Embracing Change: Your Journey to Healing with Gwen Pontikes

A Warm Welcome to Your Healing Journey

Thank you for taking this step on your lifelong road of self-discovery. I genuinely look forward to hearing your story and understanding what motivates you to make changes in your life. I am passionate about helping individuals like you pursue the best version of themselves.

If you find yourself grappling with relationships, family issues, work stress, or feelings of anxiety and depression, please know that you are not alone. Past experiences and trauma can hold us back, but I hope to work alongside you to help you heal, grow, and move forward with your goals. Remember, symptoms such as depression and anxiety are not merely illnesses; they often signal that we need to pay attention to certain aspects of our lives. The "magic" of therapy unfolds as client and therapist attend to these signals, building awareness and empowerment. Together, we can make tremendous strides supported by a healthy therapeutic relationship.

The Power of Neuroplasticity

My life changed when I learned about the concept of neuroplasticity. I discovered that the brain can change, which means it can strengthen both negative and positive pathways (neural connections). This understanding filled me with hope—hope that healing and growth are possible for anyone struggling with trauma, addiction, anxiety, or depression. This newfound knowledge inspired me to pursue a second career in clinical mental health. I am eager to share this hope with you so that you, too, can heal and grow as I did.

Harnessing Our Brains in Therapy

In my therapeutic work, I interweave concepts of harnessing our brains into the healing process. Here are some key elements that can guide us on this journey:

Autonomy

We are in the driver's seat when it comes to the things we can control in our lives. It’s essential to distinguish between what we can control and what we cannot, so we don’t waste our energy. For the things we can control, we have the autonomy to make decisions and take actions based on our values. Sometimes, it may feel like the only control we have is how we navigate injustices or struggles. Our autonomy is rooted in making choices that align with our own beliefs.

Building Awareness

Awareness is the first step toward change. However, simply being aware can sometimes feel overwhelming. Without a roadmap for change, we might push things down instead of addressing them. We need to cultivate self-awareness and develop an action plan that provides hope and direction.

Self-Compassion

Awareness without self-compassion can be harmful. It’s crucial to treat ourselves with the same kindness we would offer a dear friend. Otherwise, we risk falling into a cycle of self-criticism that hinders our progress.

Acceptance

Some things in life are beyond our control. We can waste a lot of energy trying to change them. Acceptance allows us to focus our efforts on what we can influence, freeing us from unnecessary mental and emotional burdens.

Understanding Emotions

Emotions can be tricky. We may over-identify with them or dismiss them entirely, depending on what we learned in our homes or social environments. Emotions are valuable indicators that signal when something needs our attention. It’s important to find balance—acknowledge our emotions, understand our unmet needs, and learn to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

Nervous System and Safety

Our "survival brain" often thinks negatively to keep us safe. While this instinct is helpful, it can also lead us to feel stuck in a constant state of high alert. Tools like breathwork and polyvagal techniques can help us access our body's natural systems, allowing us to step out of this heightened state of anxiety. For many, trauma can leave us feeling trapped in our nervous systems, reliving past incidents and experiencing ongoing anxiety. It’s critical for therapeutic benefits that clients feel safe and neutral.

EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Learning to regulate our nervous systems is essential for entering the "safe zone" or "window of tolerance." Once we build this capacity, we can process past trauma without re-traumatizing ourselves. Trauma can stem from single incidents or chronic experiences, such as those from childhood. Interventions like EMDR can be incredibly beneficial in helping us adapt our neural pathways for healthier processing.

Somatic Therapy

In psychology, "soma" refers to the physical body and its connection to mind-body experiences. Somatic therapy focuses on this connection, recognizing the importance of the body in healing and self-experience.

Brain Balance

Accessing both the right and left sides of the brain is vital for processing memories and integrating experiences. Balancing our emotional, creative right brain with the logical, analytical left brain fosters mental wellness and overall health.

Empowerment

Taking small steps and witnessing our ability to make changes builds confidence. It’s essential to reflect on our thoughts realistically; this truth is empowering. I find it exhilarating to witness clients recognize their strengths and apply them in their daily lives.

Meaning Making

Engaging in daily actions that align with our values creates positive changes over time. Whether we have a strong religious faith or a personal spiritual belief, acting in sync with our belief systems is crucial for our journey toward self-actualization.

Person-Centered Work

Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), based on Carl Rogers' ideas, emphasizes the healing power of the therapeutic relationship. Healing occurs in a supportive environment characterized by unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence. This client-led process fosters greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and personal growth.

Science-Based and Evidence-Backed Modalities

I utilize research-based modalities and continuously measure your progress in treatment. I hold strong ethical beliefs and value your honest feedback. If you feel you are not making progress, I want to hear about it. Your insights are crucial in helping us achieve your goals.

Taking the Next Step

If any of these ideas spark curiosity and hope for change, please reach out. Send me a text or call, and we can set up a virtual meeting to get to know each other—no obligations or fees. Congratulations on taking this step forward in your journey of growth and healing! Remember, seeking support is a courageous move toward making meaningful changes in your life.

Gwen Pontikes

gwenpontkes@gwenpontikes.com