Articles by Erin Stohl, LMSW

The extent that we are able to expand upward towards the aliveness of our most authentic self, is connected to the extent that we are able to reach down and be with the darker parts of who we are. This darker aspect of the self is often referred to as the shadow.

While traditional therapy focuses mostly on the mental and emotional aspects of a client’s experience, somatic psychotherapy focuses on the relationship between the body and mind, and sees the body as a central part of the therapeutic process.

The more self-aware people are about why they do what they do, how they really feel, what their needs are, etc., the greater range of choices they have to make in any situation. For those individuals who are less aware, the choices that are available for them to make are much more limited.

One of the most effective ways to feel better when there is a build up of emotional energy in the body is by crying. Since feelings are somatic and arise in the body, letting our tears flow allows the body to release and return to a state of balance.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, meal times can easily become rushed and stressful. Although it can be easy to hurry through meals or to eat while multi-tasking, let’s consider the benefits of slowing down and creating mindful mealtimes.

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, which is an integrative therapeutic method that helps people heal from trauma and other challenging life experiences. EMDR is used by many therapists to support individuals who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or complex PTSD.

Our sexuality is a central part of being human. It can be mysterious, confusing, pleasurable, frightening, comforting, disappointing, and liberating. It's complex! Instead of believing the shame-based beliefs about sexuality that many of us have been taught, let’s choose something different and be curious together.

Understanding that we have the ability to create what we want in our lives is incredibly helpful and empowering. However, the idea that people can simply manifest whatever they want by creating a clear vision and thinking positive is inaccurate because life is much more complex than that.

One of the most stigmatized and shameful experiences in the realm of sexuality is related to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Although millions of people contract STIs each year, it is something that is rarely talked about because of the way that shame creates a breeding ground for silence.

Within each adult there is an inner child, which is a childlike aspect of the self. Through play, body awareness, and a compassionate willingness to listen, you can strengthen the connection with your inner child and open up new inner pathways to joy, aliveness, and peace.

Although the abundant blessings of nature are too many to name here, let’s look at one expression of the natural world that holds a special place in many people’s hearts—the splendor and magnificence of trees.

The earth is an extremely powerful healing tool, and in my experience, walking barefoot on the earth is as effective as many of the breathing techniques, meditations, grounding exercises, affirmations, etc. that can be used to return to a peaceful state.

Some organizations, institutions, and individuals believe that certain people are more valuable than others based on their skin color, gender, religious/spiritual beliefs, etc. This belief leads to the creation of an “in” group and an “out” group and is often motivated by a desire to imbue the "in" group with power.

Using food to handle difficult feelings can lead to an endless cycle of weight gain, yo-yo dieting, and an overall challenging relationship with food. However, it is possible have a positive relationship with food and to let go of dieting once and for all.

Menstruation is a sacred expression of the creative, feminine energy. Let’s focus on how, as women, we can reclaim our cycle as a sacred expression of life, creativity, and feminine power. Here are some ways to reconnect with the sacredness of your moon time each month.

Anything that is kept hidden in the dark will eventually be brought into the light. When something is suppressed it grows and festers, inevitably reaching a point where it can no longer be contained and kept a secret. One important example of this occurs in the realm sexual abuse.