melanie cooke M.A., Ed.M., LMHC
EMBODIED HEALING
Break free from shame & imposter
syndrome. Learn healthier conflict for happier, secure relationships. Feel empowered in your relationship with money
Virtual and In-person Therapy Available in New York
Virtual Coaching AvailablE worldwide
How I practice Somatic (Body-based) parts work
because our emotions, fears, and wounds are as much in our bodies as they are in our minds, So is healing.
When shame inhabits our body, it takes over & we objectify ourselves. We become disregulated by unhealthy, cyclical conflict and punishing attachment styles that disconnect us from the people we love. We engage with our relationship to money in the same ways we do our other relationships -- we feel the shame, scarcity fear, & lack of control in and through our bodies. Mental health encompasses a lot more than our minds. Our welbeing depends on mind-body connection, not separation (as we're told in today's world). Healing is not 'mind over matter'; healing is embodied and in-bodied.
my approach
somatic IFS Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS, 'parts work') is a transformative and compassionate approach to psychotherapy that understands the mind (and body) as naturally made up of multiple sub-personalities or "parts," each with its own perspectives, emotions, and roles. IFS helps individuals heal by using the body to recognize and harmonize these parts within a safe and supportive framework.
The central concept of body-based IFS is that everyone has a core Self, which is calm, curious, and compassionate. This embodied Self can help individuals heal their parts and restore balance. IFS is at the core of my practice. In session, we'll explore these protector parts, understand their functions, and address the concerns they hold in order to help you become Self-led rather than Parts-led. Whether it's a critical inner voice, a protector part that shields you from pain, or an exiled part carrying burdens of trauma, each part is given a voice and the respect it deserves.
Nervous System Mapping & Regulation
Our bodies are designed to predict threat, reduce harm, and restore us to a state of safety. Much like nature, we work best when we’re in balance — activating our ‘fight or flight’ response when our body perceives a threat (a.k.a stress) and slowing down with our ‘rest & digest’ response when we’re safe so that we can relax & replenish. We become disregulated when the stress in our lives (relationships, work, trauma, today’s world) keeps us activated & in a state of threat. We become out of balance and, more debilitatingly, disconnected -- from ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us.
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We have to work with our bodies just as much as -- and sometimes even before -- we work with our minds. By integrating neurbiology, somatic psychology, & polyvagal theory, nervous system re-regulation provides a functional framework that will not only help you better navigate stress, conflict, shame, and trauma, but will also give you access to safety, joy, empathy, and intimacy in your daily life.
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Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt therapy is a humanistic and holistic approach to psychotherapy that focuses on a person's present moment experience and the context of their life. Developed by Fritz Perls, Laura Perls, and Paul Goodman in the 1940s and 1950s, Gestalt therapy emphasizes personal responsibility, awareness, and the therapeutic relationship as catalysts for change.
Gestalt therapy aims to empower individuals to understand and accept themselves fully, fostering personal growth, self-awareness, and a more authentic and fulfilling life. By focusing on the present and exploring their experiences in a holistic manner, clients can gain insights and develop healthier ways of interacting with themselves and others.
Benefits of Body-based Parts work
Increased Awareness of body cues & signals
Release of trauma wounds stored in body
improved emotional digestion
increased ability to connect
Healthy Boundaries
Long-Term Well-BeinG & physical health
Ability to self-Regulate
Stress Reduction
kinder understanding & attitude towards the body
Improved Relationships
greater Access to clarity, creativity, & curiousity
Pricing & Insurance
Check out my self pay & out of network insurance options.
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What is the difference between shame and imposter syndrome, and how do they manifest in therapy?Shame is a pervasive feeling of unworthiness or inadequacy, and imposter syndrome involves persistent feelings of being a fraud despite external evidence of competence. When we explore imposter syndrome, shame is often lying underneath. Shame disconnects us from our bodies and can turn us against ourselves. In therapy, we work through these issues by exploring underlying beliefs, identifying triggers, and developing coping strategies specific to your experiences.
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How long does it take to see results from shame and imposter syndrome therapy?It's natural to be curious about the timeline for progress in therapy. While each person's journey is unique, therapy for shame and imposter syndrome typically involves ongoing sessions over several weeks or months. The pace of progress may vary depending on factors such as the severity of symptoms, individual readiness for change, and the therapeutic approach used. It's essential for clients to be patient and committed to the process, as meaningful changes often occur gradually over time.
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What if I live outside of New York?My therapy services are limited to New York; however, I also provide coaching services to individuals and couples internationally. Contact me for more information.