I will always be grateful to my mother for passing down her deep reverence for nature and her belief in the healing power of living things. She raised me with the consciousness that we are all connected to something greater than our physical selves, fostering in me a sense of wonder for the spiritual and the mystical. She encouraged me to rely on gentle, natural remedies and self-care instead of turning first to conventional medicine. Growing up, our home overflowed with plants and animals, whose quiet companionship nurtured me with a sense of comfort, joy, and stability, especially in moments when life felt unpredictable or chaotic. Sadly, it was only after I began grieving her loss that I fully recognized how profoundly my mother’s wisdom shaped the path I walk today. While our relationship was complex and sometimes painful, the gifts of her guidance continue to inspire my worldview and inform my own healing journey. I owe so much of who I am—and what I hope to offer the world—to the love and insight she instilled in me.

What I’ve learned in my work as a psychologist is that we all do this to some degree—we get so caught up in what’s wrong, bad, and painful that we forget to appreciate what’s right, good, and comforting. I overlooked my mother’s many gifts because I wanted her to be the “perfect mom.” If I’m being honest, I spent much of my life placing those same impossible pressures on myself. Only with time, and through my own self-discovery, did I see how her influence and her imperfections guided me toward a deeper understanding of compassion, connection, and healing.

Many of us struggle to recognize our own unique gifts and inner healing potential. We spend our lives searching for solutions to problems that never truly needed fixing, while looking elsewhere for the very gifts—love, gentleness, compassion, and validation—that we readily

offer others but so seldom grant ourselves. In my work with clients, I see myself as a guide whose role is to shine a light on that unrecognized or untapped wellspring of healing we all carry within us: our true Self.

The healing potential of living organisms is a profound testament to the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, and environment. Every living being, from the tiniest cell to the most complex human system, possesses an innate ability to heal and regenerate when given the right conditions. This principle applies not only to physical health but also to emotional and psychological well-being. By understanding and harnessing these natural healing mechanisms, we can foster well-being on all levels—physical, emotional, and spiritual.

I recognize that healing is not just about treating symptoms—it’s about creating balance and harmony within the whole system. The body has a remarkable ability to repair itself, just as the mind can rewire and recover from past wounds. Practices such as mindfulness, energy work, nature therapy, and somatic healing all leverage the body's natural intelligence to restore equilibrium. For example, spending time in nature, grounding barefoot on the earth, or practicing deep breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting cellular healing.

I also recognize that human relationships function as healing organisms in their own right. The presence of compassionate, empathetic individuals can act as a balm for emotional distress, much like how plants release oxygen to support life around them. In this way, the healing potential of living organisms extends beyond the individual—it ripples outward, influencing communities and ecosystems alike. It would be my honor to be a part of your ripple effect and a partner with you on your healing journey.