Build Resilience & Heal: A Q&A with Therapist Shae Pugliese
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Shae Pugliese, MS, MFT of Forward Counseling, is a therapist who prioritizes building a strong connection with her clients. She acknowledges the challenges of finding a therapist and emphasizes the importance of feeling safe and comfortable during the healing process. Shae also describes the use of various techniques including trauma-informed care, attachment-based approaches, and mind-body practices to help clients not just cope, but thrive and achieve their goals.
Join us as we delve into the impressive capabilities of Shae. Don't miss out on this opportunity to discover all that she has to offer.
1. Can you share some advice for individuals who are feeling overwhelmed by the process of finding a therapist?
The first thing I would tell those overwhelmed by the process of finding a therapist is that they are not alone. While there are many types of therapists and modalities, research shows that the therapeutic relationship is the most critical factor for successful treatment. That's why I'm committed to creating a strong therapeutic alliance. When meeting a therapist for the first time, I encourage clients to check in with themselves regarding how comfortable they feel in the space and how the connection feels with the therapist. Additionally, I suggest clients prepare questions about the therapist, their modalities, and what therapy might look like to help determine if the therapist is the right fit.
2. How do you ensure that your clients feel safe and supported during their healing journey?
As a trauma-informed therapist, I understand that healing begins with creating safety. I ensure clients feel safe and supported during their healing journey by creating a non-judgmental and confidential environment, where they can express themselves freely. I practice active listening and empathy, validating their experiences and emotions. By maintaining consistency and reliability, I build trust. Through a collaborative approach, I involve clients in setting therapeutic goals, empowering them, and fostering a partnership in their healing process.
3. What strategies do you use to help clients move from merely surviving to truly thriving?
Survival mode often results from traumatic experiences, usually in childhood, that shape our worldview and lead to feelings of depression, overwhelm, anxiety, hypervigilance, and burnout. Clients in survival mode often struggle to identify their own needs and wants. However, through the therapeutic process, many begin to experience transformative changes. They develop increased confidence, learn to identify and assert their needs and wants, tap into their creativity, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others. It is incredibly rewarding to witness clients move from merely surviving to truly thriving, and to be a part of their journey toward healing and growth.
4. Can you discuss the importance of meeting clients where they are in their life and mental health journey?
I strive to meet clients where they are, fully acknowledging that they come from diverse backgrounds and have different perspectives on therapy. Whether clients are new to therapy, come from cultures where mental health treatment is seen as taboo, or are eager to dive into the process, I approach each individual with openness and respect. My focus is on understanding and supporting the client in their current state, without preconceived outcomes, and helping them work towards their personal goals in a way that feels right for them.
5. How does your integrative approach connect the mind to the body, and what benefits does this bring to your clients?
My approach blends evidence-based modalities with somatic practices to help clients build a deeper connection with themselves through both mind and body. By addressing emotional and physiological aspects of healing, clients gain insight into how their thoughts and feelings influence their physical well-being and vice versa. This holistic approach enhances self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience, providing more profound and lasting therapeutic benefits. Research supports this integration, showing that somatic interventions can improve body awareness, transform and release trauma, and alleviate tension stored from challenging experiences.
Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, stresses the importance of connecting with the body and how befriending the body is a key to recovery and healing.
6. How do you build a strong therapeutic relationship with your clients to ensure they feel supported and empowered?
I build a strong therapeutic relationship by establishing a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients feel secure and understood. Active listening and empathy are central to my approach, allowing clients to feel genuinely heard and validated. I show genuine interest in their experiences and ask open-ended questions to explore their perspectives deeply. By collaboratively setting therapeutic goals, I empower clients and ensure they are actively involved in their healing journey.
7. Can you elaborate on your approach to helping clients navigate difficult life transitions, relationship issues, and trauma?
My approach to helping clients navigate difficult life transitions, relationship issues, and trauma involves creating a warm and supportive environment where they can feel safe to explore their experiences. I draw on evidence-based modalities like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to gently address emotional patterns and relational dynamics. By working through these challenges together, clients can develop effective coping strategies, gain valuable insights, and find healthier, more compassionate ways to manage change and rebuild their connections with themselves and others.
8. How do your trauma-informed and attachment-based approaches facilitate healing and connection for your clients?
My trauma-informed and attachment-based approaches facilitate healing and connection by focusing on creating a safe and empathetic therapeutic environment. Trauma-informed care ensures that clients' past traumas are acknowledged and respected, while attachment-based approaches help address relational patterns and build secure connections. These methods support clients in understanding and healing their attachment wounds, fostering deeper self-awareness and healthier relationships.
9. How do you decide which therapeutic modalities and treatment strategies to use with your clients, and how do these methods inspire hope?
Deciding which therapeutic modalities and treatment strategies to use depends on each client's unique needs, goals, and experiences. I tailor my approach by assessing their current state, preferences, and areas of struggle. By integrating various methods, I aim to offer a personalized and effective treatment plan that resonates with the client. This flexibility and responsiveness inspire hope by showing clients that their therapy is tailored to their specific journey and can lead to meaningful change.
10. What does it mean to you to help clients create a life where they feel empowered and at peace, and how do you work towards this goal in your sessions?
Helping clients create a life where they feel empowered and at peace means guiding them towards self-discovery, resilience, and fulfillment. In sessions, I work towards this goal by focusing on building a strong therapeutic alliance, setting meaningful goals, and fostering skills for self-regulation and personal growth. I aim to support clients in recognizing their strengths, navigating challenges effectively, and finding a sense of inner peace and empowerment in their daily lives.
