Andrea Bessa Counselling

I am not saying anything new, nor is it my story to tell. However, it is my responsibility to not only acknowledge the importance of this conversation but also how harmful NOT having it inherently is. - White therapists, do the work to understand and shift the system that trained us. We need to hold ourselves to a higher standard, it is unethical to do otherwise. I would encourage you to start with Dr. Jennifer Mullan @decolonizingtherapy, followed by the @the.wellness.ther...apist. Both have been immensely helpful in (continuously) clearing the dirt off my lens (and how amazing to access their thoughts for FREE on here? Take that in...). Also, @polyamorouswhileasian created a phenomenal resource on how to be a white ally and I would highly encourage you to read it. - White people, this is ongoing work. We will 100% miss stuff because we are not experiencing the same things. Therefore, it's going to require work on OUR part to keep ourselves aware and educated... which means seeking out and boosting black voices. - Feel free to comment on this post accounts of black therapists, social workers, creators that focus on decolonizing mental health, that more people should be following. Would love to have this post become an additional resource for those looking to decolonize their feeds. #andreaobessa #antiblackracism #whitesilence #whitesupremacy #whitepeoplewakeup #endwhitesupremacy #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychology #somaticpractice #somaticawareness #selfhealingjourney #selfhealingpower #selfhealer #selfhealingtools #selfhealingprocess #traumainformed #healingtrauma #traumaresponse #traumasurvivors #traumaresolution #traumacare #traumaawareness #complextrauma #childhoodtrauma #bodypsychotherapy#somaticpsychotherapy #counsellingandpsychotherapy #feministpsychotherapy#traumatherapist#somaticmovement See more

A gentle reminder to cut yourself some slack... that your feelings make sense even if they seem to contradict each other. There is no pressure to pick a truth as they can all co-exist. We are too complex to fit into neat and tidy boxes, so here's your permission slip to be a little messy. It's natural and normal. It makes sense. YOU make sense. #andreaobessa @s.savilephotography ... #traumatherapy #creativetherapy #familytherapy #soultherapy #musicistherapy #artherapy #notebooktherapy #traumahealing #traumainformed #traumarecovery #complextrauma #traumatology #traumainformedcare #traumatherapist #traumarelease #counsellingpsychology #relationshipcounselling #onlinecounselling #holisticcounselling #counsellingservices #spiritualcounselling #counsellingandpsychotherapy #personcentredcounselling #marriagecounselling #careercounselling #couplescounselling #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychotherapy #selfhelptools See more

I am not saying anything new, nor is it my story to tell. However, it is my responsibility to not only acknowledge the importance of this conversation but also how harmful NOT having it inherently is. - White therapists, do the work to understand and shift the system that trained us. We need to hold ourselves to a higher standard, it is unethical to do otherwise. I would encourage you to start with Dr. Jennifer Mullan @decolonizingtherapy, followed by the @the.wellness.ther...apist. Both have been immensely helpful in (continuously) clearing the dirt off my lens (and how amazing to access their thoughts for FREE on here? Take that in...). Also, @polyamorouswhileasian created a phenomenal resource on how to be a white ally and I would highly encourage you to read it. - White people, this is ongoing work. We will 100% miss stuff because we are not experiencing the same things. Therefore, it's going to require work on OUR part to keep ourselves aware and educated... which means seeking out and boosting black voices. - Feel free to comment on this post accounts of black therapists, social workers, creators that focus on decolonizing mental health, that more people should be following. Would love to have this post become an additional resource for those looking to decolonize their feeds. #andreaobessa #antiblackracism #whitesilence #whitesupremacy #whitepeoplewakeup #endwhitesupremacy #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychology #somaticpractice #somaticawareness #selfhealingjourney #selfhealingpower #selfhealer #selfhealingtools #selfhealingprocess #traumainformed #healingtrauma #traumaresponse #traumasurvivors #traumaresolution #traumacare #traumaawareness #complextrauma #childhoodtrauma #bodypsychotherapy#somaticpsychotherapy #counsellingandpsychotherapy #feministpsychotherapy#traumatherapist#somaticmovement See more

A gentle reminder to cut yourself some slack... that your feelings make sense even if they seem to contradict each other. There is no pressure to pick a truth as they can all co-exist. We are too complex to fit into neat and tidy boxes, so here's your permission slip to be a little messy. It's natural and normal. It makes sense. YOU make sense. #andreaobessa @s.savilephotography ... #traumatherapy #creativetherapy #familytherapy #soultherapy #musicistherapy #artherapy #notebooktherapy #traumahealing #traumainformed #traumarecovery #complextrauma #traumatology #traumainformedcare #traumatherapist #traumarelease #counsellingpsychology #relationshipcounselling #onlinecounselling #holisticcounselling #counsellingservices #spiritualcounselling #counsellingandpsychotherapy #personcentredcounselling #marriagecounselling #careercounselling #couplescounselling #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychotherapy #selfhelptools See more

