"For me, the first task of therapy is to create understanding and trust in a safe space." ~Lara Palay
"For me, the first task of therapy is to create understanding and trust in a safe space." ~Lara Palay
"For me, the first task of therapy is to create understanding and trust in a safe space. My approach is psychodynamic but eclectic, with an emphasis on attachment, self-awareness and mind-body connection. I integrate mindfulness, meaning and spirituality into much of my work.
"Working with trauma and grief is often at the heart of psychotherapy. My approach to trauma is present-based, and I focus on the brain-body connection. It's vital to me to address the shame and isolation that trauma creates, and to access the innate healing potential I believe all human beings possess. Each person's path to trauma healing is unique to them, and my role is to support and strengthen that progress, not to dictate or control it. With trauma, it's critical that the pace you need is the pace that guides our work, not the other way around.
“I believe that grief, while sometimes devastating, is nevertheless a natural and profound human experience, not an illness to be treated. It can be an extraordinarily isolating experience, and friends and family of a bereaved person may feel overwhelmed. This can lead them to give messages, subtle or unsubtle, that grief should be over quickly and dealt with in one particular, right way. There is no one ‘right’ way to grieve. Some grief may ease over time, but it is never forgotten or left behind. When a death is unexpected, or traumatic, or happens to a child, grief can be even harder. Counseling can help people to feel less alone, to recognize that they are not ‘going crazy’, and to feel understood and supported. Complications affecting grief such as trauma or guilt can also be identified and addressed in treatment, so that grief can again proceed naturally."
Read about Lara's new book
“I believe that therapy is first and foremost a relationship. I strive to create an environment that fosters this connection, acceptance, and growth. It is my goal that each client feels safe and supported to explore the concerns which brought them in, while also embracing the challenge of trying something new. I use a client-centered, integrative approach that incorporates skill-based interventions with interpersonal processing and experiential exercises. My work is informed and influenced by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as Gestalt, Solution-Focused and Narrative modes of therapy. My interpersonal style is validating and warm, while authentically leaning into emotion and non-judgement.
“I frequently work with grief and loss, self-esteem, women’s issues/empowerment, life transitions, boundary setting and maintaining, and anxiety. I am drawn to mindfulness, metaphor, and enjoy using a sand-tray with clients when applicable.
“While initiating therapy can be intimidating, I hope that by fostering a strength-based, brave space, I can help you to work toward healing, growth, and increased fulfillment in your life.”
To view Lara and Kerry's bios, click here.