Who Am I?
Hi, my name is Caren and I have been a psychotherapist for over 30 years. In this time, I have had the opportunity to work with many issues and different populations, which have helped to hone my skills as a therapist.
I don't believe in quick fixes or putting band-aids on what might be core issues.
About me
If you are suffering from anxiety or depression or even trauma, I can help you find your way back to a place of self-love and compassion, which will help improve the quality of your life
I incorporate and eclectic approach that draws from different modalities such as EMDR, Gestalt Therapy, teaching mindfulness, as well as, relaxation techniques that have proven to be effective in helping with anxiety, depression, trauma and many other issues that we, as human beings face.
My approach is collaborative and interactive, yet gentle to help you feel safe and supported as you work through the issues that are preventing you from feeling joy and fulfillment in your life.
Empowerment is a theme that is woven throughout my work, as well as creative expression
You are not defined by the worst you have experienced!
You are so much more than you pain and suffering and
it doesn’t get to rule your life.
Whatever struggles that you may be facing,
I am here to tell you that your situation is not hopeless and
you don’t have to deal with it alone.
My Story: The Wounded Healer
The concept of the “wounded healer” is not a novel one.
Carl Jung and Rollo May both developed the premise of the transformative nature of suffering – how
someone who has been through his or her own personal pain, may be better equipped to help others.
As a survivor of childhood trauma, I can say that I have met my darkest pain. I know what it is like to feel unlovable because of shame – I understand what it is like to look at yourself in the mirror and not like what you see.
I was 13 when I found the courage to tell my parents that I was depressed -that I didn't like myself.
They seemed quite surprised to hear this as I seemed happy – had lots of friends and I was thriving in school. But, deep down inside, I knew that something was wrong, even if I didn’t understand why I was feeling this way about myself. Fortunately, for me, my parents were well-versed in psychotherapy because we had several people in my extended family who were in the field. And so I stepped clumsily into my first journey of self-discovery.
Awkward and self-conscious, I shuffled into my first session of therapy, not knowing what to expect. I was afraid that if the person before me saw the real me, whe would reject me. I felt so certain that I should never let anyone see my deepest pain. But, as the process began and as I started to develop trust and safety with a loving and non-judgmental person who bore witness to my experiences, the layers of pain began to peel away.
Through the process of therapy, I worked hard to overcome the self-blame and
guilt that often accompanies trauma. One session at a time, I was able to look at
my wounds without judgment and find the compassion and self-love that I needed.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud became more painful than the risk it took to blossom
Anais Nin
My Mission
The journey toward self is a beautiful exploration and discovery that we can uncover together.
We must be warriors of truth and understanding, committed to the work it takes to find our unique voice, willing to be vulnerable, willing to dare to be all that we can be. It is an act of courage to do this work – soul work. It is my vision to accompany you and facilitate your courageous journey into your soul – to help you manifest your authentic, vulnerable, and beautiful self.
