist #onlinetherapyworks #expressiveartstherapy #feelittohealit

What strikes me is how often I tell a client they’re doing a great job moving towards their goal and they say these exact words: “I’m trying.” Then I say these exact words: “You’re doing it.”

There’s a perception that if we make efforts and they are frustrating, messy, stumbling or painful that we’re not succeeding. But that’s not true at all. It’s these efforts, no matter how messy, painful, or small seeming that are the doing- the creating of the new reality.

If you want support in your mental health journey, feel free to reach out. I’m taking a few new clients, or join us for our virtual Expressive Arts Therapies retreat June 1st. 💖

#naturetherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #mentalhealth #lessonsfromnature #goalsetting #creatingchange #transformation #messymiddle
#creativearttherapy

What strikes me is how often I tell a client they’re doing a great job moving towards their goal and they say these exact words: “I’m trying.” Then I say these exact words: “You’re doing it.”

There’s a perception that if we make efforts and they are frustrating, messy, stumbling or painful that we’re not succeeding. But that’s not true at all. It’s these efforts, no matter how messy, painful, or small seeming that are the doing- the creating of the new reality.

If you want support in your mental health journey, feel free to reach out. I’m taking a few new clients, or join us for our virtual Expressive Arts Therapies retreat June 1st. 💖

#naturetherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #mentalhealth #lessonsfromnature #goalsetting #creatingchange #transformation #messymiddle
#creativearttherapy

Virtual Somatic Expressive Arts Retreat

Embracing the new season… loosening hold on what needs to crack and shed, opening to aliveness, and honoring your personal process in this season of transition.

For many, this can be a difficult time. My clients who have auto immune disease express how difficult it is for their bodies to struggle more in the warmer weather as the world around them speeds up. My clients who have bipolar disorder are monitoring the possibility of increased mania as the world around starts to bustle. For clients who have depression, the bird song and sunshine can serve as a painful reminder of lethargy. For others, there’s a deep relief as the seasonal affective disorder starts to ease. What’s sure for us here in the Northeast is the shift of spring is undeniable. It’s in our human nature to have spaces and rituals for honoring seasonal shifts. This is what we offer in this retreat.

This experiential retreat is led by two Licensed Creative Arts Therapists and Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapists. We’ll draw from expressive and somatic movement, art making, writing, breath work, and visualization. No experience needed and join from anywhere.

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #somatictherapy #mentalhealth #grouptherapy #virtualretreat

Virtual Somatic Expressive Arts Retreat

Embracing the new season… loosening hold on what needs to crack and shed, opening to aliveness, and honoring your personal process in this season of transition.

For many, this can be a difficult time. My clients who have auto immune disease express how difficult it is for their bodies to struggle more in the warmer weather as the world around them speeds up. My clients who have bipolar disorder are monitoring the possibility of increased mania as the world around starts to bustle. For clients who have depression, the bird song and sunshine can serve as a painful reminder of lethargy. For others, there’s a deep relief as the seasonal affective disorder starts to ease. What’s sure for us here in the Northeast is the shift of spring is undeniable. It’s in our human nature to have spaces and rituals for honoring seasonal shifts. This is what we offer in this retreat.

This experiential retreat is led by two Licensed Creative Arts Therapists and Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapists. We’ll draw from expressive and somatic movement, art making, writing, breath work, and visualization. No experience needed and join from anywhere.

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #somatictherapy #mentalhealth #grouptherapy #virtualretreat

Virtual Expressive Arts Retreat
June 1st with @balanced_life_movement 🩷

🎨 What to Expect:

🌿 Grounding somatic awareness and breath practices

🌿 Guided Dance/Movement Therapy experiences to explore emotion and embodiment

🌿 Gentle trauma-informed yoga

🌿 Expressive arts processes (including drawing, free writing, or sound)

🌿 Time for verbal sharing, reflection, and gentle integration

🌿 Themes of renewal, embodiment, release, and connection

🎨Who It’s For:
Open to adults of all genders seeking embodied healing, emotional support, or a creative space to process stress, life transitions, grief, chronic illness, or anxiety. No prior experience in dance or art is needed—just openness to explore.

