Anna Strick, LMHCA

When you commit to therapy, you are saying you want something to change. True healing is not finding a quick fix; it is uncovering deeper somatic, attachment, intergenerational, and trauma-based responses, and then looking at these responses for more information. We will then move at your pace to explore new capacities.

 

I see therapy as a way to help clients self-actualize: to become your fullest self and reach your greatest potential, socially, professionally, creatively, or spiritually! Areas of stuckness may involve old wounds, new challenging relationships, loss or uncertainty. Our society doesn’t prepare us to be our best selves without a little help.
 

My approach is trauma-informed and centers Polyvagal Theory, Relational-Cultural Theory, Attachment Theory, nature-based therapy, and other anti-oppressive liberatory approaches. These modalities are adapted to help clients seek their own answers, live into their authentic selves, and develop fulfilling relationships, in spite of a largely oppressive cultural hegemony.

This is what that jargon means:

 

Polyvagal theory incorporates information and attunement to our nervous system states. We peel back emotions and stuck habits to discover the Needs that are driving those. This is a trauma-informed process that proceeds at your pace to be able to understand and maintain regulation. This is not rushed. Simply, polyvagal attunement is a type of mindfulness, or mind-body awareness. In its complexity, the process integrates trauma so that we’re no longer enacting all of our defensive responses.

 

Relational-Cultural theory emphasizes that therapeutic progress doesn’t occur in isolation, but through growth-fostering relationships. This occurs when the client and therapist bring their full selves as equals, rather than in hierarchical constructs. The process emphasizes a critical look at the systems shaping us, and working to dismantle oppressive structures when possible. This is an anti-oppressive, liberatory framework.

 

Attachment theory describes where and how we find safety in relationships, as well as what we expect from them. These responses primarily develop through formative early childhood experiences. This framework can be very helpful for building context and self-acceptance, which supports growth towards increased safety in, and more flexibility with, relationships.

 

Nature-based therapy can occur both indoors and outdoors, either actively engaging with the nature around us or through imagery, collections, and metaphor indoors. Many find being outdoors to be inherently stress relieving and regulating. This practice incorporates learning from, and relationship with, more than human beings to build self-connection. Building relationships and connection with nature is an enduring relationship that can last much longer than therapy.

 

Some people feel more comfortable working in relationships of certain identities. I identify as a white, genderqueer, bi/pansexual person of small size and short stature, raised middle class with a high degree of social capital. I’ve been described as gentle, curious, patient, tactful, and passionate about community, equity, and restorative justice.