Ben Hearn (He/they)

I approach anxiety from a unique perspective that blends cognitive neuroscience and existential philosophy. We'll learn about ways to increase your ability to regulate your nervous system through mindfulness practices while also talking about "big" issues in your life.

I approach my work with LGBTQ+ folx with the understanding that these identities may have wide-ranging influences on one's presenting symptoms from being the focal point of what is going on to having very little or no impact. I work to explore LGBTQ+ issues and identites with folx from an ecological perspective, where we consider how these identities are impacted by and manifest at varying levels within ourselves, relationships, community, and wider culture.

I have been working with those who have experienced trauma for the duration of my career and typically work from a "bottom-up" approach with clients. I with the body and processing sensations, emotions, and images rather than "top-down" approaches such as CBT which aim to alter these through changing your thoughts.

I approach my work with LGBTQ+ folx with the understanding that these identities may have wide-ranging influences on one's presenting symptoms from being the focal point of what is going on to having very little impact. I work to explore LGBTQ+ issues and identites with folx from an ecological perspective, where we consider how these identities are impacted by and manifest at varying levels within ourselves, relationships, community, and wider culture.

I have a long-held interest in working in the area of spirituality and enjoy working with clients who are well-established in their own spiritual journeys or those who may have trouble connecting with this part of their lives for varying reasons.

I adopt a sex-positive outlook and understand that folx who fall in this group may be hesitant to bring up these aspects of themselves out of fear of being pathologized and in some cases, have even been harmed by previous therapists when addressing this topic. If you are a lifestyler or just getting curious, I'm more than willing to explore these areas with you and discuss how these practices relate to your life, relationships, interests, and ways to find community within them.

In my work with LGBTQ+ individuals and other folks, I've all too often encountered their experiences of spiritual abuse and religious trauma. I work with these clients towards exploring the harm caused by these types of experiences, which is often deeply impactful and alienating. I support these clients in a recovery process at their own pace and believe that re-connecting to spirituality in a personally meaningful way is important in reclaiming their sense of self-worth and autonomy.

I've dedicated most of my career to supporting the LGBTQ community. I have experience in supporting clients in the 'coming-out' process at all stages of life as well as assisting clients who've experienced trauma, abuse, and alienation from others in relation to their identity, including from within the LGBTQ community itself. I'm particularly interested in working with LGBTQ clients who have experienced religious or spiritual trauma and are working to reclaim these areas of their lives.

I help clients in poly and open relationships by supporting them as they develop a greater sense of self through relationships with others. In my work with poly clients, we explore personal needs and how they are(n't) met and consider ways that these relationships can be structured.

IFS assumes that each person's mind is made up of "parts", each working to help the individual. Each individual also has a "Self" that, once embodied, allows for greater insight into parts' histories, roles, and experiences. By developing Self-leadership, clients become more confident in navigating their lives while also creating greater capacity to respond creatively to stressors. IFS shares many concepts with ideas and is best understood helping clients towards a new way of being.

Existential theory suggests that we are all working to grapple with the knowledge that one day, we will die. How we integrate this knowledge impacts the ways that we give meaning to our experiences and the world around us , connect to others, and often feel a pull towards both responsibility and freedom. Existential therapy gives clients the chance to explore how the "big questions" of life are shaping their experiences and behaviors while supporting them to more skillfully live in paradox.

EMDR is an evidence-based approach for treating PTSD and other symptoms related to trauma. In my practice, I pair EMDR therapy with Internal Family Systems to help you process particularly activating or traumatic experiences that continue impact your life. I often describe EMDR as being able to help with the "translation problem" - when you know in your head that they are safe, not at fault, etc. but don't feel this way in your heart.

I understand spiritual practices and traditions as calling us to take a closer look at our relationships - with ourselves, others, the world around us, and the Divine (whatever that may mean to you). I view much of therapy to be a spiritual endeavor at its core and enjoy clients who are interested in working on their issues through a spiritual or religious lens. I also work with clients who are processing religious or spiritual trauma and are in the process of reclaiming these domains.