Knowing our parts is, in my estimation, one of the most compassionate acts we can do for ourselves. They matter because you matter. When we understand our parts, we create space for curiosity rather than criticism. We interrupt the shame-based narrative of defectiveness and step into deeper connection with ourselves.

We need play more than ever—not because life isn’t serious, but because it is. Play brings levity into moments that might otherwise lock us into defense. And our brains do not function well in protection mode.

The more we can untangle our sense of self-worth from constant doing—both our own and others'—the more at ease we feel. When we learn to pause and observe our perceptions in the moment, gently guiding ourselves toward curiosity and compassion, we begin to see the world through a lens of connection. In this space, we can remember: everyone is doing their best.

Doing our best doesn’t mean we never feel overwhelmed or get caught up—it means we’re human. And in the end, compassion is always the right choice.

My clients are survivors. They often have more strength than they know. And for many of them, their nervous systems are burning out. They have been conditioned to be hypervigilant, over-performers, or chronically disassociated from the signals of their bodies – because they *had* to be that way.

I have told more than one client: you actually *are* that strong, and I want you to live in a world where you do not have to be. 

Here is another truth: we, as humans, are not clusters of symptoms; we are years of variables, swaddled in our fallibility, swimming in misunderstanding, and brimming with hope. Diagnoses do not reflect any of that. They name deficits; they do not reflect resilience, grit, or survival.

We, at the deepest and most intrinsic level, are survivors.

Guest post by Dr. Matt Van Auken:
Jamie’s jam is nervous system awareness and safety - first, knowing what your nervous system’s bandwidth and capacity is in the moment. She brings regulation and grounding through mindfulness, body-based techniques, nature-based work, and more. And once you are regulated and feel safe, the work can begin at deeper layers.

I became a therapist because I know what it's like to need help. I know what it's like to feel confused or at the mercy of your reactions, your habits, your sensitivities. I know what it's like to have all the 'right' tools and still feel stuck. And I know the relief of finally working with someone who sees you.