Vanessa Wolter

Integral Counseling Psychology M.A.

My psychotherapy approach is holistic, meaning that I work on various levels of the person. One level of being that many therapy modalities miss is the spiritual, existential, or transpersonal level. When we view our human struggles from this higher existential or spiritual vantage point we can see that most of our emotional and mental struggles arise from our egos. The ego is a bit like a computer program that creates a sense of "I-ness" or identity. This "program" helps us navigate the world and societal expectations and pressures. However, especially in our Western society, we have lost the understanding that the ego is not really who we are. We have bought in to the egoic illusion that we can achieve and control our way into happiness and peace. But the more we move through life this way, we feel more and more empty. We feel anxious because some wiser sense within us knows we cannot control very much. We feel depressed because somewhere deep inside we feel a loss. Loss of connection to the larger Oneness that is the natural process of our Earth and our Universe. We are actually not separate from it. And as we realize this, we get closer and closer to embodying a sense of flow and peace. In my sessions, I help clients bring awareness to the narratives and illusions that cause them pain and stuckness. Through somatic exercises and mindfulness I offer a different experience of Self, beyond the ego, one that is expansive, authentic, and healing.