“I am inspired by the beauty and awe of life and want others to share in the joy of living. Conversely, I believe the main source of pain, violence and devastation in our times is disconnection. Disconnection from our inner lives, disconnection from our authentic self, from others and the earth. By reconnecting with ourselves, others and all of life we find our path or home – a way of living that nourishes and makes life worthwhile.”
My Approach
Robyn’s approach is influenced by integrative, body-centered and holistic models of health and wellbeing that support development of self-awareness, problem-solving, creativity, empathy, kindness and the ability to respond well under stress. Her practice is also informed by recent advances in affective neuroscience and the research of the mind and life institute.
The work of the following people have been particularly influential: Daniel Siegel (Interpersonal Neurobiology), Arnold Mindell (Process Oriented Psychology), Pat Ogden (Sensorimotor Psychotherapy),Roberto Assagioli (Psychosynthesis), Ken Wilber (Integral psychology), Jack Rosenberg and Marjorie Rand (Integrative Body Psychotherapy), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing), Eugene Gendhlin (Focusing), Nel Noddings (ethic of care in education and social policy),and Harville Hendrix (Imago Therapy).
Robyn creates a collaborative, nurturing and supportive environment in which clients can deepen self-awareness, connect with inner strengths and wisdom and more fully actualize their potential for health, wellbeing and fulfilling their life purpose.
Some core principles of Robyn’s work:
Focusing on what we want to move towards and create in our lives is more powerful than keeping our attention on what we experience as problematic.
Mindfulness, paying attention to what arises moment to moment with openness and acceptance non-judgmentally (Kabat-Zinn) is one of the most powerful ways to support health and wellbeing.
Working with somatic and sensory awareness can more directly effect the nervous system (then talk therapy alone). This supports someone being in a resourceful state, in which one can approach a life issue from a place of strength and possibility, rather than feeling overwhelmed and stuck.
Relationships are the foundation of a healthy fulfilling life and that begins with inner relating in positive and accepting ways.
Self-acceptance. Psychology places much emphasis on growth and sometimes we forget an important part of living well is learning to accept those aspects of ourselves we would prefer to change. Put another way, learning to embrace the disavowed aspects of ourselves creates room to unleash the hidden power and potential within them.
The greater our awareness, the greater our possibilities for freedom and our options for choice.
Our interconnected reality implies a certain responsibility to other. Helping people recognize this aspect of our nature contributes to their health and the health of our world.
When one is able to connect with their authentic self, the inner core that has a sense of knowing and being that is a part of a larger whole, the ability to transcend the limitations of fear, enable one to act and be in relationship in a way that honours its higher purpose and meaning.
Cultivating habits that nourish all facets of ourselves – our hearts, mind, body and spirit-not only supports well-being it makes our daily lives more enjoyable.
How we ‘be’ in times of stress is more important than what we ‘do’.
It is important to understand individual problems within their social, cultural and political context, Naming and understanding the forces that come to bear on our lives can be liberating and help us choose more consciously.