Kim Fahlen (she/her/hers)

Adolescence is a dynamic time of change, growth and possibility. Yet so often these years are full of self-doubt, low self esteem, and existential turmoil. They are constantly bombarded with expectations and images of who they should be and what they should do. But when teens feel really seen and heard, they can feel safe to express their authentic selves. Identifying what is most meaningful to them and finding healthy ways to communicate their needs is essential for healthy development.

Adolescence is a dynamic time of change, growth and possibility. Yet, so often these years are full of self-doubt, low self esteem, and existential turmoil. They are constantly bombarded with expectations and images of who they should be and what they should do. But when teens feel really seen and heard, they can feel safe to express their authentic selves. Identifying what is most meaningful to them and finding healthy ways to communicate their needs is essential for healthy development.

You don’t feel peace, even at rest. Full of fear and dread all the time and yet often the most dread you feel comes from not doing and being enough. You constantly feel judged by others. You constantly judge yourself. Feeling too exhausted for self care and reeling in a state of restless agitation, the stress takes a toll on your mind and body. Learn to quiet those voices and soothe the nervous system by tuning into your body's physiology. Listen to the messages and mindfully respond.

What would it be like if you woke up one morning and no longer hated your body? Our bodies are our only home and have the ability to self-heal if they are cared for, listened to and moved. However, too often we are critical, demanding, and even mean to ourselves and our body. Learn to embrace the power and beauty of your amazing body and trust that it knows the truth and carries the wisdom that you are enough just as you are.

Explore the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and behaviors and learn to create space between a situation and a response. Humans are predisposed to pay more attention to negative thoughts, but left unchecked these thoughts can change we way we feel and act. Challenging thought distortions and other negativity bias can be a mindful and practical way to break free of automatic patterns that are creating distress and anxiety.

Delve into the grounding power of the sand! By allowing your body to choose mini figures that are calling to you, you tap into a deeper level of awareness and insight. Place the figures in the sand to create a story of your inner world that can then be witnessed, altered and explored. Sandtray is a kinesthetic therapeutic modality that unleashes a sense of play and connection that leads to a deeper understanding of our authentic selves.

When you live in your head, you are missing a vital source of energy, connection and wholeness. Your feelings, problems, and life experiences are all happening in your body and left unacknowledged are contributing to your mental distress. Start by paying attention to the physical sensations happening in your body and learn to be a loving observer to the messages stored there. Through breathwork, movement, and postures, you can increase this body awareness to sustain a healthy nervous system.