It's Not Uncommon for People to Wonder...

About Acupuncture

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Watch this short video.

Does acupuncture hurt?

No. I use hair-thin needles delicately placed. It's common to feel a tiny mosquito bite and not unusual to experience pressure, or a dull-achy sensation at a point. You are always in control and can let me know if something is not working for you.

Does acupuncture work?

Absolutely. Acupuncture is highly effective at treating a myriad of disorders and fortunately there is more and more research confirming that. That said, it is not magic. Like most therapies, it generally requires 2-12 treatments depending on the condition, duration of illness/pain, and age, along with a few other factors.  If you're curious about what a course of treatment would be like for you, I'm happy to offer a 30-minute consultation where we can evaluate your current condition.

How does it work?

In a nutshell, acupuncture awakens the innate healing potentials within your body.

From a Classical Chinese perspective this involves utilizing meridians to strengthen and increase the flow of qi and blood in the body.

From a Western perspective this involves:

• Vasodialation - expand the blood vessels to increase access of nutrient-rich oxygenated blood to deficient areas.

• Neurohormonal modulation - balance and calibrate the nervous and hormonal systems to reduce stressors and increase optimal functioning.

• Decreasing Inflammation - to reduce damage and improve function systemically and locally.

In Chinese medicine there's a saying "Where there is Pain, there's no flow, where there's no flow there's pain." Acupuncture promotes flow so you can feel better.

About Counseling

What is somatic psychotherapy?

It is a therapeutic approach with a focus on bringing awareness, attention, and connection to the intricate workings of the body as it relates to psycho-emotional health and wellbeing. In contrast to "talk therapy" which primarily focuses on thoughts and the mind as the way through difficult processes, somatic therapy engages both the mind and the body. Turning attention towards present moment experiences within the body, the brain and nervous system supports regulation of emotion and modification of behavioral patterns. A foundational premise to the work is that our bodies hold our stories, our histories, our emotions, and our present moment experiences in a myriad of different ways. We often do not even realize the impact that has on our psychological health. By supporting awareness of how our experiences and emotions show up in the body, we are given more choice and thus, more access to change whether psychological, physiological, cognitive, behavioral, or emotional. Rachael's practice is rooted in the fundamental belief that having more choice brings us into closer connection with our wholeness.  

Will I be expected to move or dance? 

No, not necessarily. The primary focus of therapy is to be in most service to the client and their goals.  Movement can at times be very supportive for releasing and sequencing somatic and emotional tension and discomfort. Rachael may offer opportunities to come into closer contact with impulses within the body but the client always has choice whether or not it feels right for them. If there is desire to engage more with how movement and dance supports emotional process, that option is available as well. 

How will I know if this is the right fit for me?

The best way to find out is to schedule a free 30 minute consultation and get a feel for how the relationship might serve you! In the end of the day, therapy is most effective when the relationship and connection is strong. If Rachael doesn't turn out to be the best fit for you and your needs, she will do her best to help you find someone who is!