Core Values
Dena uses these principles as a framework to honor the work.
Connection
I believe there is no substitute for the healing power of connection.
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One of my teachers once told me that trauma forms in the space of relationship, so healing can only happen in the space of relationship.
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Connection, as a core value, prioritizes building and maintaining relationship. This includes active listening, empathy, and feeling supported.
Anyi
Anyi is an ancient principle rooted in the idea of mutual reciprocity and balance. At its core, Anyi is about giving and receiving in harmony, creating a flow of energy that strengthens connection and trust.
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This concept can offer a powerful framework for fostering a collaborative and compassionate relationship. When applied, it reminds both parties of the importance of mutual respect and shared effort in the healing process.
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For therapists, embodying Anyi means not only offering their skills and presence but also recognizing the client’s strengths, insights, and contributions to their own growth.
Multicultural Safety & Humility
At the heart of my mission is a commitment to multicultural safety and humility.
As a proud member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and part of a mixed-race family, I believe in upholding the inherent dignity of every individual regardless of race, sex, politics, gender, and/or culture.
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I openly admit there are many things I do not know, but I have a deep passion for exploration, education and understanding.
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And a willingness to navigate whatever may surface.
Integrity
With a background in healthcare, ethical integrity has long been a passion of mine. This really narrows down to the philosophy of doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.
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I strive to do what I say I will do.
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To always take opportunity to learn.
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To work in a way that does not harm, that allows for personal autonomy, to act in the best interest of my clients, and to provide fair and equitable treatment to all.
Embodiment
When we incorporate embodiment into mental health work, we open up a pathway to deeper healing and growth.
The body holds valuable insights because stress, trauma, and emotions often manifest physically. Learning to feel your body and the subtle signals it sends you can be incredibly empowering.
Embodiment helps to reduce anxiety, foster resilience, and build a stronger sense of self-trust. It’s not about forcing change but creating space for personal awareness and integration, which naturally leads to transformation.
In my practice, embodiment is central because it empowers individuals to move beyond just coping and step into a place of wholeness. It’s an approach that embraces the idea that healing happens when we fully engage with all parts of ourselves—mind, body, and spirit—in a way that feels both safe and supportive.
Trauma Informed Care
Many clients come to therapy or coaching carrying the weight of past traumatic experiences, and these experiences can shape their behaviors, relationships, and overall outlook on life.
By adopting a trauma-informed approach, a safe and supportive environment can be created that prioritizes the your feelings of safety, trust, and empowerment.
This understanding helps to build rapport and encourages clients to engage more openly in the therapeutic process.
Additionally, trauma-informed care emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma and its pervasive effects.
By being aware of the potential triggers and responses that clients may exhibit, counselors can tailor their methods and interventions to be sensitive to these challenges.
This not only fosters a greater sense of agency for clients but also reduces the risk of re-traumatization during the coaching or counseling process.
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Mindfulness
In my personal healing journey, mediation was the first thing I explored to help me reduce stress. I thought if I could conquer stress, I could go back into a demanding career -- and just juggle better.
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I spent the first part of my training learning about the concept of mindfulness, and I hated it. I hated it because mindfulness as a concept is all about being fully present in the here and now. I wanted to be anywhere but "here and now".
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In the years since, I've learned to value mindfulness as a powerful force in connection.
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Mindfulness is a core value in my coaching and future therapy practice because it fosters a deep connection to the present moment, allowing individuals to engage with their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
This awareness is crucial when addressing mental health issues, as it helps clients to recognize and understand their emotions, rather than getting swept away by them.
By incorporating mindfulness techniques, I aim to create a safe space where clients can learn to observe their thoughts and feelings with compassion and curiosity, enabling them to break free from cycles of negativity.
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The benefits of mindfulness are profound; it has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while enhancing overall well-being and resilience.
By promoting self-acceptance and reducing reactivity, mindfulness empowers individuals to respond to challenges in healthier ways.
This practice not only enhances emotional regulation but also cultivates a sense of gratitude and appreciation for life.
Making mindfulness central to my approach helps clients build a stronger foundation for coping with their mental health issues, fostering growth and healing in a gentle and supportive way.
Integrative Care
With a 25+ year career in traditional healthcare, I understand the need for intentional emphasis on the mind, body and sprit connection to health.
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Integrative care models take the whole person philosophy into account when navigating prevention, and care.
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An integrative care model in mental health coaching and counseling encompasses a holistic approach that combines various therapeutic techniques and disciplines to address the multifaceted needs of individuals.
This model recognizes that mental health is influenced by a range of factors, including physical health, emotional well-being, social connections, and environmental influences.
In practice, this might involve integrating cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness practices, nutrition counseling, and lifestyle coaching.
By drawing on diverse methods, practitioners can tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each client, promoting a more comprehensive understanding of their mental health.
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The importance of an integrative care model lies in its potential to create a more balanced and effective pathway to healing.
It acknowledges that traditional talk therapy may not address every individual's needs, and by incorporating alternative therapies and support systems, clients can benefit from a wider range of resources.
This approach not only improves engagement and compliance but also empowers clients to take an active role in their healing journey.
Ultimately, an integrative care model fosters resilience and long-lasting change by addressing the holistic picture of a person's life, making it a vital aspect of effective mental health coaching and counseling.
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