I sat across from a dear friend the other day, processing the difficulty of things that have come to fruition in 2020, having difficulty articulating what I needed and how I could be supported. That word, support, can be so triggering at times, an overwhelming request that challenges you to really understand what you might need in that moment. She looked at me and encouraged me to reframe the word “support” and use “honor” instead. Huh? I suppose I never thought about it that way. I noticed an immediate shift in my physical body, relaxing into the word, honor. This word, so inviting, giving my body peace, and allowing me to accept I may not know what I need, but I can honor what I feel.

Not unlike many others, this year has felt additionally challenging and heavy. I have struggled at times to be present, felt the intensity of anxiety rise, and navigated some personal, unexpected hardships. As I reflect, I have often been asked what I might need and how I can be supported, and to be honest, I have not a gosh darn clue. Emotions come in waves, at times intense and surprising. I tell clients often to allow space to feel, just feel, not fix. Emotions are a way for our bodies to communicate the physical with the mental aspect of being human. They need to be honored, they need to be felt, and they need space.

To honor you and your emotions may be uncomfortable, challenging, and even overwhelming. Too often do we notice emotions and immediately suppress them because the feeling that will come may be painful. This entire year has felt painful. For many reasons. And I have learned that perhaps pain is equally as important as other feelings such as joy and comfort.

Why do we avoid pain? What had told us that we cannot deal with what pain might bring? I find myself to be somewhat ironic because in many ways, I embrace pain as an athlete. Perhaps, even finding enjoyment in physically painful athletic experiences, but when it comes to emotional pain, I retract and convince myself that I will be unable to process and feel it. Why not honor it?

My challenge to myself in this final quarter of 2020 is to honor myself. Honor my emotions. Honor my identity. Honor the fact that this year has been hard and painful and that is okay. Perhaps you can also embrace honoring your truth, your struggles, and your joy. Humans are remarkable and capable of more than we often give ourselves credit for. Honor that.

I am enough. When you hear that, do you believe it? To me, being “enough” is worthy of love, self-care, taking up space, and feeling capable of handling all the emotions, challenges and victories that come with life. Sometimes, our beliefs can navigate us away from a place that we feel we are enough. I want you to help you own the belief you are enough, take away any doubt you may have and embody being enough and everything that comes with it.

I believe connection is vital to a positive therapeutic experience. I connect with my clients by creating a space for you to show up just as you are and meet you there. I take an eclectic approach that is rooted in person-centered and strength based, with a focus on your needs and goals. After all, therapy is about you.

As a therapist, my concentrations include sports psychology, eating disorders and substance use, individuals who identify with intellectual/developmental disabilities, as well as anxiety and depression. Together, we will tailor the therapeutic treatment to help you find some solid ground in which you feel enough.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dani, you can contact her directly through the contact us page or by email at Dani@bridgerpeakscounseling.com.