Cassi Miles (she/her)

Anxiety usually presents as a frequent or constant feeling of dread, fear, or general uneasiness. Sometimes anxiety has a specific cause, but it may also be linked to something more ethereal and difficult to pin down or put into words. By learning to regulate the nervous system, we automatically increase our capacity for what we can handle without becoming overwhelmed by anxiety. That resilience can also give us clarity into why and how our anxiety manifests and open the path toward healing.

While grief is most commonly associated with death loss, it is also a wide-ranging and universal state of being that may accompany any significant life event or transition. Other common triggers for grief include: divorce / separation / break-up, loss of job, loss of health, medical obstacles, changes in family or friendship dynamics, loss of self-esteem or sense of self, career transitions, and life transitions (moving out of the home - both children and caregivers).

Trauma is any experience that overrides our system’s ability to cope. When our nervous systems experience something that is too fast, too big, too soon, too painful, or even too little for too long (neglect), our fundamental sense of safety is disrupted. Trauma can be something as simple as receiving unexpected bad news, or as complex as experiencing years of abuse. Trauma is highly subjective and unique to every individual. What is traumatic for some may not be for others, and that’s okay.

While grief is most commonly associated with death loss, it is also a wide-ranging and universal state of being that may accompany any significant life event or transition. Other common triggers for grief include: divorce / separation / break-up, loss of job, loss of health, medical obstacles, changes in family or friendship dynamics, loss of self-esteem or sense of self, career transitions, and life transitions (moving out of the home - both children and caregivers).

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. It is based on the premise that psychological suffering stems from our attempts to avoid or get rid of unpleasant thoughts, emotions, and sensations, and that by accepting these experiences, we can create space for positive change.

Art has a way of bypassing the limitations of verbal language, allowing individuals to express aspects of themselves that may be difficult to put into words. By engaging in the art-making process, clients can tap into their subconscious, accessing emotions, memories, and beliefs that may be buried or unconscious.

Traumatic events, whether physical or psychological, can overpower our natural ability to recover and adapt. This results in a dysregulated nervous system. Unlike traditional talk therapies, SE bypasses solely relying on verbal communication, acknowledging that traumatic experiences are stored in the body's non-verbal, sensory memories. By accessing these sensations and tracking the flow of energy in the body, clients can gradually address and integrate their traumatic experiences.