Naomi Painter (she/her)

Hakomi

Hakomi is a form of somatic therapy consisting of guided self-study that uses mindfulness to access traumatic memories and harmful beliefs encoded in the body - those places in your body where you feel restless, uncomfortable, ill, or just plain “don’t go there.” Hakomi brings together the wisdom of Buddhist and Taoist teachings with modern scientific findings on how the brain changes itself through experience, not just talking about it.

Sensorimotor

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, an outgrowth of Hakomi method, dives deeper into the neurological and physical effects of trauma. Sensorimotor psychotherapy (SP) is a holistic approach to healing trauma or unhealthy attachment patterns formed in early childhood. It integrates the body and movement into traditional talk therapy to address and heal ongoing psychological and physical difficulties, and is considered a “body-centered talking therapy."

Relational 

I employ approaches from Relational Life Therapy, established by Terry Real (The New Rules of Marriage), as well as from Stan Tatkin (Wired For Love), Martha Kauppi of the Institute for Relational Intimacy, and Esther Perel.

Compassion Fatigue

I have worked in case management for many years and am passionate about assisting those in helping professions, such as case managers, outreach workers, home visitors, and educators. Burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary trauma come with the territory.

PTSD

Trauma doesn’t only come from the battlefield. A difficult childhood, a coercive or conflict-filled relationship, a toxic workplace, a natural disaster, an assault, a death, the loss of a friend or a support network…these things can shape our thinking, our behavior, and our well-being long after we’re supposed to be “over it.” If you’re not sure if you have experienced trauma, reach out and we can explore it together.

Historical Trauma

It’s tempting to believe that we can leave our past behind, isn’t it? But our childhoods dictate so much about our adulthoods - who we choose as partners, the jobs we take, the places we go, and where we feel safe. The body holds on to it all. Perhaps it was the way you were parented, or living through multiple moves or displacement, being bullied or isolated, caretaking for a parent or sibling as a child, significant loss, or living in poverty.

Relationship / Marriage Issues

Relationships are hard. Even when things are outwardly going well, you may have a sense of dis-ease and doubt, or you may not be sure whether this is a healthy relationship. Talking with friends will only go so far. I can help you listen to yourself and elevate your partnership, even if your partner is not accompanying you.

Anxiety

Anxiety is often a reaction to unresolved trauma, and it is our body and mind's way of trying to keep us safe. Somatic therapy helps uproot the traumas held in our bodies and thoughts and reduces the grip of anxiety on our behaviors and decisions.