Worth considering.

Brain snacks, musings and love notes from my head and heart to yours...

Self-Care, Nervous System Regulation, Somatic Awareness Jamie Van Auken, MA, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, E-RYT 500 Self-Care, Nervous System Regulation, Somatic Awareness Jamie Van Auken, MA, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, E-RYT 500

In Defense of Play

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.

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Nervous System Regulation, Relationships, Personal Growth, Mindfulness Jamie Van Auken, MA, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, E-RYT 500 Nervous System Regulation, Relationships, Personal Growth, Mindfulness Jamie Van Auken, MA, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, E-RYT 500

The Truth About ‘Disrespect’

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.

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Nervous System Regulation, Trauma Jamie Van Auken, MA, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, E-RYT 500 Nervous System Regulation, Trauma Jamie Van Auken, MA, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, E-RYT 500

Knowing Your Nervous System: Polyvagal Informed Therapy

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. 

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Personal Growth, Somatic Awareness, Nervous System Regulation Jamie Van Auken, MA, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, E-RYT 500 Personal Growth, Somatic Awareness, Nervous System Regulation Jamie Van Auken, MA, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, E-RYT 500

My ‘why’

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.

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