I believe we’re all shaped by stories, including those we tell ourselves and those we’ve internalized from our families, our cultures, or broader society. Some may empower us, others may be quietly working against us.

The British psychoanalyst D.W. Winnicott said, “It’s a joy to be hidden and a disaster not to be found.” It’s easy — satisfying even — to hide some of the stories we believe about ourselves, especially those involving shame or fear. But in the process, we might unwittingly hide parts of who we really are, parts that are desperate to be seen and understood.

You may be seeking therapy because something about your life is no longer working, or because that something has never been working and now is the time to seek support. I work with clients who are struggling in relationships; navigating life transitions or career uncertainty; feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, perfectionism, or body image concerns; processing past trauma; or recovering from substance use disorders / addiction. Together, we’ll disentangle and dissect the narratives that shape your life. In learning where these stories came from and how they function, we can choose which to leave behind and which to revise into more adaptive, helpful, and strength-filled narratives.

To support this work, I draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS) and attachment theory, while incorporating somatic therapy, mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) — modalities I find especially helpful for regulating challenging emotions. Because I believe we can’t isolate the mind from the body, I also explore how sleep, movement, and nutrition may be affecting your mental health.

A trusting, genuine relationship between my client and me is the most important part of our therapy work together. I aim to create an environment that is nonjudgmental and compassionate — one where you feel genuinely seen and safe enough to be challenged.

In order to optimize the development of my professional counseling identity, I am required by the state accreditation board to receive clinical supervision from a licensed professional counselor. Dr. Monica P. Band, LPC (DC & VA), CRC, NCC, ACS, CCC, is serving as my sole and primary onsite supervisor for the duration of my residency.

Mindfulness
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Attachment theory
Psychodynamic
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) 
Somatic therapy 

“Even the act of loving someone is changing the world.” 

— Anonymous

e: lbredar@mindfulhealingcounseling.com
c: 970-425-6910