As an emotion focused therapist, I privilege a client’s experience: how it feels in the body, the sensations, as uncomfortable as they may be, above intellect.  Together with clients, I explore parts of themselves and life that doesn’t seem to make sense or causes distress.

I grew up as an incredibly shy and quiet child. I was perfectly fine playing by myself and getting lost in my own imagination. And when I wanted to spend time with friends or family, I was much happier in the role of listener rather than storyteller.

Did you grow up in a household where so much was expected of you? The expectations themselves could have been vocalized or inferred, but either way, they lead toward a path of intense pressure. This happens to many of us, and it is especially common among people of color.