Frequently Asked Questions

You say you incorporate the body in your therapy. How and why do you do that?
The body holds memory in different emotional centers, which translates into “body armoring.” When we become aware of this “armor” and our own unique memory patterns that are held in these centers, we have greater access to our subconscious material. By increasing our level of awareness through sensation, we have the ability to make better choices–because now the information is conscious. This leads us to a greater sense of mastery of our emotions and better outcomes in our lives. We are no longer slaves to a force that was controlling us. We are now empowered and in charge.

How can learning about my body break old patterns more quickly?
Learning to recognize these patterns that are held in the body are the quickest way to initiate change. Feelings (or emotions) are a form of energy or vibration. The holistic model of wellness operates on the principle that the body/mind wants to heal; that its natural propensity is to move from negative to positive. This is true for emotions, as well. When we bring our attention and intention to our body sensations, we release the energy that is blocked. Through specific methods that I utilize and teach, you will become masterful at moving through emotional challenges with greater speed and facility.

What kind of changes can I expect?
As old patterns are released, you will begin to feel freer and more spacious in your body. You will also be able to “read” the messages that your body is sending and have kind of a “shortcut” communication with yourself. This will save you hours of going over and over an event in your mind without coming to resolution.

How long does someone typically stay in therapy with you?
This depends on how much psychotherapy you have had before we start working together. We will assess where you are and where you want to go. As my work has a spiritual nature to it, we frequently move through the historical, psychological work to the greater spiritual questions. But a psychotherapy client, who wants to do deep transformative work, typically stays in therapy with me for approximately 2-3 years.

What is Nia?
Nia is a body/mind/spirit fitness and lifestyle practice. Through expressive movement -”The Body's Way” – Nia empowers people to achieve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. In practicing Nia you fall in love with being and moving in your body–you experience the power of self-healing.

What is Transformational Nia?
Transformational Nia is an expansion of the movement part of a Nia class. The expressive movement of Nia opens the body at every level – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, creating the opportunity to deepen your level of awareness through journaling and interactive dialog. Every class has a focus. We extend this focus into the second half of the class – using the metaphorical nature of “how you 'do', Nia is how you 'do' your life.”
Creating this bridge between the experiential and the cognitive centers of our brain helps to integrate the learnings. We are then better able to make more informed choices in our lives.

Do I have to be physically fit to take Transformational Nia?
No, although taking Nia will assist you in becoming more physically fit. Nia is about finding “Your Body's Way.” There is always an option to work at any one of three levels–depending on your level of comfort and ability. Over time, you will see an improvement of your stamina, strength, mobility, flexibility, and agility.

Will it be easy for me to learn?
Again, everyone learns at their own pace in their own way. There will be ample opportunity for you to learn the movements. And, since there is no judgment in Nia, you can enjoy yourself while you are learning.

Are the changes long lasting?
Personal growth comes in stages. Insight, or raising your level of awareness is the beginning. Transformational Nia will expose you to those possibilities. Putting those insights into language helps you to know what kind of behavior changes you need to make in order to improve the quality of your life. Action leads you to realize those changes. How far you go is all up to you!