M. Somerville, PhD Psychotherapy and Consultation
Philosophy
Sometimes to get answers you must go inside. With the support and expertise of a professional trained to guide you into the deepest part of yourself, answers emerge. My task as a therapist is to facilitate your awareness, and through this increased self-knowledge, choices become available. How to respond is now in your control. What is calling your innermost self? What needs to be expressed, understood, accepted or processed? The talk therapy process helps you find answers, find your path. The answers are already inside you, our work together helps guide them to your consciousness.
Who?
- Mid-life adults in transition; divorce, empty nest, career change, retirement, meaning and purpose
- Individuals with chronic pain/illness
- Caregivers/spouses of individuals with chronic pain or illness
How?
In therapy, we form a collaborative therapeutic alliance. Research shows that the therapeutic alliance is the most important factor in effecting change in therapy. My approach is careful, non-judgmental, and imbued with curiosity about your unique experiences. You are the expert on your life—my role is to empower you with knowledge and choices to make the changes you deem necessary.
Meet M. Somerville, PhD Psychotherapy, Assessment and Consultation
About me
I was fortunate to receive caring and impactful therapy during a very difficult time in my adult life. This pivotal experience changed the course of my professional career; I returned to school to earn my Master’s degree and become a therapist. I wanted to be the catalyst for change someone once was for me. The pursuit of knowledge led me to aim for my doctorate. Personal experience and professional education set the stage for my career as a therapist.
When I’m not working, I enjoy books, travel, practicing yoga and entertaining.
Professional expertise
I approach my work with clients from a developmental, attachment perspective, exploring the ways individuals adapted to their early environments and experiences. I am trained in Gestalt therapy, Sensorimotor psychotherapy, mindfulness, trauma-informed practices, and EMDR, among other modalities. I have extensive training and experience with chronic pain and illnesses and apply the concepts of Internal Family systems and Emotional Awareness and Expression therapy in developing strategies for managing chronic pain. I reference the teachings and knowledge of Eastern philosophies, yoga and meditation. I also incorporate aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients translate their insights into actionable change.
Invitation
Send me an email or text with questions you may have. We can schedule a call to talk about your needs and expectations.
msomervillephd@gmail.com or 512-593-0583