Things I'm (re)Learning in Quarantine... - I'm (re)learning to embrace my waves of sadness, My waves of anger My waves of needing to withdraw... My waves of not wanting to move My waves of just needing to survive Just as much as I embrace my waves of inspiration, My waves of creativity My ways of energy My waves of productivity My waves of insight Both ends can be fleeting or long-lasting, or maybe a bit of both but they ultimately make us human. It’s okay to be human. It always is. #andreaobessa @s.savilephotography #somaticmovement #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychology #somaticpractice #somaticawareness #selfhealingjourney #selfhealingpower #selfhealer #selfhealingtools #selfhealingprocess #traumainformed #healingtrauma #traumaresponse #traumasurvivors #traumaresolution #traumacare #traumaawareness #complextrauma #childhoodtrauma #bodypsychotherapy #onlinepsychotherapy #somaticpsychotherapy #counsellingandpsychotherapy #feministpsychotherapy #creativetherapy #musicistherapy #counsellingonline #counsellinghelp #traumatherapist See more

Your needs don't end, they simply shift... continuously. Crisis or not, this will always be relevant. We will always need rest, boundaries, and support. - The idea that we will simply "go back to normal" after this, that we can go back like nothing ever happened minimizes our experience (regardless of whether it's been good or bad). The reality is though that transitions, even the ones we welcome, are dysregulating. - We can support ourselves through transitions by re-i...ntegrating them in manageable chunks (if you can), in order to not overwhelm the nervous system. Remember, you're under no obligation to jump into the deep end. Wade in, pause to get used to the water and then keep taking steps (that you can tolerate) forward. - This hasn't been a vacation. Therefore the expectations around how we transition out of this shouldn't be seen as such. Your need for rest, boundaries, support... are still necessary even when this crisis has passed. Save this so you don't forget. We're just figuring this out #andreaobessa Background @s.savilephotography #traumatherapy #creativetherapy #familytherapy #soultherapy #musicistherapy #artherapy #notebooktherapy #traumahealing #traumainformed #traumarecovery #complextrauma #traumatology #traumainformedcare #traumatherapist #traumarelease #counsellingpsychology #relationshipcounselling #onlinecounselling #holisticcounselling #counsellingservices #spiritualcounselling #counsellingandpsychotherapy #personcentredcounselling #marriagecounselling #careercounselling #couplescounselling #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychotherapy #selfhelptools See more

Things I'm (re)Learning in Quarantine... - I'm (re)learning to embrace my waves of sadness, My waves of anger My waves of needing to withdraw... My waves of not wanting to move My waves of just needing to survive Just as much as I embrace my waves of inspiration, My waves of creativity My ways of energy My waves of productivity My waves of insight Both ends can be fleeting or long-lasting, or maybe a bit of both but they ultimately make us human. It’s okay to be human. It always is. #andreaobessa @s.savilephotography #somaticmovement #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychology #somaticpractice #somaticawareness #selfhealingjourney #selfhealingpower #selfhealer #selfhealingtools #selfhealingprocess #traumainformed #healingtrauma #traumaresponse #traumasurvivors #traumaresolution #traumacare #traumaawareness #complextrauma #childhoodtrauma #bodypsychotherapy #onlinepsychotherapy #somaticpsychotherapy #counsellingandpsychotherapy #feministpsychotherapy #creativetherapy #musicistherapy #counsellingonline #counsellinghelp #traumatherapist See more

You are not your survival state, but it’s okay if your survival state is taking the driver's seat right now. You are learning to adapt to an unprecedented amount of stress right now, so allow yourself time to land, process and find safety in an ongoing uncertain situation. - Give yourself permission to press pause on the pressure to perform, to show up in a certain way, to react, to distract, whatever it is and instead get real with your grief. To allow your sensations and... emotions to flow, because that’s simply human. No silver linings, just being. Own that. Offer yourself support, even if it’s small and just be. he truth is, that’s enough. It always is. We’re all just figuring this out. Background @s.savilephotography #traumatherapy #creativetherapy #familytherapy #soultherapy #musicistherapy #artherapy #notebooktherapy #traumahealing #traumainformed #traumarecovery #complextrauma #traumatology #traumainformedcare #traumatherapist #traumarelease #counsellingpsychology #relationshipcounselling #onlinecounselling #holisticcounselling #counsellingservices #spiritualcounselling #counsellingandpsychotherapy #personcentredcounselling #marriagecounselling #careercounselling #couplescounselling #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychotherapy #selfhelptools See more

