What is the purpose of this work?

To provide teens with a tool that is self-healing, cultivates their inner compass, empowering, teaches self love, medication-free and is freely available for the rest of their life!

Is this psychotherapy?

No. It’s a therapeutic tool. Effective alone or in conjunction with an established therapeutic relationship/program.

What can I expect to see in my teen after completing the program?

By the end of the program they will have learned that it is safe to be in their bodies, to comfortably allow and feel in a de-escalated and calm fashion (self regulating). Ultimately fine-tuning their internal compass and learning that they already have what it takes inside and that they are self-resourced. Adding a very important tool to their resource kit for life!

Does my teen need to be part of a program to work with you?

No. Sessions with me are available outside of the 9-week program format. However, the programs are designed to be the most transformative while allowing room for the integrative process. Typically teens need the ongoing structure to successfully move through the process.

What is the age range for the teen program?

The programs are designed to support teens that are within the 13-19 age range. But everyone is different! If you have interest in the program but your child is outside of this age range, please reach out.

Is there support available for my teen within the program format during the off week?

Yes. This will be discussed during the Discovery Call and Intake process.

Can you describe in more detail what hands-on support is about and what it looks like?

Through the pioneering work of Wilheim Reich, Alexander Lowen and John Pierrakos we see that blocks to emotional expression and rigid mental structures and belief systems are stored within the patterns of bodily tension. Along with the breathwork practice we use hands-on support as a tool to directly impact the bodily tension patterns of the breather and therefore their psyche.

When working with a breather it is common to see that breathing is absent or restricted in a particular part of the body, postural imbalances and bodily tension patterns or even an obvious expression of discomfort in a certain area. This is tied to the breather’s stored unconscious experiences and by applying intelligent pressure to the area it helps to keep the breather engaged with those feelings which helps the activation, expression and mindful integration of the clients underlying blockages.

Hands-on support adds presence to the process and lets the breather know that they are cared for, supported and safe. It aids in relaxing the breather therefore supporting an open breath and the integration of mental and emotional material.

This is not a massage like technique. It is a gentle and sustained pressure in the blocked area. Typical areas include calves, abdomen, chest, shoulders, back, neck, jaw and collarbones.

There is an extra special consideration when making contact on or near certain areas of the body when they may carry a high emotional charge due to past trauma.

At any time, a breather may indicate that they are not interested in hands-on support before or during a session.

How would you support a non-ordinary state that feels destabilizing?

The breather has ultimate control in the process at all times. Slowing down the breath and returning to a natural breath pattern will quickly establish an ordinary state. Water and food will also be offered to further ground the breather into their body.

What if my teen has a trauma release or an increase in symptoms?

The breather has ultimate control in the process at all times. Slowing down the breath and returning to a natural breath pattern will quickly establish an ordinary state and decrease symptoms. The balance of the session will be used as integration time to process the experience.

What if my teen feels activated and is resistant to completing the program?

It is usual for people to be triggered in this process as feelings and past trauma stored in the body can come up to the surface to be addressed and healed. This is processed through the post breath integration process. It is best to keep moving through the program and as your teen learns to in-source, new skills will be learned and the ‘triggers’ will become less powerful.

Do you provide a regular debrief with parents during/after the program has been completed?

I provide a high-level overview of the teen’s progress throughout the process and at the completion of the process, while maintaining the teen’s confidentiality with the fine details.

Is this covered by benefits?

No.

Is there confidentiality among the participants within the group format?

Yes. The group is counseled on the confidentiality requirement at the first session and consistently throughout the program.

Do you work with adults?

Yes.

Is it safe to perform conscious connected breathing through the mouth?

Yes. The Breathwave style of conscious connected breath is very gentle - it is an even and balanced breath style that is not focused on peak experiences, but instead maintains safety and comfort in the body through the softening and relaxation in the breath. This results in an established foundation of safety in the body that then allows us to open up and softly and gradually begin the process of integrating the emotional elements that can now arise.