Boundaries exist in the therapeutic relationship for good reason. And along the healthy and acceptable spectrum of boundaries in the therapy dynamic, I’ve historically landed much closer to very firm boundaries (just ask my clients 🙃). 

Over the past couple of years though, life keeps showing me how much healing is possible when we embrace our humanity. Even as a therapist. Maybe, especially as a therapist?

When done with intent, I’ve seen how allowing myself to show more of my messy humanness is sometimes the most powerful thing I can offer to another messy human.  

Because really, we’re all messy humans, after all. 

This is right in alignment with my approach to therapy. I’m not “The Expert in the Room”. I see my role as a therapist as a guide. A trail guide of sorts. I guide people back to themselves. Back to their intuition. To slow down and get curious. Encouraging them to practice discernment and to be an active participant in their own life. 

I can be that guide, because I’ve also been lost on similar trails. 🥾🧭 

…

My hope in pulling back the curtain on my own journey is that it allows more context for the destination. A reminder that there is no ‘easy-bypass’ option. 

Together, we’ll explore what Self-Trust is, why it’s so important for living the life you desire (with a whole lot less anxiety), and the practical tools to build more of it. 

But before we dig any further into the concept of Self-Trust, I’m going to first share a glimpse into the ‘why’.

Of all the ways to live your best life, why do I focus so much on Self-Trust?

 Well, because in my own life and in the lives of hundreds of clients I’ve worked with over 12+ years as a trauma therapist, I’ve seen first-hand how transformative it can be.

I’ve seen the confidence + expansion on the other side. 

I’ve seen how insecurity + self-doubt fade away. 

Through observational research, personal reflection, and direct feedback, I’ve been able to gain clarity on the most impactful aspects of therapy. Not just healing and symptom reduction, but truly thriving in life. A pattern formed with every helpful concept, tool, practice and skill identified. Like the long, winding, and intertwined roots of a tree, they all originated from the same place. The Mother Tree of Self-Trust.🌳

The Self-Trust Model and Four Directions of the Compass 🧭 formed from this discovery. The structure of the compass helps to simplify the starting point, predict common waypoints, and more clearly define the intended destinations. All while still allowing plenty of flexibility for your journey to be uniquely yours. 

It’s now the lens in which I approach decisions in my own life as well as how I work with clients. But it definitely wasn’t always this clear.