If you’ve been trying to push yourself from completely anxious or low energy to completely happy, here’s why I want you to stop. - This crisis has been too much, too quickly, for our nervous system and therefore throwing us into a threat response (flight, flight, then freeze). The shock and/or paralysis you’re feeling shouldn’t be completely pushed away. Why? By doing this, it’s again, too much, too quickly. Our bodies need little bits at a time to process. Which means sl...owing down and letting your body experience the little bits of safety that it can tolerate. - It’s okay if you can’t handle noticing for long periods of time. The goal is to experience little breaks of feeling a little less anxious (or low energy) rather than trying to feel the opposite extreme. For example, if you’re feeling low energy, what would it be like to listen to your most favourite song? Maybe sway a little as you listen what do you notice? If you’re feeling anxious, what would it be like to push your feet into the floor, squeezing your quads how does it feel to remember you have legs and feet that are firmly planted into the ground? - As you adapt to this ever changing situation, going slow offers time to integrate. Let that process be the least bit shocking and instead within your capacity to tolerate the discomfort that’s showing up. Going slow will take you farther than forcing yourself to go from one extreme to the other ever will honour your pacing. We’re all figuring this out together. #andreaobessa @s.savilephotography . . . . . #somaticmovement #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychology #somaticpractice #somaticawareness #selfhealingjourney #selfhealingpower #selfhealer #selfhealingtools #selfhealingprocess #traumainformed #healingtrauma #traumaresponse #traumasurvivors #traumaresolution #traumacare #traumaawareness #complextrauma #childhoodtrauma #bodypsychotherapy #onlinepsychotherapy #somaticpsychotherapy #counsellingandpsychotherapy #feministpsychotherapy #creativetherapy #musicistherapy #counsellingonline #counsellinghelp #traumatherapist See more

Your needs don't end, they simply shift... continuously. Crisis or not, this will always be relevant. We will always need rest, boundaries, and support. - The idea that we will simply "go back to normal" after this, that we can go back like nothing ever happened minimizes our experience (regardless of whether it's been good or bad). The reality is though that transitions, even the ones we welcome, are dysregulating. - We can support ourselves through transitions by re-i...ntegrating them in manageable chunks (if you can), in order to not overwhelm the nervous system. Remember, you're under no obligation to jump into the deep end. Wade in, pause to get used to the water and then keep taking steps (that you can tolerate) forward. - This hasn't been a vacation. Therefore the expectations around how we transition out of this shouldn't be seen as such. Your need for rest, boundaries, support... are still necessary even when this crisis has passed. Save this so you don't forget. We're just figuring this out #andreaobessa Background @s.savilephotography #traumatherapy #creativetherapy #familytherapy #soultherapy #musicistherapy #artherapy #notebooktherapy #traumahealing #traumainformed #traumarecovery #complextrauma #traumatology #traumainformedcare #traumatherapist #traumarelease #counsellingpsychology #relationshipcounselling #onlinecounselling #holisticcounselling #counsellingservices #spiritualcounselling #counsellingandpsychotherapy #personcentredcounselling #marriagecounselling #careercounselling #couplescounselling #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychotherapy #selfhelptools See more

How we show up when we're grieving, how we show up when we don't know what's going to happen, how we show up when scrambling to make a plan... it doesn't matter. There's no right way to do that. - We're all doing the best with what we have at this point and that's enough. It always has been. Keep going. Keep reaching out for connection. Ask. for. help. We're all figuring this out together. - How have you been showing up? Let me know in the comments- I think we could all ...use a little more validation right now! #andreaobessa Background @s.savilephotography #traumatherapy #creativetherapy #familytherapy #soultherapy #musicistherapy #artherapy #notebooktherapy #traumahealing #traumainformed #traumarecovery #complextrauma #traumatology #traumainformedcare #traumatherapist #traumarelease #counsellingpsychology #relationshipcounselling #onlinecounselling #holisticcounselling #counsellingservices #spiritualcounselling #counsellingandpsychotherapy #personcentredcounselling #marriagecounselling #careercounselling #couplescounselling #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychotherapy #selfhelptools See more

You are not your survival state, but it’s okay if your survival state is taking the driver's seat right now. You are learning to adapt to an unprecedented amount of stress right now, so allow yourself time to land, process and find safety in an ongoing uncertain situation. - Give yourself permission to press pause on the pressure to perform, to show up in a certain way, to react, to distract, whatever it is and instead get real with your grief. To allow your sensations and... emotions to flow, because that’s simply human. No silver linings, just being. Own that. Offer yourself support, even if it’s small and just be. he truth is, that’s enough. It always is. We’re all just figuring this out. Background @s.savilephotography #traumatherapy #creativetherapy #familytherapy #soultherapy #musicistherapy #artherapy #notebooktherapy #traumahealing #traumainformed #traumarecovery #complextrauma #traumatology #traumainformedcare #traumatherapist #traumarelease #counsellingpsychology #relationshipcounselling #onlinecounselling #holisticcounselling #counsellingservices #spiritualcounselling #counsellingandpsychotherapy #personcentredcounselling #marriagecounselling #careercounselling #couplescounselling #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychotherapy #selfhelptools See more

