One thing I often tell the families I work with is that: a playing brain is a learning brain. Neurobiology backs this up. When activation meets connection—aka, play—we increase our capacity to tolerate distress, make meaning, and self-regulate.

When we feel like we have to fight to be respected, we might want to consider the situations we’re placing ourselves in. When we feel slighted, we might ask ourselves how much power we’re handing over to other people’s actions. Because the sad truth is—when it’s up to them, they rarely get it right.

What does this mean in the sense of polyvagal-informed therapy? It means that our nervous-systems are in the water. So the question we need to ask is: what water is your nervous system swimming in?

Over the course of my time in practice, I have come to recognize that all behaviors make sense in context. And this means we have to choose a different paradigm. Following this different paradigm requires us to ask different questions.

I became a therapist because I know what it's like to need help. I know what it's like to feel confused or at the mercy of your reactions, your habits, your sensitivities. I know what it's like to have all the "right" tools and still feel stuck. And I know the relief of finally working with someone who sees you.

Jamie’s jam is nervous system awareness and safety - first, knowing what your nervous system’s bandwidth and capacity is in the moment. She brings regulation and grounding through mindfulness, body-based techniques, nature-based work, and more. And once you are regulated and feel safe, the work can begin at deeper layers.

The importance of sleep in establishing salubrity (health).