sis·ter·ing
1. verb: to strengthen a supporting beam by fastening a second beam along side it for supplementary support
2. adj.: close by: touching along a boundary or at a point
Sistering is a term used primarily in the context of construction. When a support beam in a wall has experienced damage it is not safe to simply remove the beam. Instead, in the process of sistering a new, healthy beam is attached alongside the original beam in order to strengthen the capacity to bear the weight of the structure.
At Sistering Counseling & Wellness we recognize that we can not remove the life experiences that are impacting your ability to live the life you want to be living. Those are part of your journey and your story. Instead we strive to meet you where you are, providing new relational experiences and supplementary support as you work towards healing and building your future.
My Story
At the core of my counseling approach is a belief that we have the intuitive knowledge and capacity for self-healing. Various life experiences, messages that we hear from others about who we are and the world around us, and stories that we tell ourselves about ourselves can block this intuitive knowledge and cultivate doubt about our capacity to change the self and the systems of which we are part. I approach counseling as a safe space for locating in the mind, body, and spirit the sources of hurt, doubt, grief, and fear that are blocking your ability to experience healing, confidence, acceptance, and freedom.
I work primarily from a Person Centered theoretical frame which means that I understand our relationship as the tool through which change occurs. The counseling relationship requires a desire to change, a belief (however small) that you have the capacity for change, and willingness to lean into the counseling relationship with trust that will be cultivated over our time working together.
I also approach counseling with an overlay of a feminist lens that attends to issues of power, curiosity, and how we are shaped in relationship to others for individuals of all gender identities. I will bring to our counseling sessions mindfulness and experiential practices along with an effort to think together about the ways we can hold space and time in order to be present in our bodies and in the systems we are part of in order to cultivate and sustain the changes we intend to make in our lives.
Finally, I have a deep commitment to meeting individuals where they are in their unique intersectional identities. I strongly believe in the mission to advocate for developing a professional counseling culture that better serves individuals with marginalized identities who may be hesitant to utilize counseling services. I understand diversity in a broad and inclusive context that encompasses both seemingly categorical identities (e.g. race, gender, sexuality, class, disability) and life experiences (e.g. addiction, physical health difficulties, trauma).
Services
At Sistering Counseling & Wellness we view healing as a process that involves growth as a whole person, including mind, body, and spirit, however you may define that term. Our primary focus is currently on providing counseling services while we work to grow a referral network of wellness practicioners to provide supplemental support for your healing journey.
Feel Inspired
Reach out to take the next step in your
healing journey.
905 E 52nd Street, Austin, TX 78751
512-931-1117