WHAT ARE SOME SPECIFIC INNER BALANCE COUNSELING METHODS?

Like a proverbial pebble dropped into a still pond,

the shifts of consciousness we make in our personal lives send out tiny

but important waves that ripple over the surface of the whole.

- Shakti Gawain 

Dr. Van Tuyl uses various techniques to expand awareness and treat inner balance issues and symptoms.   Her therapy process is similar to an archeological excavation of the psyche that is guided and paced by her clients.  In time, clients learn to “map out” the terrain, develop effective strategies to deal with pitfalls, and make the shifts and adjustments needed to regain and maintain inner balance.

The initial assessment consists of a traditional clinical interview and a formal or informal evaluation of all pivotal areas listed under Emphasis Areas.  Dr. Van Tuyl relies on her clients’ verbal accounts as well as on her intuitive perceptions, honed by years of experience.

Her methods of treatment are grounded in modern-day psychological theory and research through her graduate and postdoctoral training.  These are guided by overarching shamanic, Buddhist, and transpersonal philosophies and healing traditions that she acquired through her intensive trainings in Depth Hypnosis™, Integrated Energy Medicine, and Advanced Shamanic trainings with Isa Gucciardi, PhD, of the Foundation of the Sacred Stream.   The presenting issues of each client are viewed from shamanic, developmental, systemic, multicultural, and feminist perspectives consistent with Dr. Van Tuyl’s holistic approach of “self in context”. 

Healing occurs first and foremost through building a safe and trusting relationship.  Centering and focusing techniques are interspersed and integrated when appropriate and include the exploration of thoughts, feelings, bodily and core sensations, progressive relaxation, body/breath/energy awareness, shamanic journeying, guided imagery and visualization, meditation, hypnosis, artistic expression, sandplay therapy, and journaling.

Clients are encouraged to integrate the effects or insights of centering techniques that they may already rely on into their current treatment.  Examples of such techniques include prayer, self-hypnosis, yoga, t’ai chi, aikido, writing, meditation, energy or body work, journeying, singing/music, connecting with nature, and many other forms of creative expression. 

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EMPHASIS AREAS>

Image: Adam Hart-Davis/DHD Photo Gallery