Let’s unfurl together. 🌿🌿🌿

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #somatictherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #virtualretreat #springrenewal #groupsupport

Virtual Expressive Arts Retreat
June 1st with @balanced_life_movement 🩷

🎨 What to Expect:

🌿 Grounding somatic awareness and breath practices

🌿 Guided Dance/Movement Therapy experiences to explore emotion and embodiment

🌿 Gentle trauma-informed yoga

🌿 Expressive arts processes (including drawing, free writing, or sound)

🌿 Time for verbal sharing, reflection, and gentle integration

🌿 Themes of renewal, embodiment, release, and connection

🎨Who It’s For:
Open to adults of all genders seeking embodied healing, emotional support, or a creative space to process stress, life transitions, grief, chronic illness, or anxiety. No prior experience in dance or art is needed—just openness to explore.

Let’s unfurl together. 🌿🌿🌿

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #somatictherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #virtualretreat #springrenewal #groupsupport

I need a practice client to help me finish my SomaSoul® training hours.

SomaSoul® is an engaging and deep form of somatic psychotherapy. I need a volunteer for 5 online sessions including 1 recorded and 2 with my supervisor joining. My volunteer and me need to be basically strangers- maybe distant acquaintances. If you’re interested please reach out, or share with someone who might be.

I’m currently licensed as a Mental Health Counselor, Creative Arts Therapist, and Alcohol and Drug Counselor. So grateful for what SomaSoul® has brought to my life for my work and my own healing.

DM me or email me: joyfaithwellness@gmail.com.

#freetherapy
#somatictherapy
#practicehours

I need a practice client to help me finish my SomaSoul® training hours.

SomaSoul® is an engaging and deep form of somatic psychotherapy. I need a volunteer for 5 online sessions including 1 recorded and 2 with my supervisor joining. My volunteer and me need to be basically strangers- maybe distant acquaintances. If you’re interested please reach out, or share with someone who might be.

I’m currently licensed as a Mental Health Counselor, Creative Arts Therapist, and Alcohol and Drug Counselor. So grateful for what SomaSoul® has brought to my life for my work and my own healing.

DM me or email me: joyfaithwellness@gmail.com.

#freetherapy
#somatictherapy
#practicehours

Why Body-Based Psychotherapy?

1. Increases interoception (the ability to consciously feel what’s happening in your body) and interpret those sensations accurately and supportively. Useful for effective communication, intelligent self-care, and setting appropriate boundaries.

2. Increases your window of tolerance for being present with your own emotions and sensations. Useful for intentional responding versus harmful reaction patterns.

3. Facilitates the state of being you want- more vitality or more calm, for example.

4. Accesses memories, beliefs, and patterns that exist far beyond your conscious and verbal self. For some, talk therapy just hasn’t worked because it doesn’t access what exists beyond words and cognition.

5. Changes your biology for new realities. Yay.

6. Is engaging, interesting, soulful, and fun-thank God.

7. Increases self-acceptance, self-trust, and intuition- more of that, please.

8. Have you used body-based psychotherapies or are you a body-based psychotherapist? Feel free to add your own reasons in the comments. 😊

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #authenticmovement #somatictherapy

Why Body-Based Psychotherapy?

1. Increases interoception (the ability to consciously feel what’s happening in your body) and interpret those sensations accurately and supportively. Useful for effective communication, intelligent self-care, and setting appropriate boundaries.

2. Increases your window of tolerance for being present with your own emotions and sensations. Useful for intentional responding versus harmful reaction patterns.

3. Facilitates the state of being you want- more vitality or more calm, for example.

4. Accesses memories, beliefs, and patterns that exist far beyond your conscious and verbal self. For some, talk therapy just hasn’t worked because it doesn’t access what exists beyond words and cognition.

5. Changes your biology for new realities. Yay.

6. Is engaging, interesting, soulful, and fun-thank God.

7. Increases self-acceptance, self-trust, and intuition- more of that, please.

8. Have you used body-based psychotherapies or are you a body-based psychotherapist? Feel free to add your own reasons in the comments. 😊

#dancemovementtherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativeartstherapy #integrativepsychotherapy #authenticmovement #somatictherapy

My friend says, “I just had a memory of us walking here, but it was a spring day,” as the snow falls gently off the trees.