Whether we want to admit it or not, this pandemic is traumatic, which means getting into our bodies is even more important. - As humans, we always want to know the "why" of things. Meaning-making, for some of us, is our default place when we feel unsafe... so it makes sense if you're overwhelmed trying to make sense of everything around you. However, I'm here to tell you that it's okay to take a break from that and to hang out with your body (tuck you thoughts it in a draw...er, you can come back to it). - The struggles that are showing up right now are very real and it would be silly of me to think that getting into your body is going to fix them. However, the best we can do right now is focus on the here and now and right NOW you can offer yourself some relief, some safety. Why is that important? - It will give you more capacity to intellectualize your situation. Right now, we’re all experiencing mini reactions in our nervous system that all stem from flight, fright, and then freeze. With that, it’s going to be very difficult to create a plan, go through finances, etc. if your nervous system is overwhelmed. - So if you can, take some time to experience little glimmers of safety. It will take you farther than staying stuck in your head 24/7. #andreaobessa @s.savilephotography Download my free Pocket Guide to Feeling Safe (link in bio) for tips on how to get out of your head and into your body. . . . . #therapysession #counselorlife #therapyiscool #selfregulation #therapistsofinstagram #onlinecounseling #lovecoach #seekhelp #counselingworks #healingtrauma #bodyawareness #therapists #therapyworks #counselorsofinstagram #lcsw #registeredpsychotherapist #selfdevelopmentjunkie #liveintenionally #evolveandsucceed #personaldevelopment #personalgrowth #growthanddevelopment #positiveaffirmations #mentalhealthcomesfirst #livingalifeofawareness #selfrealization #individuation #practicemindfulness

If you’ve been trying to push yourself from completely anxious or low energy to completely happy, here’s why I want you to stop. - This crisis has been too much, too quickly, for our nervous system and therefore throwing us into a threat response (flight, flight, then freeze). The shock and/or paralysis you’re feeling shouldn’t be completely pushed away. Why? By doing this, it’s again, too much, too quickly. Our bodies need little bits at a time to process. Which means sl...owing down and letting your body experience the little bits of safety that it can tolerate. - It’s okay if you can’t handle noticing for long periods of time. The goal is to experience little breaks of feeling a little less anxious (or low energy) rather than trying to feel the opposite extreme. For example, if you’re feeling low energy, what would it be like to listen to your most favourite song? Maybe sway a little as you listen what do you notice? If you’re feeling anxious, what would it be like to push your feet into the floor, squeezing your quads how does it feel to remember you have legs and feet that are firmly planted into the ground? - As you adapt to this ever changing situation, going slow offers time to integrate. Let that process be the least bit shocking and instead within your capacity to tolerate the discomfort that’s showing up. Going slow will take you farther than forcing yourself to go from one extreme to the other ever will honour your pacing. We’re all figuring this out together. #andreaobessa @s.savilephotography . . . . . #somaticmovement #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychology #somaticpractice #somaticawareness #selfhealingjourney #selfhealingpower #selfhealer #selfhealingtools #selfhealingprocess #traumainformed #healingtrauma #traumaresponse #traumasurvivors #traumaresolution #traumacare #traumaawareness #complextrauma #childhoodtrauma #bodypsychotherapy #onlinepsychotherapy #somaticpsychotherapy #counsellingandpsychotherapy #feministpsychotherapy #creativetherapy #musicistherapy #counsellingonline #counsellinghelp #traumatherapist See more

When it comes to calling out the "glorifying of busyness" people often forget a very important thing. - Keeping busy and perhaps even overcommitting could very well be ways we learned to stay safe in the world. Many of us were raised in environments that did not support *feeling* our emotions. With that, it doesn't take long for us to adapt and distract from feeling... ANYTHING. - So what happens when all our usual ways of distracting aren't accessible or overly exhausted...? We come face to face with our physical experience of the situation and that can be scary AF! ESPECIALLY if we were shamed out of feeling anything. It may feel wrong or bad, but that doesn't mean that it is. - This is where feeling safe comes in. In order to move through our emotional experience, we have to feel safe enough to do that. In my Pocket Guide to Feeling Safe, I share a few tips that will help you experience safety, especially when we're feeling activated. Also, offering yourself opportunities for pleasure can help you use up that energy too. - TL;DR: The energy you're feeling is natural and normal. Find time to feel safe and let your sensations and emotions flow. It's okay to be human, you're supposed to feel some type of way about what's happening in the world. You're not alone. We're all just figuring it out. #andreaobessa Background @s.savilephotography #therapysession #counselorlife #therapyiscool #selfregulation #therapistsofinstagram #onlinecounseling #lovecoach #seekhelp #counselingworks #healingtrauma #cognitivebehavioraltherapy #therapists #therapyworks #counselorsofinstagram #lcsw #registeredpsychotherapist #selfdevelopmentjunkie #liveintenionally #evolveandsucceed #personaldevelopment #personalgrowth #growthanddevelopment #positiveaffirmations #mentalhealthcomesfirst #livingalifeofawareness #selfrealization #individuation #practicemindfulness #theartofslowliving See more

