Hi, I’m Deserae, MA, LPC
THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY
I learned from a very young age that there is always a way forward. No matter the obstacle, setback, heartache or defeat along the path; there is only an option of failure when we stop trying. Until that moment, everything else is a lesson.
WE ARE STRONGER WITH SUPPORT
I've had a coach for every physical endeavor I've ever engaged in from little league softball at the age of 5 to running a marathon as a grown ass woman (that was a hard one! Shout out to all endurance athletes out there. I think I'll stick to walking now ;).
From coaches, mentors & teachers alike - we have an opportunity to evolve from those that have learned before us and therapy is no different; it is training for your mind. (If only we could receive coaching for our emotional well being in grade school (!) imagine where we'd be today.)
IT HAS NOT BEEN EASY, THOUGH IT HAS BEEN WORTH IT
I grew up in a single parent household on the east coast. Determined mother, suicided father with a world full of struggle ahead. She was the definition of a woman who turned lemons into lemonade. Heartache after heartache I found my way to psychotherapy as I desired to understand the inner workings of human behavior and even more importantly the ingredients to healing.
I've been formally engaged in the study of psychology for over 25 years in the United States and overseas working with trauma, anxiety, attachment wounds, grief and loss, assault, addiction, mental illness and more.
From college counseling, wilderness therapy, transitional sober living and private practice, to supporting victims with MESA (Moving to End Sexual Assault), offering on-scene victim support with the Sheriff's Office and working with victims of violent crime at the District Attorney's office; it is an understatement to say this line of work is my personal passion.
THE COMMON THREAD
Throughout decades of study, integration and practice a common thread I noticed that supported healing for all, is nervous system regulation. Anxiety decreases when the nervous system is regulated. Fragmented parts of ourselves re-integrate when the nervous system is regulated. Healthy relationships are possible when the nervous system is regulated. Hope and possibility return (guess when), when the nervous system is regulated!
As such, I've become a neuroscience junkie in search of every body/mind/spirit support out there. I currently utilize a blend of psychotherapy including mindfulness and somatic based practices, action based coaching and Brainspotting when supporting my clients who primarily consist of those working with anxiety, trauma, and dating or relational issues.
OUT OF THE OFFICE
Mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and eternal optimist who's fiercely dedicated to supporting others along their path to healing, integration, connection, joy and wholeness. I am deeply spiritual and hold faith in the amazing possibilities yet to come when we're able to clear away the clutter of past wounds and ruptures. I believe our inner beliefs directly impact our outer reality and, I believe anything is possible.
Since our nervous systems can only operate in 'protect' or 'connect' mode in any given moment, our family prioritizes having fun amongst the business of day to day living as often as possible to support ease within: dance offs with my son before bed YES, curling up on the couch with girlfriends to watch the bachelorette together YES (judgements welcome, we just have so much fun together!), taking swimming lessons with my 5yo in my mid 40's YES, camping in 30 degree weather HECK YES! There is no right or wrong, just ease or dis-ease. I look forward to helping you cultivate your own personal brand of exhale. If something is calling you to learn more please reach out for a free consultation. I would love to connect with you.
With respect for you and your journey til this point,
