Somatic Psychotherapy
Services
Individual Therapy
“Empathy is not simply a matter of trying to imagine what others are going through, but having the will to muster enough courage to do something about it. In a way, empathy is predicated upon hope.”
— Cornel West
Each person begins therapy for different reasons, and in those differences I seek to understand your unique qualities and experiences. Together we explore who you are and how certain behaviors, beliefs and responses have led you to therapy. We work towards developing insight, gaining awareness, and utilizing tools to create lasting psychological change. I believe that change is built from a foundation of compassionate noticing and deeper understanding. Importantly, much of that understanding must come from a place of exploring relational, biological, socio-cultural aspects. It is my goal to get to know you so that you can get to know yourself–to better understand your thoughts, feelings, needs, conscious and unconscious beliefs/narratives, and relationship dynamics.
Couples Therapy
“Love is a constant process of tuning in, connecting, missing and misreading cues, disconnecting, repairing, and finding deeper connection. It is a dance of meeting and parting and finding each other again. Minute to minute and day to day.”
— Dr. Sue Johnson
Seeking connection is an innate part of the human experience–we long for it–and when that feels threatened, conflict often ensues. Based on early relationship development, we each learn different strategies to feel connected and safe; however, sometimes those strategies can be misaligned or stop working. We often get lost in cycles of conflict– making assumptions, projecting, becoming defensive or self-protective, and subsequently participate in dysfunctional communication patterns. In couples therapy, we work to unpack these nuances and create greater awareness around your particular cycles of conflict. We seek to normalize needs and build communication and connection feels approachable and safe. I assist couples in developing a secure relationship that thrives on trust, resilience, and a knowingness that each person can be both dependent and independent and still feel “okay.”
Areas of Focus
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship Issues
- Life Transitions
- Stress Management
- Grief and Loss
- Trauma
- Identity Issues
- Family Conflict
- Inner-Critic
- Self-Confidence
About Me
“Human nature is full of riddles and contradictions; its very complexity engenders art-and by art I mean the search for something more than simple linear formulations, flat solutions, oversimplified explanations.”
— Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
I have a deep appreciation for complexity and the human experience. I am drawn to and inspired by each person’s unique psyche. I enjoy learning about people’s ideas, feelings, beliefs, behaviors, and how that impacts one’s relationship to self and to others. My curiosity in people and the human experience is the driving force in my work.
I received my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Somatics from California Institute of Integral Studies and hold a BA in Psychology from The University of New Mexico.
My Approach
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”
— Brene Brown
My approach to therapy starts with the same curiosity and awe I have for people. First, we are humans seeking to connect. My training prioritizes that knowledge–how we as humans connect and how those connections or disconnections impact many aspects of our lives. My theoretical orientation comes from a psychodynamic or relational lens; as well as attachment theory, trauma theory, and somatic oriented theories. I find tremendous influence from mindfulness, neuroscience, feminsit and sociocultural theory. Together we explore your background and lived experiences – exploring how your race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, and familial/other significant relationships have influenced your state of being.
I believe healing develops from a place of self-compassion, acceptance and belonging, and a deeper understanding of self. In my experience, the journey involves the integration of the fiercest parts of oneself; both darkness and light. I am deeply honored to do this work and look forward to an opportunity to work with you.
I am currently conducting telehealth therapy with California and Colorado residents using a HIPPAA-Compliant video platform due to COVID-19.
Successful therapy outcomes often result from having a good rapport with your therapist, so finding the right fit is important. Please reach out to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to ask questions, discuss your goals for therapy, learn more about my style and approach, get a sense of one another, and schedule an appointment. If we don’t feel like a good fit, I’m happy to provide alternative referrals.
415-735-4962
patty@pmurraytherapy.com