How we show up when we're grieving, how we show up when we don't know what's going to happen, how we show up when scrambling to make a plan... it doesn't matter. There's no right way to do that. - We're all doing the best with what we have at this point and that's enough. It always has been. Keep going. Keep reaching out for connection. Ask. for. help. We're all figuring this out together. - How have you been showing up? Let me know in the comments- I think we could all ...use a little more validation right now! #andreaobessa Background @s.savilephotography #traumatherapy #creativetherapy #familytherapy #soultherapy #musicistherapy #artherapy #notebooktherapy #traumahealing #traumainformed #traumarecovery #complextrauma #traumatology #traumainformedcare #traumatherapist #traumarelease #counsellingpsychology #relationshipcounselling #onlinecounselling #holisticcounselling #counsellingservices #spiritualcounselling #counsellingandpsychotherapy #personcentredcounselling #marriagecounselling #careercounselling #couplescounselling #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychotherapy #selfhelptools See more

If you're feeling unmotivated, lethargic, withdrawn... I need you to know this. - What you are feeling is natural and normal. Yes, you heard me right. In a season of GREAT loss, one where you can't run from it or fight it, your body naturally "accepts its fate." That lack of motivation you're feeling is the immobilization that comes from a freeze response. So basically, your body is working really hard to keep you safe! - So how do we move through this freeze? Pleasure. ...And yes, that is vague for a reason- because pleasure is deeply personal. For me, it's been facetime, perfecting my latte art, dance-offs with my dog, rewatching old shows, laughing (A LOT) at memes (comic relief please!), you get the point. Choose something that lands and resonates with you... try different things, change your mind! Whatever it is- you get to choose. Find pleasure in even the simple things. - Remind yourself that it's ok to be having a hard time- it's natural and normal. There is something out there (that brings you pleasure) that can bring you back into a safe, more regulated place (even if it is just for little pockets of time). Keep going. We're in this together. #andreaobessa @s.savilephotography #psychology #selfhelp #selfconfidence #therapysession #counselorlife #therapyiscool #selfregulation #therapistsofinstagram #onlinecounseling #lifecoaching #seekhelp #counselingworks #healingtrauma #traumahealing #therapyworks #counselorsofinstagram #abundantlife #mentalhealthcomesfirst #livingalifeofawareness #spiritualgrowth #selfcompassionjourney #somaticexperiencing #therapistsofinstagram #selfhealers #authenticliving #feelingsafeandsound #coreself #traumatherapist #ldnont See more

Whether we want to admit it or not, this pandemic is traumatic, which means getting into our bodies is even more important. - As humans, we always want to know the "why" of things. Meaning-making, for some of us, is our default place when we feel unsafe... so it makes sense if you're overwhelmed trying to make sense of everything around you. However, I'm here to tell you that it's okay to take a break from that and to hang out with your body (tuck you thoughts it in a draw...er, you can come back to it). - The struggles that are showing up right now are very real and it would be silly of me to think that getting into your body is going to fix them. However, the best we can do right now is focus on the here and now and right NOW you can offer yourself some relief, some safety. Why is that important? - It will give you more capacity to intellectualize your situation. Right now, we’re all experiencing mini reactions in our nervous system that all stem from flight, fright, and then freeze. With that, it’s going to be very difficult to create a plan, go through finances, etc. if your nervous system is overwhelmed. - So if you can, take some time to experience little glimmers of safety. It will take you farther than staying stuck in your head 24/7. #andreaobessa @s.savilephotography Download my free Pocket Guide to Feeling Safe (link in bio) for tips on how to get out of your head and into your body. . . . . #therapysession #counselorlife #therapyiscool #selfregulation #therapistsofinstagram #onlinecounseling #lovecoach #seekhelp #counselingworks #healingtrauma #bodyawareness #therapists #therapyworks #counselorsofinstagram #lcsw #registeredpsychotherapist #selfdevelopmentjunkie #liveintenionally #evolveandsucceed #personaldevelopment #personalgrowth #growthanddevelopment #positiveaffirmations #mentalhealthcomesfirst #livingalifeofawareness #selfrealization #individuation #practicemindfulness

If you're feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, maybe even a little unsafe, I have something (FREE) for you. - I think we've all come to realize that while we may be stuck at home, it is definitely not a vacation. Working from home, while trying to home school, keep things clean and everyone fed... it's a lot. Seeing people in masks, reading the news... It all has the potential to make us feel really unsafe. - We cognitively know what is happening and how to do our part... but... there's a difference between knowing and feeling that we're safe. So how do we let our physiology know that we're "ok"? How do we experience the felt sense of safety? - I made a FREE guide to help you do just that- feel just a little bit safer in the world. In it, you'll find (body-oriented) support for experiencing a little more safety in the here and now. Click the link below: A POCKET GUIDE TO FEELING SAFE https://www.andreabessa.com/pocket-guide-to-feeling-safe It's a FREE download. Take a look and let me know what you think! #andreaobessa @s.savilephotography #psychology #selfhelp #selfconfidence #therapysession #counselorlife #therapyiscool #selfregulation #therapistsofinstagram #onlinecounseling #lifecoaching #seekhelp #counselingworks #healingtrauma #traumahealing #therapyworks #counselorsofinstagram #abundantlife #mentalhealthcomesfirst #livingalifeofawareness #spiritualgrowth #selfcompassionjourney #somaticexperiencing #therapistsofinstagram #selfhealers #authenticliving #feelingsafeandsound #coreself #traumatherapist #ldnont See more

