About Zoë Whaley, LCSW, DARTT
Pronouns: She/Her
I specialize in working with adults of all ages who have been impacted by traumatic and/or distressing life experiences, especially those that occurred within the context of a close relationship (i.e. parents/caregivers or a partner). Some people know or remember that they experienced clear instances or repeated patterns of neglect, abuse, and/or toxicity. Other clients describe more of a 'sense' that their parents/caregivers or partners were not attuned to them and so they often felt lonely, confused, and unseen. Others simply recognize that their parents/caregivers were struggling with their own issues (such as emotional immaturity, addiction, or their own trauma histories). Whether explicit and easily identifiable or not, these experiences can impact us for years to come.
I use evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches to assist clients in overcoming unhelpful and self-defeating patterns. These patterns can negatively impact relationships and lead to areas of unmanageability in client's lives. I strive to assist people in achieving sustainable and positive change that will reverberate through their lives, leading to growth, greater connection with self and others, and increased resilience when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
I pay particular attention to the important connection between mind and body. Many people struggle to feel ‘at home’ in their body. By gently developing greater awareness of and self-compassion toward your body and its sensations, you can begin to view your body as a resource -- one that you can use to stay grounded during turbulent times and aligned with your healthiest and most functional self. This can be a challenging process for some people and I draw from my training in and knowledge of somatic therapies to skillfully assist clients in building a positive relationship to their body and the information it provides.
Speciality areas: Complex Trauma, PTSD, sex/sexuality, mind-body connection, family/relationship issues.
My realness and warmth are two of the characteristics that are most appreciated by my clients. I seek to provide a safe, collaborative, therapeutic space - one in which I honor your full personhood, the identities you hold, and your lived experiences.
WI Licensed Clinical Social Worker 9354-123
NPI 1215500152
Certifications & Specialized Training
I am trained as an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist. EMDR is an evidence based trauma treatment that helps people reprocess and heal from single incident or ongoing traumatic/distressing experiences.
I have also completed training in the Flash Technique (FT) & EMDR, which is a therapeutic intervention used to reduce the disturbance associated with traumatic or other distressing memories.
I am a certified Developmental and Relational Trauma (DART) Therapist. As part of the certification process I completed extensive training in addressing issues that arise from childhood and relational trauma. Using the tenets of Pia Mellody's Post-Induction Therapy, I assist clients in identifying how less-than-nurturing experiences during childhood, impact emotional development and cause unmanageability in our adult lives.
Pia Mellody identified five core issues that people commonly struggle with: Self-Esteem, Boundaries, Reality, Dependency, and Moderation. I work with clients to help them re-parent themselves around these core issues in order to develop and live more from their wise, Functional Adult Self.
The wise Functional Adult Self is able to: esteem oneself, use healthy boundaries, know and trust oneself, care for oneself by identifying needs and wants and asking for and/or meeting them appropriately, and be moderate in one's approach to life. When we are able to live more fully from our Functional Adult Self, we are better able to be in healthy relationship with ourselves and others. Many find that depression, anxiety, addictions, and relationship problems are significantly improved through this process.
My Approach
I am a somatically oriented therapist, which means that my approach to counseling is grounded in an understanding of the mind-body system and the ways that the nervous system works in tandem with the brain. Research shows that increasing our body awareness is key to accessing a sense of safety in our relationships with others, with ourselves, and in the world. We can’t always ‘think’ our way out of unhelpful patterns or of the impact of past disturbing experiences. We must attend to our body. Feeling at home in our body is challenging for many people, yet when we befriend the body we begin to recognize it as an ever-present resource.
I believe in an integrative approach and our work together will utilize evidence-based modalities such as EMDR and mind-body interventions to reprocess distressing experiences that are keeping you stuck. Behavioral, somatic, and cognitive approaches will assist you in moving forward.
I practice therapy from an anti-oppression framework, which means that I am intentional about recognizing the ways that power dynamics contribute to and perpetuate cycles of harm and trauma in individuals, families, communities, and society. I seek to name power dynamics where they exist (including by recognizing and interrogating where I hold power and privilege). I believe that naming truth to power can be an essential component to healing from trauma.
Why Work With Me?
People who work with me tell me that they feel seen, heard, and valued. Moreover, they feel safe with me. I have a deep belief in every human being’s unique capacity for growth, connection, and healing. I approach my work with compassion and curiosity. I am not afraid to challenge you, but I do so with great respect for your autonomy, and I encourage you to ‘push back’ if something I’ve said doesn’t resonate for you. After all, you are the expert on you. You are the essential ingredient in our work together and I will always honor that.
