Welcome
Therapy can feel uncertain and overwhelming, especially at first. I commend you for reaching out for support!
Your nervous system was hardwired at a young age to ignore your needs, to push away your feelings
Maybe you experienced relational trauma and neglect in childhood. This had a profound impact on how you relate to others and find safety within connection. It can be difficult for you to communicate your feelings and needs. You feel your throat close, your temperature rise, your heart rate increase. You want to be seen, heard, and deeply understood. But sometimes, you don’t even know where to start, or how. The fact is, this isn’t your fault. Your nervous system was hardwired at a young age to ignore your needs, to push away your feelings. This is because it was not safe. Maybe you were parentified or had to grow up way too soon. Now you’re wondering how to access your deepest feelings and needs, much less how to communicate them to loved ones. And when do you try to speak your mind, you often feel dismissed or judged.
Mental health services offered within a holistic framework: addressing clients' emotional, cognitive, developmental, and psychosocial needs.
As a queer-affirming and neurodivergent-affirming therapist, much of my work stems around self-empowerment, emotional regulation, and finding your voice. While I offer psychotherapy, I also believe in the power of the arts, namely music. Music therapy can help you access the deeper things, especially when traditional talk therapy has not helped. Whether that is listening to a song together, songwriting, or even improvising, music therapy provides a space for processing and understanding when words are not sufficient. You’ve had a difficult time putting your experience into words, and music can be another avenue for expression and empowerment.
About
Esther Anna Hermiz
I specialize in working with youth and adults who are navigating complex and relational trauma. A board-certified music therapist and licensed professional counselor, I utilize music with therapeutic intention to build resilience and empowerment. I also utilize psychotherapy to connect with you as the client, offering a space for verbal processing and conversation. Adopting both a relational and systems approach, my aim is to meet you where you are at.
I believe in treating the whole person. The truth is, we live in a society that was not set up for everyone. My clinical work is rooted within a social justice framework, acknowledging how racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, classism, etc. impacts individuals and communities. These systems are oppressive and traumatizing! Now more than ever, we are reaching out for community, mutual aid, connection, and a feeling of belonging. It is part of my job to facilitate that and empower you to speak your truth and stand firm in your values, all while making sure to fill your own cup.
Attachment-
based Therapy
This is an emotionally-focused
approach that can help you explore how childhood experiences
impact your emotional patterns and how you show
up in relationships.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Internal Family Systems
This approach helps the individual to identify, explore, and have compassion towards the "parts" of you that have helped you survive.
Motivational Interviewing
This collaborative approach can guide you towards making a change in your life, even in the face of ambivalence.
Music Therapy
As a board-certified music therapist, I can support you in reaching your goals through active music-making
or guided music listening.
This can be a helpful outlet if
you struggle to put your
experiences into words!