When it comes to calling out the "glorifying of busyness" people often forget a very important thing. - Keeping busy and perhaps even overcommitting could very well be ways we learned to stay safe in the world. Many of us were raised in environments that did not support *feeling* our emotions. With that, it doesn't take long for us to adapt and distract from feeling... ANYTHING. - So what happens when all our usual ways of distracting aren't accessible or overly exhausted...? We come face to face with our physical experience of the situation and that can be scary AF! ESPECIALLY if we were shamed out of feeling anything. It may feel wrong or bad, but that doesn't mean that it is. - This is where feeling safe comes in. In order to move through our emotional experience, we have to feel safe enough to do that. In my Pocket Guide to Feeling Safe, I share a few tips that will help you experience safety, especially when we're feeling activated. Also, offering yourself opportunities for pleasure can help you use up that energy too. - TL;DR: The energy you're feeling is natural and normal. Find time to feel safe and let your sensations and emotions flow. It's okay to be human, you're supposed to feel some type of way about what's happening in the world. You're not alone. We're all just figuring it out. #andreaobessa Background @s.savilephotography #therapysession #counselorlife #therapyiscool #selfregulation #therapistsofinstagram #onlinecounseling #lovecoach #seekhelp #counselingworks #healingtrauma #cognitivebehavioraltherapy #therapists #therapyworks #counselorsofinstagram #lcsw #registeredpsychotherapist #selfdevelopmentjunkie #liveintenionally #evolveandsucceed #personaldevelopment #personalgrowth #growthanddevelopment #positiveaffirmations #mentalhealthcomesfirst #livingalifeofawareness #selfrealization #individuation #practicemindfulness #theartofslowliving See more

Now more than ever, we need to keep reaching for our supports. We may not be able to physically reach, but honouring our need for connection is more important now more than ever. My therapy room has been temporarily moved online to offer support to those who need it at this (very bizarre!) time. I'm not going anywhere! #andreaobessa

If you feel like you need more control... read this - "I need to have more control over my emotions..." "I need to be more motivated..." "I need to get my sh*t together..."... - I've said those things... I've said them so many times I've lost track. I've also lost track of how many women (some men too) who walk into my office who also say those things. We all want more control because when we have that, we are more "acceptable." That makes sense... we are hard-wired for connection- duh. So why wouldn't we work our asses off to keep ourselves safe and in this case PRESERVE our ability to connect with others? - Here's the big BUT... we have gotten SO used to keeping ourselves safe in this way that we have mistaken our survival state with who we are at our core. Our core self has needs that more often than not, don't fit into the box we have been given. - So when we say to ourselves we need to control our anger, our joy... when we dwarf our needs, we are operating from a place of survival rather than who we ACTUALLY are. - I realize this is scary and little bit easier said than done... but you were not meant to live your life in a constant state of survival. You ARE meant for so much unbridled, messy, and beautiful things. Always. #andreabessa @s.savilephotography #psychology #selfhelp #selfconfidence #therapysession #counselorlife #therapyiscool #selfregulation #therapistsofinstagram #onlinecounseling #lifecoaching #seekhelp #counselingworks #healingtrauma #traumahealing #therapyworks #counselorsofinstagram #abundantlife #mentalhealthcomesfirst #livingalifeofawareness #spiritualgrowth #selfcompassionjourney #somaticexperiencing #therapistsofinstagram #selfhealers #authenticliving #untamed #coreself #traumatherapist #ldnont See more

If you're feeling unmotivated, lethargic, withdrawn... I need you to know this. - What you are feeling is natural and normal. Yes, you heard me right. In a season of GREAT loss, one where you can't run from it or fight it, your body naturally "accepts its fate." That lack of motivation you're feeling is the immobilization that comes from a freeze response. So basically, your body is working really hard to keep you safe! - So how do we move through this freeze? Pleasure. ...And yes, that is vague for a reason- because pleasure is deeply personal. For me, it's been facetime, perfecting my latte art, dance-offs with my dog, rewatching old shows, laughing (A LOT) at memes (comic relief please!), you get the point. Choose something that lands and resonates with you... try different things, change your mind! Whatever it is- you get to choose. Find pleasure in even the simple things. - Remind yourself that it's ok to be having a hard time- it's natural and normal. There is something out there (that brings you pleasure) that can bring you back into a safe, more regulated place (even if it is just for little pockets of time). Keep going. We're in this together. #andreaobessa @s.savilephotography #psychology #selfhelp #selfconfidence #therapysession #counselorlife #therapyiscool #selfregulation #therapistsofinstagram #onlinecounseling #lifecoaching #seekhelp #counselingworks #healingtrauma #traumahealing #therapyworks #counselorsofinstagram #abundantlife #mentalhealthcomesfirst #livingalifeofawareness #spiritualgrowth #selfcompassionjourney #somaticexperiencing #therapistsofinstagram #selfhealers #authenticliving #feelingsafeandsound #coreself #traumatherapist #ldnont See more

