Resilience * Healing * Growth

TRAUMA LENS

I work from the perspective that most of us have experienced varying degrees of trauma. This means that my first focus is on safety and comfort in the present moment and building trust in our relationship. I naturally look to support you with identifying and developing resources to help you manage difficult emotions including varying degrees of anxiety and depression as important first steps to exploring deeper issues and historical experiences. It is important to me to cultivate an atmosphere where you feel comfortable to advocate for yourself and set boundaries that will be honored and respected.

SOMATIC, MINDFUL AND HOLISTIC therapy

I also work somatically and incorporate mindfulness attending to the present moment experience with curiosity about your internal experience. By working somatically, we can discover your true feelings and needs from these signals as experienced in the present moment. I offer a wide range of body-based tools, practices, resources and exercises to share with you to increase your sense of inner peace and calm. At the same time, we can work together to uncover and shift limiting thoughts and beliefs. I am happy to help you find solutions and consider multiple options.

CONNECTION IS EVERYTHING

For me, the most important part of therapy is our relationship. I am dedicated to unconditional positive regard and non judgment. I hold the belief that you have strengths already within you that have gotten you this far including the courage and bravery to come to therapy. You are the guide and I aim to create a space of trust and safety that can lead to greater inner trust, self confidence, and self love.

NAVIGATING SOCIAL SYSTEMS

Working years in community mental health I  see each of us as individuals within multiple systems including our family, social group, institutions, etc. Living within some of these difficult to change hierarchies of power can leave us feeling helpless, hopeless, and frustrated. We live our lives within the framework of these systems that impact our day to day functioning. I am open to share and use my experience navigating these systems if it would be helpful. More importantly, I validate your experiences of them. If it would feel supportive, I offer collaboration and advocacy with your other treatment providers.

SUPPORTING TEEN self-discovery and exploration

I love working with teenagers! I understand the struggle of not being a kid anymore but not yet an adult. It’s so important for teens to have a place to vent and be themselves as they navigate the feelings of frustration, stress and low self esteem. Being a supportive figure, I create a safe space to help teens discover who they are and learn ways to deal with anxiety and depression in order to feel better and find enjoyment in their daily life.

FOSTERING FAMILY CONNECTION

I feel very passionate about working with families. I understand how hard it can be to juggle the challenges in your own life while trying to balance your family. I know the painful impact of difficult relationships and communication. With your openness and willingness, I can help your family change the dynamics by learning and practicing effective communication of feelings and needs. I can support your family by providing tools for managing emotions and communicating effectively, discovering or re-discovering your mutual bond, love and support of one another.

HELPING ADULTS OVERCOME DIFFICULT LIFE TRANSITIONS 

I know the feelings of, fear, grief, and disorientation that are often part of big life change. I understand the time it takes to prepare to, adjust from and settle into a new way of being. I enjoy working with adults dealing with transitions such as a move to a new place, changing careers, going to school, or entering a different stage of life (eg: empty nest, 12 step, medical diagnoses). Together we can navigate your transition by identifying social and emotional needs and supports.  I can support you with various holistic methods including tuning into oneself to embrace change,flexibility and resilience.

Healing for Therapists and Fellow Healers

Teachers, mental health workers, and healers: thank you so much for your service and the important work that you do. Burnout, vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue are a natural part of working with our fellow humans. I would love to provide you with a space to heal and replenish your cup with self care and self love. I can even support you with setting the necessary boundaries to do so; you deserve it. By giving to yourself, you can do the work you love to do with the energy needed to do it.

SPECIALTIES AND INTERESTS

• Mindfulness

• Yoga

• Nature

• Expressive Art

• LGBTQIA+ teens

• Grief

• 12 Step

• Spirituality and/or Religion

• School system

• Families with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Community Resources/Systems

• Community Mental Health

• Burnout/Compassion Fatigue

• Spanish Language (I am not fluent, but I can have a conversation!)

EDUCATION

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the Board of Behavioral Sciences, LMFT #110301

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with the Board of Behavioral Sciences, LPCC #7399 

M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a Specialization in Somatic Psychology from John F. Kennedy University

B.A. in Psychology from Drew University, New Jersey

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Kundalini Yoga Instructor, 200 hours, 2018-2019

TRAINING

• Expressive Art with Francine Ostrem, 2016-2020

• Ecotherapy Certificate Program with Ariana Candell, September- October 2020

• Religious and Spiritual Competency for Providers working with Youth in Care with Kelsey Pacha, 9/10/20

• Trauma & Mindfulness training, February – March 2020

• Know Your Rights with Ana Luisa Rodriguez from Centro Legal de la Raza, 10/17/19

• Compassion Fatigue Specialist Training with Beverly Kyer, 3/25/19- 3/27/19

• Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) with Lauren Spyzer, 3/23/18

• LatinX Training: La Cultura Cura with National Compadres Network and Jerry Tellos, 11/10/17

• Dolores Huerta: American Labor Leader and Civil Rights Activist with Dolores Huerta, 10/22/17

• Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome and Culture Specific Models of Service Delivery and Practice with Dr. Joy DeGruy, 2/27/17-2/28/17

• Introduction to the Neuro sequential Model: Applications for Mental Health and Education with Dr. Bruce Perry, 1/18/17

• The Invisible Wounds of Oppression: Healing our Clients, Transforming Ourselves with Dr. Kenneth Hardy, 12/8/16

• Institutional Healing for Improved Service and Care to families with Dr. Jaiya John of Soul Water Rising, 2/8/16

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**All psychotherapy services are provided by Life by Design Therapy, a holistic and somatic psychotherapy center founded by Melody Wright, LMFT. Life by Design Therapy welcomes the diversity of all ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs, family configurations, sexual orientations, and gender identities.