Put life into action.
About my approach to therapy.
My education and background is in psychodynamic therapy. I also utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and somatic therapy—often paired with an existential lens to create an affirming, holistic, and non-judgmental space.
Psychodynamics
What is the relationship between our conscious and unconscious minds? How can we bring into awareness and give language to felt emotions, patterns of behaviors, or unproductive thoughts that can seem like walls in our lives? In session, we will work collaboratively to better understand the areas you are wanting to change by identifying and validating past experiences and relationships that influence the present consciousness.
This type of depth-work therapy can be helpful in healing wounds that otherwise may remain invisible and out of awareness, though still impact our self-talk, relationships, and ability to regulate emotions.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is fundamental in my approach to therapy, as utilizing mindfulness to make contact with the present moment can provide valuable insight into how we might relate to, and even identify with, our thoughts and emotions. After all, if we can’t slow down enough to notice the present moment, how can we be implement change in that very moment?
In therapy we will practice slowing down the mind to become the observer of patterns of thoughts, relationships to emotions, and/or narratives about how we think of ourselves. Additionally, we all have core values that are intrinsic to who we are. In session we will work to identify both these values and (more importantly) actions that support these values over time. Let’s work to put them into practice rather than leaving them in thought alone.
Somatic Therapy
As humans, obviously we all exist within a physical body, and are in relation with that body, wether we are consciously thinking of it or not. So how does that fit into therapy? Have you ever noticed how high stress situations affect your emotions? Or conversely, more ready to tackle the day after taking a yoga class? From how we sleep, to our diets and exercise, to how we carry stress or trauma in the body—our physiology informs our emotional states whether we like it or not.
In therapy, we will work together to bring insight into physiology, and connect to the body in the here and now to help normalize, bring into awareness, and better affirm how it relates to your emotional experiences. Stress is a normal part of life, but it can be greatly exacerbated when it occurs out of our understanding of what may be happening on a physiological level—or if we are not routinely taking actions to help keep it regulated.
Office Details
If interested, I offer walk and talk therapy, which is precisely what it sounds like (read more about it, here). Prefer to have therapy on the Burke-Gilman or overlooking Lake Union? That is always an option. Add some fresh air to therapy!
Walk and Talk Therapy
Located next to Gasworks Park in the south of Wallingford, our building has a spacious and comfortable waiting area with gender-neutral bathrooms. There is ample street parking, as well as delicious cafes (Mas Cafe!), restaurants (Daruma Sando!), and other hangs in the immediate vicinity. For those with ADA based needs, I offer telehealth therapy and am happy to accommodate however I can.
How will we know if we are a good fit?
The best way is to try it out with a consultation. Research supports (and I agree) that finding the right fit in therapy is perhaps the most important aspect for positive therapy outcomes.
I know that finding the right therapist can be a lot of work, and I hope to help make it as seamless as possible. Schedule a consultation below by choosing a time that works best for you and we’ll chat soon!
In-person therapy in Seattle & online therapy for anywhere in Washington state.
Located in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood for in-person therapy. Online therapy utilizes a HIPAA compliant, secure telehealth platform.
Reach out through email or schedule a free consultation to discuss therapy options.
Natura Psychotherapy 3301 Burke Ave N Seattle, WA 98103
Email: james@naturapschyotherapy.com