If you're feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, maybe even a little unsafe, I have something (FREE) for you. - I think we've all come to realize that while we may be stuck at home, it is definitely not a vacation. Working from home, while trying to home school, keep things clean and everyone fed... it's a lot. Seeing people in masks, reading the news... It all has the potential to make us feel really unsafe. - We cognitively know what is happening and how to do our part... but... there's a difference between knowing and feeling that we're safe. So how do we let our physiology know that we're "ok"? How do we experience the felt sense of safety? - I made a FREE guide to help you do just that- feel just a little bit safer in the world. In it, you'll find (body-oriented) support for experiencing a little more safety in the here and now. Click the link below: A POCKET GUIDE TO FEELING SAFE https://www.andreabessa.com/pocket-guide-to-feeling-safe It's a FREE download. Take a look and let me know what you think! #andreaobessa @s.savilephotography #psychology #selfhelp #selfconfidence #therapysession #counselorlife #therapyiscool #selfregulation #therapistsofinstagram #onlinecounseling #lifecoaching #seekhelp #counselingworks #healingtrauma #traumahealing #therapyworks #counselorsofinstagram #abundantlife #mentalhealthcomesfirst #livingalifeofawareness #spiritualgrowth #selfcompassionjourney #somaticexperiencing #therapistsofinstagram #selfhealers #authenticliving #feelingsafeandsound #coreself #traumatherapist #ldnont See more

Now more than ever, we need to keep reaching for our supports. We may not be able to physically reach, but honouring our need for connection is more important now more than ever. My therapy room has been temporarily moved online to offer support to those who need it at this (very bizarre!) time. I'm not going anywhere! #andreaobessa

If you feel like you need more control... read this - "I need to have more control over my emotions..." "I need to be more motivated..." "I need to get my sh*t together..."... - I've said those things... I've said them so many times I've lost track. I've also lost track of how many women (some men too) who walk into my office who also say those things. We all want more control because when we have that, we are more "acceptable." That makes sense... we are hard-wired for connection- duh. So why wouldn't we work our asses off to keep ourselves safe and in this case PRESERVE our ability to connect with others? - Here's the big BUT... we have gotten SO used to keeping ourselves safe in this way that we have mistaken our survival state with who we are at our core. Our core self has needs that more often than not, don't fit into the box we have been given. - So when we say to ourselves we need to control our anger, our joy... when we dwarf our needs, we are operating from a place of survival rather than who we ACTUALLY are. - I realize this is scary and little bit easier said than done... but you were not meant to live your life in a constant state of survival. You ARE meant for so much unbridled, messy, and beautiful things. Always. #andreabessa @s.savilephotography #psychology #selfhelp #selfconfidence #therapysession #counselorlife #therapyiscool #selfregulation #therapistsofinstagram #onlinecounseling #lifecoaching #seekhelp #counselingworks #healingtrauma #traumahealing #therapyworks #counselorsofinstagram #abundantlife #mentalhealthcomesfirst #livingalifeofawareness #spiritualgrowth #selfcompassionjourney #somaticexperiencing #therapistsofinstagram #selfhealers #authenticliving #untamed #coreself #traumatherapist #ldnont See more

A gentle reminder to cut yourself some slack... that your feelings make sense even if they seem to contradict each other. There is no pressure to pick a truth as they can all co-exist. We are too complex to fit into neat and tidy boxes, so here's your permission slip to be a little messy. It's natural and normal. It makes sense. YOU make sense. #andreaobessa @s.savilephotography ... #traumatherapy #creativetherapy #familytherapy #soultherapy #musicistherapy #artherapy #notebooktherapy #traumahealing #traumainformed #traumarecovery #complextrauma #traumatology #traumainformedcare #traumatherapist #traumarelease #counsellingpsychology #relationshipcounselling #onlinecounselling #holisticcounselling #counsellingservices #spiritualcounselling #counsellingandpsychotherapy #personcentredcounselling #marriagecounselling #careercounselling #couplescounselling #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychotherapy #selfhelptools See more

