General Questions

• Will my sessions be confidential?

  Counseling sessions maintain strict confidentiality, ensuring a private and secure environment for clients. The only exception arises if there's a risk of harm to the client themselves. In such critical situations, appropriate parties are informed to ensure the client's safety. This protocol balances client privacy with essential safety considerations.
• Is psychotherapy for life?

  Psychotherapy aims to equip individuals with strategies to overcome mental health challenges, and its duration varies based on personal needs and progress. It's not a lifelong commitment but a tailored journey towards mental well-being. The therapist and client collaboratively assess progress, adapting the treatment plan as needed. Therapy concludes when the client feels empowered to manage independently, making it a flexible, goal-oriented process.
• Do you prescribe medication?

  At "Heal with Nav", we don't prescribe medication due to the absence of an in-house psychiatrist. Only psychiatrists are authorized to prescribe medication. However, we can provide referrals to qualified psychiatrists as needed.
• What is the duration of the session ?

  Our sessions are usually for 1 hour but sometimes it may go up to 1 hour 15 min.
• How long does it take to heal?

  A question I’m often asked is, ‘How long does it take to heal? When will my symptoms completely heal?’ It’s a heartfelt query, reflecting a deep desire for healing 🌟. From a Somatic Experiencing perspective, it’s important to recognize that healing isn’t just about time; it’s about creating the right conditions for our nervous system to thrive. Think of it as nurturing a garden 🌼.Our nervous system, much like a delicate plant, needs specific elements to flourish - safety 🛡️, space 🌌, choice 💭, autonomy 🕊️, boundaries ⚖️, support 🤝, containment, and co-regulation. These elements are akin to the soil, water, and sunlight needed for our inner garden to bloom 🌸.When we lack these conditions early on, our system may default to self-protection modes like fight, flight, freeze, or shutdown 🛑. This is our body’s natural response to trauma. Chronic activation of these states can lead to persistent symptoms such as unexplained pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. But remember, ‘regulation’ isn’t a destination; it’s a journey 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️.Imagine teaching our body that it can experience moments of safety, however small they may be. This awareness, this re-learning, lays the foundation for healing 🧱. As we work with our body, not against it, we establish the conditions to process and release stored stress, easing our symptoms.In this journey, you are the gardener of your own wellbeing, tenderly tending to your needs, step by step, towards a future of resilience and inner peace 🌿.Remember- healing is a personal path, where small, consistent steps can lead to significant changes in your wellbeing.
• How can I support people I care about?

  In my journey as a trauma therapist, I’ve witnessed countless stories of pain, resilience, and transformation. Today, I want to share a simple yet profound truth: the best gift you can give someone is your presence. 🎁In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the power of being truly present with someone. But when we make someone feel seen, heard, and supported, even in small ways, we’re not just aiding personal healing; we’re contributing to collective healing. 🌍Our aim isn’t to achieve perfection. Rather, it’s about being genuinely present, authentically human, and inviting others to join us in this space of sincerity and vulnerability. It’s here, in the shared humanity of our interactions, that we discover the essence of connection and healing.
• What is one thing that I can do when I feel guilt and shame?

  Often, trauma survivors grapple with profound feelings of guilt and shame. These emotions can play a relentless ‘shame game,’ pulling individuals deeper into trenches of pain and distress. 🌪️In these moments, it’s crucial to consciously shift towards compassion and acceptance for meaningful healing. 🌟If self-compassion feels out of reach, I invite you to view yourself through the loving, kind eyes of someone who cares deeply for you. Imagine their supportive, understanding gaze. 🌈 Hear their words of encouragement and unwavering love.This shift in perspective can be a transformative tool on your journey to emotional wellness. Remember, the journey to inner peace and healing often begins with how we choose to perceive and nurture our internal experiences.
• Can I heal myself without help?

  Many trauma survivors tend to shy away from seeking help, often relying solely on self-help due to fear and vulnerability. However, healing from trauma requires a nuanced balance between independence and interdependence. Let’s explore why each is important and how they contribute to recovery.Why Independence is Important: 👉Empowerment through Self-Awareness: Independence in healing fosters a sense of control and empowerment. It involves being attuned to one’s own body and emotions, a practice central to somatic experiencing. This self-awareness is crucial because it helps identify and process trauma-related physical sensations and emotions. 👉Building Resilience: By focusing on self-led recovery strategies, such as setting personal boundaries and engaging in self-care, survivors strengthen their resilience. This empowers them to handle future stressors more effectively.Why Interdependence is Important: 👉The Power of Connection: Interdependence acknowledges that healing is also about connections. Humans are social beings, and relationships play a vital role in our emotional well-being. Through co-regulation, the presence of understanding and supportive people can help stabilize one’s emotional state, especially when dealing with trauma. 👉Shared Experiences and Empathy: Engaging with others who have similar experiences can provide a sense of belonging and understanding. This shared empathy can be incredibly healing, as it breaks the isolation often felt by trauma survivors.Combining Independence with Interdependence: 💪 Mindful Awareness: Practices like mindfulness or somatic techniques are essential for recognizing and managing reactions. 💪Seeking Connections: Actively creating a support network 🌐 fosters belonging and empathy. 💪Guided Help: Professional guidance 🗣️ is crucial in dealing with trauma’s complexities. 💪Holistic Understanding: Learning about trauma’s effects on mind and body 📚 provides a deeper insight into the healing process and in alleviating the shame.Healing from trauma is deeply personal, yet there’s strength in both self-reliance and seeking support. By embracing both these aspects, and understanding the role of both coregulation and self-regulation, we can navigate towards a more holistic recovery.