Approaches Integrated at
A Human Sanctuary
We provide opportunities for people of all ages that are crafted as journeys toward self-understanding and expression. We believe that all beings have a deep inner compass toward self-actualization and individuation. We integrate the following approaches into one of a kind transformative healing experiences.
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning utilizes expressive tools and activities, such as role-playing or acting, props, arts and crafts, music, animal care, guided imagery, and mindful movement. In experiential learning, the world and activities become our mirror to examine stifled emotions or memories that call for processing. This mirror allows for spontaneous re-enactment and revisiting of life story, which empowers the individual to see themselves and parts of their experiences with new perspective.
Science Based Self-Exploration
Western advances in understanding the physiology of stress, trauma, resiliency, intergenerational influences, and brain/body integration are explored in order to see the individual's path through the lens of patterning and expression. Many people who are gifted simple psychoeducation on these feel relief as we dismantle the idea of dis-ease being "all in your head". We pull from cutting edge models of applied neuropsychology, creating spaces where biology can shift with safe connection and where people can learn health infusing nervous system practices to bring with them wherever they go. A few of the models that we integrate include Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Internal Family Systems or Ego State/Parts Work.
Eastern Philosophy and Practices
All cultures in the world have sought to develop an understanding of themselves, their realities and seek deeper truths. The East has maintained a more integrated and holistic view of existence, meaning, and suffering as well as a more expanded view of how energy and healing are inherently interconnected. Here at A Human Sanctuary, we primarily study and integrate principles originating in Taoism, Zen Buddhism, Yogic Tradition, Ayurveda, Herbal Medicine, and personally grow from daily practices of mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and mantras. We create bridges to outside referrals for holistic medicine such as acupuncture, acupressure, breath work, as well as therapeutic massage.
Ancestral Wisdom
Safe places to express and process are desperately needed in our culture. We are a culture programmed into individualism, materialism, and competition, an often lonely and unfulfilling path. As a community, we seek to return to the abundance of ancestral practices such as song, story sharing, and embodiment practices that previously provided the opportunity for coming together to celebrate the human experience. Almost all rites of passage and ceremonies have been abandoned with the onset of the industrialized revolution and were replaced with ideals of competition and separateness. Returning to the roots of all humans, we find ceremony, balance, spaces where belonging and community are prioritized in addition to the individual self, where the mind/soul/body are viewed as integrated, and where dark times are as cherished as the light.
Nature Based Healing
Ecopsychology stems from the belief that people are inherently a part of the web of life and that our psyches are not isolated from our environment, and holds the understanding that personal and planetary well-being are not separate from each other. Connection with the earth and its systems are at the core of nature based healing. We utilize principles from terrapsychology, indigenous teachings, and ecopsychology principles in our healing movement. We are committed to living our lives as sustainably as possible and providing support for others who wish to do the same.
Depth Psychology
“Depth” refers to what’s below the surface of psychic manifestations like behaviors, conflicts, relationships, family dynamics, dreams, even social and political events. Depth Psychology recognizes the importance of the subtle, unconscious, and transpersonal aspects of human experience. It is often referred to as the study of the soul. A depth approach may include therapeutic traditions that explores the unconscious and involves the study and exploration of dreams, complexes, symbols, expression, myths, and archetypes.