My Approach
Mirjam Codirenzi
Registered Psychologist, M.A.
Calgary AB
As I am getting to know you, I work from a place that is non-judgemental and empathetic of your unique experiences. This allows me to more fully understand what things are like for you so we can develop a helpful path forward. I am always open to your feedback and questions to enhance our work together. This collaborative approach can help us build an authentic relationship with more potential for growth.
I also believe you are the expert of your life's experiences. Therefore, I believe you are able to connect (or reconnect) with what is helpful for you. I encourage feedback about your experiences to guide what approaches we use as we work together. I will bring awareness to experiences that show up in the present moment as a catalyst for change.
I am committed to the therapy process no matter what comes up. I believe difficult moments are unique opportunities for growth when we address them openly together.
I offer a variety of approaches to help you work toward your goals. I work in a collaborative manner with clients to ensure we remain on a helpful path. I have experience using Natural Processing (a somatic trauma processing therapy), Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Embodied Awareness (Spiritually Directed Therapy).
Natural processing is a technique used to process automatic bodily responses that exist because of past experiences. These responses may have been helpful in the past but may no longer be serving you in the present. They might get in the way of opening up in relationships, being successful at work, or making decisions that are healthy for you. Some of these somatic (body) responses might include fear, anger, frustration, a feeling of “giving up”, or distrust that come up suddenly and might get in the way of you moving toward what is important for you. Together we can process these bodily responses and thoughts about yourself and others so that the past no longer drives your life. Rather, you can then decide what aligns with what you want for yourself in the moment. I can work with you to help your nervous system recover from past experiences. Together we can discover your body’s natural drive towards healing. Natural Processing is a unique type of trauma therapy where we incorporate your body and neurological responses related to the experience you are sharing, allowing for a deeper processing to be possible.
Resources
Click here to connect to the Natural Processing Website.
Here is a video on the Polyvagal Theory by Stephen Porges to learn more about the nervous system and our automatic reactions.
Weightless by Marconi Union: Relaxing song to calm the nervous system.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the here and now. It can be as simple as noticing the shape and feel of the warm water while you are doing dishes, or noticing the flavour and texture of your food when you are having lunch. Regular mindfulness practice can provide a new awareness of what your are experiencing. This is a practice that I incorporate throughout my sessions to ensure you are connected with your experience so that approaches we try are effective.
Resources
Free Meditation App
Insight Timer offers a wide range of free meditation recordings by professionals all over the world.
Here is a link for a Body Scan Meditation on Youtube.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy applies mindfulness techniques to change our relationship with present experiences, so that we can commit to and take action towards what matters to us. For example, the skills can allow for a new way of noticing worrying thoughts or difficult emotions, without being swept away by them. Using awareness we can notice and label a thought or feeling, and then notice as it ebbs and flows. This can empower us to make decisions that align with what we want for our lives. It provides the space and new perspective to act on life in ways that fit with our values and preferences.
Resource
Leaves on the Stream Meditation, Dr. Jason Luoma, Audio (mp3)
Embodied Awareness- Spiritually Directed Therapy
Embodied Awareness is an approach that heightens awareness inwards during times of difficulty to connect with higher resources or intuition. In times of betrayal, whether in a relationship with another person, group, or as a member of larger society, we can experience a symbolic death. A symbolic death can occur when a situation occurs where we have to let go of our attachment to things being the way we want or hope them to be. This can lead to experiencing shock, mental, physical, and emotional challenges, going through the stages of processing a loss, and finally connecting with new inner knowledge and self-awareness. This allows for reintegration into ones life or society from a new place of growth, care for oneself, and empowerment.