Things I'm (re)Learning in Quarantine... - I'm (re)learning to embrace my waves of sadness, My waves of anger My waves of needing to withdraw... My waves of not wanting to move My waves of just needing to survive Just as much as I embrace my waves of inspiration, My waves of creativity My ways of energy My waves of productivity My waves of insight Both ends can be fleeting or long-lasting, or maybe a bit of both but they ultimately make us human. It’s okay to be human. It always is. #andreaobessa @s.savilephotography #somaticmovement #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychology #somaticpractice #somaticawareness #selfhealingjourney #selfhealingpower #selfhealer #selfhealingtools #selfhealingprocess #traumainformed #healingtrauma #traumaresponse #traumasurvivors #traumaresolution #traumacare #traumaawareness #complextrauma #childhoodtrauma #bodypsychotherapy #onlinepsychotherapy #somaticpsychotherapy #counsellingandpsychotherapy #feministpsychotherapy #creativetherapy #musicistherapy #counsellingonline #counsellinghelp #traumatherapist See more

Your needs don't end, they simply shift... continuously. Crisis or not, this will always be relevant. We will always need rest, boundaries, and support. - The idea that we will simply "go back to normal" after this, that we can go back like nothing ever happened minimizes our experience (regardless of whether it's been good or bad). The reality is though that transitions, even the ones we welcome, are dysregulating. - We can support ourselves through transitions by re-i...ntegrating them in manageable chunks (if you can), in order to not overwhelm the nervous system. Remember, you're under no obligation to jump into the deep end. Wade in, pause to get used to the water and then keep taking steps (that you can tolerate) forward. - This hasn't been a vacation. Therefore the expectations around how we transition out of this shouldn't be seen as such. Your need for rest, boundaries, support... are still necessary even when this crisis has passed. Save this so you don't forget. We're just figuring this out #andreaobessa Background @s.savilephotography #traumatherapy #creativetherapy #familytherapy #soultherapy #musicistherapy #artherapy #notebooktherapy #traumahealing #traumainformed #traumarecovery #complextrauma #traumatology #traumainformedcare #traumatherapist #traumarelease #counsellingpsychology #relationshipcounselling #onlinecounselling #holisticcounselling #counsellingservices #spiritualcounselling #counsellingandpsychotherapy #personcentredcounselling #marriagecounselling #careercounselling #couplescounselling #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychotherapy #selfhelptools See more

You are not your survival state, but it’s okay if your survival state is taking the driver's seat right now. You are learning to adapt to an unprecedented amount of stress right now, so allow yourself time to land, process and find safety in an ongoing uncertain situation. - Give yourself permission to press pause on the pressure to perform, to show up in a certain way, to react, to distract, whatever it is and instead get real with your grief. To allow your sensations and... emotions to flow, because that’s simply human. No silver linings, just being. Own that. Offer yourself support, even if it’s small and just be. he truth is, that’s enough. It always is. We’re all just figuring this out. Background @s.savilephotography #traumatherapy #creativetherapy #familytherapy #soultherapy #musicistherapy #artherapy #notebooktherapy #traumahealing #traumainformed #traumarecovery #complextrauma #traumatology #traumainformedcare #traumatherapist #traumarelease #counsellingpsychology #relationshipcounselling #onlinecounselling #holisticcounselling #counsellingservices #spiritualcounselling #counsellingandpsychotherapy #personcentredcounselling #marriagecounselling #careercounselling #couplescounselling #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychotherapy #selfhelptools See more

If you’ve been trying to push yourself from completely anxious or low energy to completely happy, here’s why I want you to stop. - This crisis has been too much, too quickly, for our nervous system and therefore throwing us into a threat response (flight, flight, then freeze). The shock and/or paralysis you’re feeling shouldn’t be completely pushed away. Why? By doing this, it’s again, too much, too quickly. Our bodies need little bits at a time to process. Which means sl...owing down and letting your body experience the little bits of safety that it can tolerate. - It’s okay if you can’t handle noticing for long periods of time. The goal is to experience little breaks of feeling a little less anxious (or low energy) rather than trying to feel the opposite extreme. For example, if you’re feeling low energy, what would it be like to listen to your most favourite song? Maybe sway a little as you listen what do you notice? If you’re feeling anxious, what would it be like to push your feet into the floor, squeezing your quads how does it feel to remember you have legs and feet that are firmly planted into the ground? - As you adapt to this ever changing situation, going slow offers time to integrate. Let that process be the least bit shocking and instead within your capacity to tolerate the discomfort that’s showing up. Going slow will take you farther than forcing yourself to go from one extreme to the other ever will honour your pacing. We’re all figuring this out together. #andreaobessa @s.savilephotography . . . . . #somaticmovement #somaticexperiencing #somaticpsychology #somaticpractice #somaticawareness #selfhealingjourney #selfhealingpower #selfhealer #selfhealingtools #selfhealingprocess #traumainformed #healingtrauma #traumaresponse #traumasurvivors #traumaresolution #traumacare #traumaawareness #complextrauma #childhoodtrauma #bodypsychotherapy #onlinepsychotherapy #somaticpsychotherapy #counsellingandpsychotherapy #feministpsychotherapy #creativetherapy #musicistherapy #counsellingonline #counsellinghelp #traumatherapist See more