OUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Xiva and Andressa:
Guides on the Path to Your Healing and Self-Discovery
Our Approach to Your Well-being
Life can often feel like a complex journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Sometimes, we find ourselves feeling lost, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve us.
If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken a courageous first step towards positive change.
We want you to know that you’re not alone, and we’re here to walk beside you on this transformative journey.
Here’s more information about how we work in these areas of our expertise:
Anxiety and Stress Management
Anxiety and stress can make even simple tasks feel insurmountable. Together, we’ll explore the roots of your anxiety, identifying triggers and patterns. We’ll develop a personalized toolkit of coping strategies, from mindfulness techniques to cognitive restructuring, helping you find moments of calm even in life’s most chaotic moments. Our goal is to help you move from a state of constant alertness to one of balanced awareness.
Depression (mild to moderate) and Mood Disorders
If you’re struggling with depression or mood disorders, we want you to know that there is hope. We’ll create a safe harbor where you can express your feelings without fear of judgment. Through a combination of therapeutic techniques, we’ll help you challenge negative thought patterns, reconnect with sources of joy, and gradually build a sense of hope and resilience. Remember, healing is not linear, and we’ll be there to support you through both the setbacks and the victories.
Self-Esteem and Confidence Issues
Low self-esteem can cast a shadow over every aspect of life. We’ll embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the roots of your self-doubt and challenging negative beliefs. Together, we’ll work on nurturing a more compassionate inner voice, celebrating your strengths, and building a robust sense of self-worth. Our aim is to help you not just recognize your inherent worth but to feel it deeply and live from that place of self-assurance.
Trauma and PTSD
If you’re grappling with the effects of trauma or PTSD, know that healing is possible. We offer a compassionate, trauma-informed approach that respects your unique experience. Using specialized techniques like EMDR and somatic experiencing, we’ll help you process traumatic memories and sensations at a pace that feels safe for you. Our focus will be on helping you rebuild a sense of safety, reclaim your personal power, and reconnect with your body and emotions in a way that feels manageable and empowering.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Living with OCD can feel like being trapped in a maze of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Our approach combines evidence-based techniques like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) with a compassionate understanding of the fear and anxiety driving your symptoms. We’ll work together to gradually face your fears, resist compulsions, and learn to tolerate uncertainty, helping you regain control over your thoughts and actions.
Grief and Loss
Grief is a profound and deeply personal experience. We’ll provide a supportive presence as you navigate this challenging terrain, creating space for you to express your pain, rage, sadness, and any other emotions that arise. Together, we’ll find ways to honor your loss, make meaning of your experience, and gradually adjust to a new reality. Our aim is not to “fix” your grief but to walk alongside you, offering support as you learn to carry your loss and eventually find a way to move forward.
Relationship and Interpersonal Difficulties
Whether you’re struggling with romantic partnerships, family dynamics, or friendships, we’re here to help you navigate these complex waters. We’ll explore patterns in your interactions, uncovering how past experiences might be influencing your current relationships. You’ll learn to communicate more effectively, set healthy boundaries, and develop greater empathy for yourself and others, fostering deeper, more fulfilling connections.
Life Transitions and Decision-Making
Whether you’re facing a career change, entering a new life stage, or grappling with an unexpected turn of events, we’ll provide a supportive space to explore your feelings and options. We’ll work on developing strategies to manage stress and uncertainty, helping you approach transitions and decisions with greater clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose.
High Achievers
We understand the unique challenges faced by high achievers. Our work together will focus on helping you maintain your drive and achieve your ambitions while prioritizing your mental health. We’ll explore healthy perfectionism, develop strategies to manage stress and prevent burnout, and work on cultivating a more compassionate relationship with yourself, aiming for sustainable success that aligns with your values.
Work-Life Balance
Finding balance between work demands and personal life can feel like an impossible task. Together, we’ll assess your current situation, identify your priorities, and develop strategies to create a more harmonious integration of your professional and personal lives. Our aim is to help you create a lifestyle that allows you to thrive both professionally and personally.
Emotion Regulation
If you find yourself struggling with intense emotions or difficulty managing your reactions, we’re here to help. Using techniques from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and other approaches, we’ll work together to develop your emotional intelligence and regulation skills. You’ll learn to identify and name your emotions, understand their triggers, and develop healthy ways to express and manage them, building emotional resilience.
Boundaries
Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries is crucial for mental health and relationship quality. We’ll explore the roots of your boundary challenges, often tied to past experiences or learned behaviors. Together, we’ll work on identifying your limits, communicating them effectively, and honoring your needs while respecting others. Our aim is to empower you to create a life that aligns with your values and supports your well-being.
Assertiveness
Developing assertiveness is about finding a balanced way to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs while respecting others. We’ll explore any fears or beliefs that may be holding you back from being assertive and practice communication techniques that allow you to express yourself clearly and confidently. Our goal is to help you find and express your authentic voice, enhancing your relationships and your sense of personal empowerment.