Rachel Fernbach (She/Her)

Chronic pain can be so isolating, and can contribute to depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms. My approach to pain is multifaceted, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and somatic movement. I'll help you identify triggers, develop self care skills, and learn how to regulate your nervous system so that pain will be less intense. I will also offer you deep empathy and compassion, and a safe space in which to be honest about your difficulties.

For Highly Sensitive individuals, functioning well in our fast paced world can be a lot of work. I'm interested in helping people who identify this way by providing a safe and empathic space, one in which moving slowly and sharing at a modulated pace are encouraged and supported. With my training in Dance/Therapy, Authentic Movement, Yoga and Meditation, it's a pleasure for me to share embodiment and mindfulness tools in service of nervous system regulation and self care.

What's the purpose of being in therapy if not to cultivate self awareness, develop healthy habits, and grow? Life challenges are an opportunity to turn inward and explore what is most important, to develop the skill to meet stress without falling apart. I believe we can all learn to live well despite our challenges, and that addressing a personal problem with a well-matched therapist can help clients to take responsibility and live within their values.

I trained as a Dance/Movement Therapist at Lesley University. Additionally, I completed an intensive 2 year training in the practice of Authentic Movement. I always offer my clients the option of movement during sessions. My approach to therapy is heavily inspired by the theoretical foundations of DMT: I recognize and celebrate strengths, meet each client in the present moment, and inherently trust in the wisdom of the body.

Mindfulness is simply becoming aware of what's happening now, in the present moment, without judgement. It's the basis for understanding what's happening within; ongoing practice increases compassion and patience, and the present moment becomes a springboard for taking action. In session, I guide my clients through breath and movement exercises, and encourage solo practice throughout the week. The aim is to find calm and to rest into silence. From there, growth becomes possible.

Somatic Psychotherapy is a process that honors and incorporates the intelligence of both our bodies and minds. By examining the ways in which thoughts and feelings are related to physical sensations, we develop a more nuanced understanding of ourselves in relation to the world around us. If you're open to it, I'll guide you through simple movement exercises to help increase body awareness, and we'll talk together about how what you feel in your body relates to what is going on in your life.

For people who identify as Highly Sensitive, functioning in our fast-paced world can be really challenging. I offer a safe and empathic space in which moving slowly and modulating pace are encouraged and supported. I'm happy to draw on my background in embodiment and mindfulness to help my clients learn self-regulation skills. Toning the nervous system is a great way for sensitive people to increase tolerance of stress; we'll work together to help you learn how to best care for yourself.

I view fear and worry as normal feelings, something that all people experience from time to time, depending on life circumstances. If anxiety is impacting your work, your relationships, or how you participate in meaningful activities, then it may be worthwhile to explore why you feel the way you do, and how you can take action toward making change. In our work together, I will help you to understand your anxiety and take care of yourself.

As we progress through life, our priorities and interests change, our goals and wishes take new shapes, and we move in and out of relationships and roles. It can be hard to make sense of the ongoing transitions, and sometimes you may feel stuck and overwhelmed when your inner needs begin to bump uncomfortably against your outer environment. In therapy together, I will support you in identifying what is most important to you, and help you take action toward cultivating the future you envision.

As we progress through life, our priorities and interests change, our goals and wishes take new shapes, and we move in and out of relationships and roles. It can be hard to make sense of the ongoing transitions, and sometimes you may feel stuck and overwhelmed when your inner needs begin to bump uncomfortably against your outer environment. In therapy together, I will support you in identifying what is most important to you, and help you take action toward cultivating the future you envision.

As we progress through life, our priorities and interests change, our goals and wishes take new shapes, and we move in and out of relationships and roles. It can be hard to make sense of the ongoing transitions, and sometimes you may feel stuck and overwhelmed when your inner needs begin to bump uncomfortably against your outer environment. In therapy together, I will support you in identifying what is most important to you, and help you take action toward cultivating the future you envision.

ACT is way of learning to tolerate and accept the truth of your present experiences, while taking intentional action toward creating change. When life is hard, it makes sense to have difficult thoughts and feelings; it makes sense to want things to be different. We'll work together, through compassionate conversation and mindfulness practice, to increase your capacity to accept these hard things. And we'll also identify action steps, no matter how small, that will create a pathway forward.

ACT is way of learning to tolerate and accept the truth of your present experiences, while taking intentional action toward creating change. When life is hard, it makes sense to have difficult thoughts and feelings; it makes sense to want things to be different. We'll work together, through compassionate conversation and mindfulness practice, to increase your capacity to accept these hard things. And we'll also identify action steps, no matter how small, that will create a pathway forward.

A holistic approach to psychotherapy integrates a full-spectrum view of the human experience, including mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual perspectives on your experiences. When we work together, I will help you to orient to your body, heart, mind, and essential nature, in order to cultivate trust in your own inherent capabilities and wisdom.