Francesca Dodson, MS, LPC
I believe that every person is unique and has strengths, personal wisdom and resources. I also believe that we all have a desire to heal, to protect ourselves, and to belong. Sometimes we get stuck in one of these areas and need to regain balance. Individual and Family Counseling provides a space to address your concerns. We can listen to what your soul, mind and body are communicating through exploring your thoughts, longings, behaviors, symptoms, dreams and stories.
My approach is active, intermixing practical tools and personal insights. I love to look at situations from different perspectives and find new ways of thinking that often help clients move out of a stuck personal story. Whether we get ourselves stuck or life throws us an unexpected curve ball, I am looking forward to supporting you through this process to find forward movement and compassion.
Ideally our work together can help you realize your own individual path within your community and come to understand and respect yourself and others better through the process. You determine you own goals and we work together through thoughtful conversations and creative activities, like working with dreams, sandtray, and EFT tapping.
The Triskele (below) symbolizes how we build health when we find balance within three areas of our lives; the mind that knows, the body that feels, and the soul that moves us forward with passion.
Soul: Soul is that which drives us forward in life. If gives life meaning, reminds us of who we really are and what we really want in life. Counseling can help you live a more authentic life and identify your passions and goals. It can also address areas in life where you feel stuck or like you don't fit in. In addition, it can help those who are struggling with or wanting to grow in their spirituality and in their relationships with others.
Mind: The mind is a powerful force within every human. Our mind help us deal with painful feelings of loss, depression, anxiety, and shame. Counseling can also address having a lack of confidence, feeling overwhelmed or not being able to let go. Where we focus our mind affects our health, our productivity and our relationships.
Body: When we experience trauma, stress, and difficulties and don't deal with the emotional part of it, this experience can be stored in our body. Often our bodies will start crying out in pain or dysfunction trying to get our attention and asking for release. When the body does not heal through usual medical means, it has been shown to be beneficial to explore it symbolically. Our bodies know how to demand our attention.