01 Christine Shalala Psychotherapy
My Philosophical underpinning
The philosophical underpinning of my clinical work revolves around principles derived from forgiveness therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and narrative therapy. It is so important not to underestimate these philosophical underpinnings as they create a foundational base for helping clients through therapy work gain insight into the contextual factors impacting relationship dynamics.
To many of us it is too complicated and overwhelming to navigate, alone, through the loss experienced as a result of trauma. It requires deep understanding to how we can manage our thoughts and feelings within our relationship dynamics to structure and build relationships where we can feel safe and allowed to make new meaning to our losses; and how to let go of belief systems that have deterred us from healing and from telling our narratives confidently.
Trauma survivors usually identify with those through whom they have been bereaved, which makes it hard to let go and connect to their true sense of identity. They tend, instead, to find other ways to compensate for the loss.
We tend to compensate for the loss by replicating past relationship experiences, in an effort, to fix a mistake or restore a person we missed or restore an opportunity we lost. It can be detrimental as our ‘tendency to compensate’ can leave us feeling powerless and hopeless for not having saved or restored a moment or a person in the past.
To help individuals whose identity has been shaped by traumatic experiences move from the past to the present; and build full autonomy, I have developed a model of therapy that carries multidimensional aspects to help facilitate healing during which clients are encouraged to consider developing a non-conflicted, authentic, integral personality. A personality that is unchangeable due to roles and circumstances but genuine, aligned and fully developed.
How I can help
Are you experiencing hardships due to being trapped in a relationship where it feels like you are compelled to fulfill the goals and needs of your partner and significant others within your family context? Have you considered the impact of these relationship dynamics on your health and wellbeing, and how they have shaped your sense of identity? My services can help you promote your health and make the change today. I can help you recognize unhealthy self-beliefs embedded in the subconscious mind prohibiting you from aligning your actions with your true sense of worth and your values.
