The Northwoods Approach

There Isn't One Path to Healing

I don't believe therapy should follow a formula.

Every woman who comes to Northwoods brings her own story, nervous system, relationships, identity, experiences, strengths, and way of moving through the world.

Therapy should adapt to you—not require you to adapt to therapy.

Somatic therapy is at the heart of my work because I believe we need to include the whole person in healing—the body, mind, nervous system, emotions, relationships, environment, and the experiences that have shaped us.

But somatic therapy isn't the only lens I use.

The Northwoods Approach is integrative. Depending on what you're experiencing and what feels meaningful to you, I draw from different therapeutic approaches while keeping curiosity, compassion, and your nervous system at the center of our work.

Neurodivergent-Affirming Care

ADHD and autism aren't problems I am trying to fix.

We can explore sensory needs, masking, executive functioning, communication, overwhelm, relationships, and nervous system regulation while honoring the way your brain experiences the world.

Sometimes the work isn't learning how to function better within an environment that doesn't fit you.

Sometimes it's recognizing that the environment needs to change.

Parts & Inner Child Exploration

Sometimes our reactions today are connected to experiences and beliefs that began much earlier in life.

Rather than judging those responses, we can become curious about the younger versions of ourselves and the protective patterns they developed.

What did she need?

What did she learn?

What has she been carrying?

And what might she need from you now?

Movement & Yoga-Informed Practices

Sometimes the body needs something other than words.

When it feels supportive, we may incorporate gentle movement, stretching, grounding, posture, or body awareness into our work.

You don't need to be flexible.

You don't need yoga experience.

And you certainly don't need to sit perfectly still during therapy.

Movement can simply be another way of listening to your body.

Understanding Your Nervous System

Sometimes simply understanding why you respond the way you do can change how you see yourself.

We may explore fight, flight, freeze, fawn, activation, regulation, and the protective patterns your nervous system has developed throughout your life.

Instead of:

"Why am I like this?"

We begin asking:

"What did my nervous system learn, and why?"

That shift can create space for compassion where there may have once been shame or self-criticism.

Mindfulness & Breathwork

Our breath can give us information about what is happening within the body.

Mindfulness and gentle breath practices can help us slow down, notice sensations, recognize activation, and reconnect with the present moment.

Breathwork at Northwoods isn't about forcing yourself into calm.

It's another opportunity to become curious about your body and discover what supports your nervous system.

Jungian & Shadow Exploration

There are parts of ourselves we learn to show the world—and parts we learn to hide.

Through Jungian and shadow exploration, we may become curious about patterns, roles, beliefs, dreams, relationships, and aspects of yourself that have been pushed aside or left unexplored.

This isn't about getting rid of the shadow.

It's about becoming curious about what it may have to teach us.

Nature as a Teacher

Nature reminds us that nothing grows all the time.

There are seasons of growth and seasons of rest.

Times of letting go.

Times of becoming rooted.

And times when something new is quietly developing beneath the surface.

Nature-based reflection is woven throughout Northwoods because I believe healing has seasons, too.

Slow is allowed.