We aren't born knowing how the world works, but we learn through our teachers and our culture. From here, we develop our unique set of perspective, beliefs, and values. Sometimes these are helpful. Sometimes they're not. Often, they used to be helpful, and allowed us to survive something, but no longer serve us in our current life. These create rules that we live by,  that help us not only understand the world around us but also come to know ourselves. However, they can be limiting to our growth.

Schema theory examines our unconsciously held beliefs that no longer serve us, and find new more true beliefs to replace them.  This is the lens I use when identifying patterns in thinking, behavior, or events that may be causing you distress. 

Okay, I know. I promise I won't tell you to journal, do yoga, or touch grass. But, there is some pretty cool science behind mindfulness techniques.

Mindfulness guides us through sitting in the discomfort of our emotions, so we can learn how to tolerate them better. It teaches us to treat ourselves without judgement, and look at our emotions as morally neutral. From here, we can begin to respond rather than react when things get hard.

My approach is secular, and I believe you can reach your goals without ascribing to a specific religion. I also believe that sometimes, faith can help us cope and if that works for you, then great! If you would like to incorporate spirituality into your treatment, I am pagan informed.