Healing Transgenerational Trauma-Dr. Arielle Schwartz

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Transgenerational Healing

transgenerational healing Dr. Arielle Schwartz

“Kathy” has come into therapy to work with a lifelong history of mild anxiety and depression. Through a lens of transgenerational trauma we explore Kathy’s healing process, identifying how one generation’s reactions to a traumatic event were passed on to the next generation. By broadening our lens from the personal to the multi-generational we can experience ourselves as part of a bigger story, a larger whole.

“Healing transgenerational trauma involves the mind, the body, and some detective work to explore your family history. Allow yourself to look across the generations of your family for significant life events and relational patterns. The process of healing involves accessing your innate healing capacity, trusting your experience, and allowing the wisdom of your own process to guide your healing journey.”
-Dr. Arielle Schwartz

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Yoga for Anxiety-Dr. Arielle Schwartz

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Facing Fear

therapeutic yoga Dr. Arielle Schwartz

From as early as I can recall the idea of standing up in front a group of people has terrified me. As a child, I loved the idea of acting but the reality of getting up on the stage was overwhelming. I remember wanting to shrink so small to make myself disappear. I know I am not alone. Today I routinely teach classes and offer presentations without the anxiety that once ruled my life. And, as a clinical psychologist, and yoga teacher I focus on the tools that can help others do the same. Yoga for anxiety bring the power of change to your life.

“Growth and change often require exploring the edges of our comfort zones and challenging ourselves to step into unfamiliar territory. Yoga for anxiety guides you to harness the power of your thoughts, works directly with your body, and helps you to face your fears. With the right support, you may just discover that you are stronger and more capable than you imagined.”
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Creative New Year’s Resolutions-Dr. Arielle Schwartz

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Envisioning Success

New Year's Resolutions Dr. Arielle Schwartz

How many years have you made New Year’s resolutions only to look back and feel disappointed? There are many reasons resolutions don’t work. Expectations tend to be too high; we frame them with absolutes such as always or never; we focus on the outcome rather than the process. Over the last 5 years our family and friends have taken an alternative approach to our resolutions by creating collages of our goals and visions of coming year. We then gather to discuss our resolutions in an positive manner. This year I am inviting you to join us virtually.

“Get creative with your resolutions this year. I encourage you to embrace a positive approach that builds upon the foundation of your existing strengths. Allow yourself to follow your heart and turn your attention to what brings you joy. If you choose to nudge yourself out of your comfort zone, consider asking for the support that you need to be successful.” -Dr. Arielle Schwartz

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The 5 Best Gifts for Children-Dr. Arielle Schwartz

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Gifts that Last a Lifetime

Dr. Arielle Schwartz 5 best gifts for children

What are the best gifts for children that truly last a lifetime? You will not find them in a box with a bow. They lack wires and screens. You will not find them on sale. These are the myths that we have been taught to believe. In our season of giving I encourage you to remember that the greatest gift we give our children is our presence not presents and values instead of valuables. Our meaningful childhood experiences are made memorable by the people, not the objects, of our lives.

“Offerings from the heart are intangible, immeasurable, and priceless. Gifts of time, acceptance, positivity, purpose, and creativity are investments that last a lifetime.”
-Dr. Arielle Schwartz

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Music and the HeArt of Communication-Dr. Arielle Schwartz

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 The Art of Listening

The HeArt of Communication Dr. Arielle Schwartz

Communication is an art form.  When we listen deeply, we feel each other and are less isolated. Through language and sound we can cross the divide of separateness, opening the heart.

I believe listening to music is a great way to train ourselves in the art of communicating with others. The act of listening involves many parts of the brain including those involved with thought, emotions, movement, and sensations. When you find a piece of music that opens your heart notice how you feel. Perhaps you find it has the power to evoke emotions, strengthen your resilience, and awaken a profound sense of interconnectedness. Music can bridge the gap; inviting us to bring the open, vulnerable self into connection with another.

“What if we listen to each other in the same way that we experience music? Listening as an art form awakens profound experiences of the self and soul offering a portal that can awaken a transformational experience of connection to others and the world.”
-Dr. Arielle Schwartz
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My Top 40 Resilience Strategies-Dr. Arielle Schwartz

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Strength Based Psychotherapy

Resilience Dr. Arielle Schwartz Boulder, Co

There is a paradigm shift happening in the field of psychology; a change from a focus on deficits to an emphasis on resilience and strengths. In recent years researchers have looked at the traits associated with individuals who have not only overcome obstacles but have thrived when faced with them. We have come to understand  that resilience is comprised of a set of behaviors that can be learned and developed in anyone.

“The truth is we can all feel weighed down by life’s challenges. Let us raise the roof with resilience and push beyond the limitations that can press down on us.”
-Dr. Arielle Schwartz

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Post Traumatic Growth and Transformation-Dr. Arielle Schwartz

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 Healing and Transformation

Post traumatic growth

Exposure to disturbing or traumatic life events is inevitable. Following these events, most people experience uncomfortable emotions and sensations such as grief, fear, anxiety, panic, anger, or depression. Initially, it is common to brace against these disorientating emotions. This is normal and with sufficient support it is possible to successfully navigate through these vulnerable emotions. In time, hopefully we can reframe our relationship to pain and discomfort as an invitation to enter into a transformational journey awakening post traumatic growth.

“Transformation involves the ability to feel and be changed by difficult life experiences. This process affirms our capacity to heal and connects us to the universal cycles of life, death, and rebirth.”
-Dr. Arielle Schwartz

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Parenting ADHD – Dr. Arielle Schwartz

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 The Journey Continues

Boy Pilot with Paper Airplanes Flying in Sky

A school day morning, and we need to get out the door. “Please get dressed,” dad says. When he doesn’t come downstairs I go up to find him sitting on his floor, in his pajamas, playing with Legos. “Please get dressed,” I repeat but now I hear the sound of his ukulele coming from his room. He explains to me how he is making up a new song for his sister and can he please play it for me, right now! After a third reminder he comes downstairs for breakfast mostly dressed, somewhat disheveled, and without socks and shoes. After breakfast the routine is to brush teeth and hair and “don’t forget to please get your socks and shoes on!” I should know better than to request more than one action at a time during the morning routine…

Parenting a child with sensory processing disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, a trauma history, often presents a range of challenges for parents. Helping kids manage transitions, learn emotional self-control, and develop focus requires time, patience, and support.

“A child is not a diagnosis. A child is an individual with his or her own way of organizing experiences. It is important to allow children to teach us about the complex intricacies of their inner world.”
Dr. Arielle Schwartz

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Children, Emotional Regulation, and Polyvagal Theory-Dr. Arielle Schwartz

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Supporting children’s emotions

Children, Emotional regulation, and Polyvagal Theory Dr. Arielle Schwartz

As parents, our responsibility is to help children process through their experiences. This is not an easy task. It is easy to feel triggered by children’s big emotions, whether it be fear, anger, or sadness; especially when the expression of these feelings comes out as disruptive behaviors. Polyvagal theory empowers parents to navigate your child’s intense emotional states.

Children may become defiant, refuse to go to sleep, start lying, or become aggressive with siblings or parents. As parents it is common to attempt to apply consequences or punish our children. However, this can devolve into a struggle of will, where parents don’t want to be the first to give in. While limit setting is necessary to keep our children and ourselves safe, it is essential that we help our children unwind their emotional dysregulation in the safety of a caring relationship.

“Polyvagal Theory provides a neurobiological framework for understanding the connection between the mind, body, and emotions. Empowered with deeper understanding, we increase our capacity to compassionately and successfully support children’s emotional regulation.” -Dr. Arielle Schwartz

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