“This is a spring day,” I say, and we giggle, and I hear how the sound of birdsong is louder and more clear now, bouncing off of the snow.

It is a spring day, as we stumble on a fresh green bud holding hands with a little ice. And all this, of course, is a reflection of what’s possible and true for us humans.

Therapy is a place to practice holding what may appear opposite or contradictory, allowing for nuanced and complex feelings. We have days and moments where- metaphorically- in our inner experience - there is a fresh green bud covered in icy slush. We are not just one thing, or just another. Thanks to nature for always telling it like it is. ❄️ 🌱

#naturetherapy
#integrativepsychotherapy
#natureheals
#forestbathing
#mentalhealthpoetry

My friend says, “I just had a memory of us walking here, but it was a spring day,” as the snow falls gently off the trees.

“This is a spring day,” I say, and we giggle, and I hear how the sound of birdsong is louder and more clear now, bouncing off of the snow.

It is a spring day, as we stumble on a fresh green bud holding hands with a little ice. And all this, of course, is a reflection of what’s possible and true for us humans.

Therapy is a place to practice holding what may appear opposite or contradictory, allowing for nuanced and complex feelings. We have days and moments where- metaphorically- in our inner experience - there is a fresh green bud covered in icy slush. We are not just one thing, or just another. Thanks to nature for always telling it like it is. ❄️ 🌱

#naturetherapy
#integrativepsychotherapy
#natureheals
#forestbathing
#mentalhealthpoetry

Baby birds are hatched at the office! 🐣

I posted these videos and then deleted them a few days ago because I thought they might be a little too sassy, informal, unpolished. I’ve been on a journey of opening my heart. I’m in physical therapy actually learning to correct my posture by broadening across my collarbones, not sinking my heart. This journey includes me showing my sassy and subversive side more fully, even and likely especially in my professional spaces.

A sweet client told me the birds are purple finch. They’ve been back every year for the last few years. Last year, there were at least two rounds of babies.

#goodomens
#babybirds
#openheart

Baby birds are hatched at the office! 🐣

I posted these videos and then deleted them a few days ago because I thought they might be a little too sassy, informal, unpolished. I’ve been on a journey of opening my heart. I’m in physical therapy actually learning to correct my posture by broadening across my collarbones, not sinking my heart. This journey includes me showing my sassy and subversive side more fully, even and likely especially in my professional spaces.

A sweet client told me the birds are purple finch. They’ve been back every year for the last few years. Last year, there were at least two rounds of babies.

#goodomens
#babybirds
#openheart

Outdoor psychotherapy sessions starting!

Fresh oxygen feeding every cell of your body. Movement supporting your body to flow, digest, heal, and regenerate. Sunlight giving you essential vitamin D to boost mood and support hormone function. The wisdom of nature putting things in precious perspective.

The wind on your skin, the birdsong in your ears, the smell of dirt in your nose- all bringing you into the present moment.

Anxiety reduced as the body is nourished (no screens-just simple beauty), depression alleviated as the body is given aliveness (no lethargic halt- more flow and freedom), and maybe the most important lessons of being in the now and being able to feel joy, wonder, awe.

Outdoor sessions can include an easy walk or moderate hike, or they can look like sitting peacefully outside with talk therapy and expressive arts materials. 🩷

#naturetherapy #expressiveartstherapy #mentalhealth #creativeartstherapy #mindfulness #integrativepsychotherapy #forestbathing

Outdoor psychotherapy sessions starting!

Fresh oxygen feeding every cell of your body. Movement supporting your body to flow, digest, heal, and regenerate. Sunlight giving you essential vitamin D to boost mood and support hormone function. The wisdom of nature putting things in precious perspective.

The wind on your skin, the birdsong in your ears, the smell of dirt in your nose- all bringing you into the present moment.

Anxiety reduced as the body is nourished (no screens-just simple beauty), depression alleviated as the body is given aliveness (no lethargic halt- more flow and freedom), and maybe the most important lessons of being in the now and being able to feel joy, wonder, awe.

Outdoor sessions can include an easy walk or moderate hike, or they can look like sitting peacefully outside with talk therapy and expressive arts materials. 🩷

#naturetherapy #expressiveartstherapy #mentalhealth #creativeartstherapy #mindfulness #integrativepsychotherapy #forestbathing

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