Aimee Chase

From a young age, I've always loved and been curious about people. I've always felt connected to and interested in others and their experiences. It is a calling for me.
After having both positive and negative experiences with therapists in high school, I was confident that this is what I wanted to do - what I was meant to do!
I will actively listen to what they're sharing and ask clarifying questions as needed. I will be fully present with them in session, with the intention of understanding as much as possible their emotional experience, inner thoughts, etc. I may summarize and/or reflect back what I heard and ask if it feels accurate for them or if there are things I missed, misunderstood, etc. And lastly, I would simply ask them, "what makes you feel heard and understood? Is there anything that makes you feel misunderstood? How might I be able to tell if you're feeling misunderstood (outside of being told as much)?
I see the therapy as a collaborative process, one where I walk alongside the client, not in front or above them. I may not have all the answers, but I am committed to helping in any way that I can. Building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance takes time, but I am patient. I will not rush the process or force you to share something you're not comfortable sharing (now or ever). Trust is build over time and the process will look different for each person, so it is important to consider individual differences, past experiences, interests, preferences, etc. when building the foundational trust and rapport. Lastly, it is imperative to me that I do what I say I will do, keep any promises I make, and if I make a mistake, I will apologize and do whatever I can to rectify it and facilitate repair.