Let Go Like the Trees
As the leaves turn color and fall from the trees, nature shows us the beauty of letting go. Autumn is a season of release, a time when nature sheds what is no longer needed in preparation for rest and renewal.
Just as nature goes through this process, we too, are invited this time of year to let go of what no longer serves us – whether it’s outdated habits, relationships that have run their course, or mindsets and beliefs that hold us back – this season encourages us to embrace the natural cycle of release and transformation.
As part of nature, we are deeply connected to these rhythms and by aligning with them, we can create space for growth, clarity and a deeper sense of peace. Let this autumn be a time of mindful letting go and trusting that what we release will make room for what is truly meant to flourish in our lives. So many cycles of death and rebirth are necessary to becoming our tuest, most authentic selves.
While the concept of letting go makes sense to many of us, it is often easier said than done. If you find yourself struggling to let go of things you know you need to in order to thrive, you are not alone and we are here for you!
Head to the next section to learn about our different holistic therapy offerings and if you find something resonating with you, or, if you have questions don’t hesitate to reach out to us by emailing info@bravecounseling.com or scheduling a free consultation on our website!
Brave’s Holistic Therapy Offerings
Brave Embodiment Counseling is group practice based out of Denver, Colorado. The practice is home to 16 amazing therapists with tons of heart who offer therapy services in a variety of ways to help individuals, couples and families heal and grow.
Our therapists are experts at blending useful top-down methods↓ with experiential bottom-up processing methods↑ so you can create lasting change in a way that feels safe. Across our team we have training and experience with a variety of methods including: CBT, DBT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, ACT, attachment theory, feminist therapy, narrative therapy, enneagram, solution focused, trauma informed and focused, spiritual guidance and development, EFT, reiki, shamanic healing, art therapy, EMDR, brainspotting, inner child healing, IFS and somatic therapies.
While not all of our therapists are trained in each and every one of the methods listed above, if there is one of these that sparks your interest feel free to let us know so we can match you up with a therapist who has training and experience with the particular method you’re interested in.
In general, here are some of the main therapeutic methods and modalities offered at Brave Embodiment Counseling:
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy is a structured, embodied, bottom-up processing method meaning it targets and works at the root of the present day issue vs. targeting the symptoms. EMDR does not require talking in detail about a distressing experience or trauma, instead it involves focusing on distressing memories while simultaneously undergoing bilateral stimulation typically through guided back-and-forth eye movements, taps or sounds. This process helps the brain reprocess traumatic events, reducing their emotional impact and allowing for healthier cognitive and emotional responses. EMDR is widely used for PTSD, anxiety and other stress-related conditions, but it can also be effective for a variety of symptoms, struggles and conditions.
DBT
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a top-down therapeutic method meaning it mostly targets the more cognitive (thought-based) parts of the brain as well as symptoms and behaviors. Dialectics are the foundation of DBT which is the concept of balancing opposites, especially the tension between acceptance and change. It emphasizes that two seemingly contradictory ideas can both be true at the same time, like accepting yourself as you are, while also working toward positive change. DBT works by building practical skills in 4 core areas – mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness – to help people manage difficult emotions and improve their behaviors. With a commitment to learning, using, and integrating these skills, over time the neural pathways between emotionality and rational thinking become more balanced leading to people to feel more steady, stable and settled.
Inner Child Healing
Inner child healing is a bottom-up, therapeutic process that focuses on addressing and healing emotional wounds, unmet needs and unresolved trauma from childhood. During inner child healing work, people are guided to reconnect with this younger, smaller version of themselves to acknowledge and validate past pain or unmet needs, understand how childhood experiences shape present-day behaviors, emotional reactions and relationships, learn self-compassion and self-care by nurturing this "inner child", release harmful beliefs, emotional blocks, or behaviors that developed as a result of past experiences. The goal of inner child healing work is to heal past wounds that are driving present day symptoms, issues and diagnoses. Ultimately, inner child work fosters greater resilience and well-being in the present.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy is a body-centered, bottom-up therapeutic method meaning both the nervous system and brain are employed to release bound up energy (incomplete stress responses and unresolved pain) that are being held internally. Somatic therapy is based on the principle that the body is the vessel through which we experience life and therefore it holds onto past experiences, emotions and trauma, even when the mind may not consciously remember them. Somatic therapy uses the body as both a source of information, and a target for intervention and through physical awareness, movement and breathwork people are able to become more attuned to their bodily sensations allowing for the processing of unresolved emotions and trauma, leading to improved energy and emotion regulation, and overall well-being.
Spiritual Guidance & Development
The process of deepening one's connection to their inner self, values and the world around them in a meaningful, transcendent way. Spiritual guidance can help you cultivate awareness of your purpose, your beliefs, the greater mysteries in life, your connection to something larger (nature, the universe, a higher power) which aligns you more closely with your authentic self because it's hard to be fully authentic if a part of who you are (your soul) is getting ignored or overlooked. Spiritual development is unique to each person and can involve different methods like meditation, mindfulness, rituals, reflection and introspection, readings, journaling, yoga, etc. Incorporating spiritual development into the healing journey allows us to more deeply release old patterns and traumas, tap into inner resilience and self compassion, experience emotional freedom and cultivate a sense of purpose and well-being.
While these are some of the main therapeutic offerings at Brave Embodiment Counseling, don’t forget that we also offer couples therapy and clinical supervision! Autumn can be a GREAT time to begin or resume your inner healing and growth work because nature is already leading you to let go of what’s no longer serving you. Maybe the fact that you’re reading this newsletter is your sign to take that next step and reach out to us for a free consultation – we can’t wait to get to know you!
Therapist Highlight: Alexandra Gray
Meet the dynamic and nurturing Alex Gray!
Alex is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado, an experienced yoga instructor and Ayurvedic practitioner. She takes an integrative approach to her therapeutic work blending empirically-based treatment methods with holistic tools and tailors treatment to her client's personalities, preferences, needs and spiritual beliefs.
Alex has been working in the health field for over 10 years and her therapeutic background consists of working with kids, teens, young adults, families, and individuals on a variety of issues including: trauma processing, mood dysregulation, anxiety, building self-esteem, strengthening social skills, LGBTQ issues and gender identity
Alex is trained in EMDR, DBT, CBT and Solution-Focused Therapy as well as other comprehensive approaches including yoga philosophy, breathwork, mindfulness, body meditations and Ayurvedic-lifestyle.
Currently, Alex specializes in...
Supporting and empowering folks to process deep-rooted trauma
Approaching treatment through a holistic lens with a mind/body/soul connection
Identifying constraints that block a person's ability to recognize and reach goals
Mindfulness, breathwork and guided meditation
Alex as a person↓
Personality: Peaceful, Calm and Open
Activities: Movement (all movement is healing with no movement being too small), relearning to cook with her two-year-old daughter and spending time outdoors with her family
Food & Drink: Alex loves MANY things but is currently loving golden milks, chai, poke bowls, olives, artichokes and cheese
Travels: Alex is a former military wife with a lot of island experience living and working in Guam
Quotes: “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” ― Marcus Aurelius
Pets: 3 year old Chihuahua named Mimi
If you find yourself drawn to Alex, send us an email at info@bravecounseling.com and we will get you connected to her for a FREE consultation!