Something is not right…
You are going through the motions of life, but it feels like there is so much missing.
You want more joy, presence, and connection.
You often feel irritable, anxious, and impatient.
And that critical voice in your head won’t stop its chatter.
You feel like you need a vacation… constantly!
You are doing your best, but…
It never seems to be enough.
There is always one more thing you are “supposed” to be doing: exercise, meditate, socialize, advance in your career, “enlighten” your children, change the world… but sometimes, it’s hard enough just to get your laundry done and avoid the rabbit hole of social media.
And how is one expected to do all of this within the context of the world we’re currently inhabiting – COVID, war, global warming, social inequities, racism… just hearing that list makes you want to get back to scrolling Instagram.
It feels nearly impossible not to fall into anxiety, self-criticism, and despair.
You keep telling yourself you shouldn’t feel this way…
But the problem with “should-ing” away our feelings is that it makes them come back tenfold.
Imagine a friend coming to you for help, and you said…
You shouldn’t feel that way. That’s stupid. Just get over it.
Your friend would NOT be happy with you, and you can understand why. But we do the same thing to ourselves and expect a different outcome!
You need a place where all parts of you are welcome.
Even those that you are trying your best to push away:
The part of you that acts out in anger toward your loved ones…
The part of you that won’t stop scrolling on social media instead of reading that book you’ve been trying to get to for six months…
That anxious part that won’t let you enjoy anything…
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I change.”
–Carl Rogers
Instead of pushing these parts away or “fixing” them…
We will lean into them, befriend them, and tell their story.
There are no bad parts of us. There are just parts that carry burdens from our past: that part that fears being close to someone for fear of getting hurt again; or that part that feels the need to constantly tell you what you are doing wrong in hopes of gaining approval, rather than rejection.
As we explore together the context of your story, we will begin to name and understand why these parts behave the way they do.
The more we can understand, the more compassion and acceptance begin to replace shame and self-criticism. And that is where healing happens.
Here’s how we’ll uncover YOU…
Understanding the context of your story…
We will create a space that allows you to feel safe and connected as we explore what you are currently experiencing and how you got here. I am not passive in my approach, and you will feel my full presence as we explore TOGETHER the multiple facets of your story.
Clearing away past hurts…
Once we understand the context of your story, we can begin to heal those parts of you that are carrying burdens from the past. Research shows that real healing happens not just on the cognitive level, but also at a body level. That’s why we won’t just talk about these hurts. We will dig deep, using somatic techniques such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and meditation to promote deep, holistic healing to your mind, body, and spirit.
Prioritizing compassion, curiosity and presence…
Compassion, curiosity, and presence are like positive radiation. As we incorporate these elements into the process, you will notice natural shifts. When you are no longer bogged down by self-criticism and shame, you can be more free to live in your present moment and create a future that is more in line with your values and passions.
When you do this work and shed those burdens that no longer serve you, what’s left underneath is something beautiful – something without reactivity, judgment, or doubt…
IT’S YOU!
A more authentic and connected life can be yours.
This is not always easy work, but it is so rewarding.
Are you ready to take the next step?
Let’s talk about how I can help. Contact me today for a free 15-minute consultation: agarrattcounseling@gmail.com.