While we possess many innate tools to cope effectively with adversity, there are a variety of factors that can serve as barriers to achieving a healthy balance in life. Whether these barriers relate to internal processes or external circumstances, I believe that it is often beneficial for us to practice vocalizing our experience to others, since doing so can serve as a protective factor against internalizing radical monologues that may pop up from time to time. Excessive accumulation of unhelpful narratives can be tough to navigate in isolation, which is unfortunately a reality that has been much more prevalent since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. While this has been a very challenging turn of events for many of us, I believe that it can also be seen as an opportunity to prioritize present wellness, practice flexibility, and cultivate long-term goals.

Although there are many commonalities that we share with one another, there is considerable variability between individuals’ values, beliefs, aspirations, and stories, so I strive to be intentional about treating each individual as the expert of their own narrative. If you are interested in collaborating with me, please feel free to reach out so that we can brainstorm the logistics and see whether we will be a good fit.

As someone who personally understands the value of tending to one's mental health, spending time in nature remains a crucial protective factor for me. As a native Virginian, I have many fond memories spending time hiking in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, which surround the greater Charlottesville area. These hikes, along with spending time with my dogs, became the foundation of my self-care routine. While I have always enjoyed having company from close family and friends on my nature excursions, I also came to understand that one must not always wait for others while navigating their path forward in life. With my dog Marley girl, who served as my Emotional Support Animal (ESA) until her passing, I traveled to Colorado, Montana, Arizona, and Washington to find Mother Nature, and myself. While mountain climbing, and soul searching, over this several year period, a thought routinely crossed my mind: Go with the body and the mind will follow.

I hope to help fellow travelers access this vast, therapeutic landscape, gifted to us all by a force far greater than ourselves.

In this way, I will be offering select therapeutic nature walks for those local to the Charlottesville area and who meet the appropriate criteria for this type of "walk and talk" therapy. Please inquire for more information.

Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Completed Level 1 & 2 Training

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) approved by EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)

Existential-Humanistic
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Narrative
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Emotion Focused

“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health: safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.”
— Bessel van der Kolk

e: dregan@mindfulhealingcounseling.com
c: 434-202-4269