Hi,
I’m Dr. Heather Freeman
Photo by Sunshine Lady Photography
I’m so glad you’re here.
I am a clinical psychologist and yoga teacher who would love to work with you!
Do you feel disconnected from yourself?
Doubt your ability to know what your needs are and how to communicate them?
Are you harder on yourself than on anyone else?
Do you have a hard time saying, “no,” and are not sure what your, “yes’s” are?
Starting your therapy journey can be vulnerable and requires some bravery. I am a client-centered, identity-affirming, community-based, therapist whose main goal is for the folks who work with me learn to be kinder and increase self-compassion for themselves on this challenging journey we call being human. I am interested in working with people who have experienced trauma related to family dynamics, interpersonal relationships, relationship violence and/or sexual assault, work burnout, medical trauma, and disordered eating/exercise. I am a trauma survivor with a history of substance abuse, disordered eating, compulsive exercise, and orthorexia. I mention my own survivor and recovery identities because my own healing journey informs how I show up with my clients. In our work together I’ll offer embodiment practices that have helped me to help you become your own resource for healing and learn to trust your innate capacity to heal yourself and offer that healing to your community.
Currently accepting clients in California and Washington state.
Embodiment:
Learning the innate intelligence of your body to increase self-awareness, self-compassion, and connection
“Lose your mind and come to your senses”
-Fritz Perls
What does this look like in therapy?
Often times we get trapped in the patterns/habits of our mind whether from past difficulties, traumatic experiences, or outdated ways of being in the world (think of any -ism or forced roles you have had to play). Our mind creates stories around dissatisfaction, rumination on the past, and worries about the future that prevent us from being in the present moment where healing can happen.
Luckily, our bodies are always in the present moment. Once we learn how to be more “embodied” we can learn how to watch our minds, understand their nature, and use them as a data point rather than the whole story. When we are able to distance ourselves from the myopic view of our minds, we are able to move in the world in our full experience as whole, complex, multifaceted beings, and open ourselves up to healing, joy, and freedom.
Embodiment practices in therapy go beyond the what and into the how and why. I listen to not just what you are saying (which is VERY important) but also how you are saying it. I do this by reading your body language, teaching you the skills to have a dialogue with your own body, and helping you bridge the gap between your mind and the rest of your experience.