From Inner Child to Nervous System: A Holistic Path to Mental Wellness

For decades, mental health therapy and psychology were viewed through a narrow lens. The primary debate centered around nature versus nurture—whether our unhelpful thoughts and behaviors stem from childhood experiences or are predetermined by genetics. In reality, the number of influencing factors is infinite. All theories are, by nature, reductionist.

This is why, when considering treatment or lifestyle changes for mental health challenges, I take an eclectic approach to counseling. My practice integrates psychodynamic, person-centered, somatic, and Polyvagal theories, allowing for a holistic and personalized experience.

Psychodynamic therapy explores childhood experiences, relationships with parents and siblings, and how these shape our present patterns and beliefs. In practice, this means doing inner child work—spending time unpacking past experiences and understanding their role in current struggles.

Person-centered therapy forms the foundation of my counseling style. This approach holds that the client is the expert on their own life. I strive to create a collaborative relationship where clients feel empowered and supported. By fostering a space of warmth and safety, clients feel free to open up about things they may never have shared before. Simply feeling seen, heard, and accepted can be deeply healing in itself.

Somatic therapy, in my practice, acknowledges the wisdom of the body. Often, emotions manifest physically—anxiety may be felt as tightness in the throat, grief as heaviness in the stomach. I guide clients in tuning into these sensations, which can lead to profound emotional release and greater self-awareness. This practice often deepens connections to inner child experiences as well.

Polyvagal theory is a crucial, yet often overlooked, addition to psychology and counseling. It focuses on the nervous system’s role in mental health, particularly how many of us become stuck in fight, flight, or freeze responses. Rather than just discussing these states theoretically, Polyvagal-informed work engages the nervous system directly. Simple physical techniques—such as gentle movements, self-massage, or humming—stimulate the vagus nerve, helping to regulate the body’s stress response. This approach is especially beneficial for those struggling with PTSD, anxiety, insomnia, and certain chronic illnesses.

There will never be one theory or method that "solves" a client’s problems. The human experience is vast and complex. What truly facilitates healing is deep listening, empathy, and creating a space where clients feel safe, validated, and understood. Together, as partners in this journey, we draw from a range of tools to help clients cultivate self-acceptance, reduce symptoms, and find the inspiration to lead fulfilling, self-actualized lives.