What is psychedelic therapy?

Psychedelic therapy is an emerging therapeutic approach that combines the use of psychedelic substances, such as ketamine or psilocybin, with traditional psychotherapy to promote deep emotional healing. These substances are administered in a safe, controlled clinical setting under the guidance of trained professionals. Psychedelic therapy has been shown to help with conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction by facilitating profound emotional insights and shifts in perspective. The therapy sessions often include preparation, the psychedelic experience, and integration, allowing clients to process and make meaning of their experience. This approach helps clients access repressed emotions, break unhelpful thought patterns, and build a deeper connection with themselves.

What is trauma therapy?

Trauma therapy is a specialized form of counseling designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences, whether they are single events or ongoing stressors. It incorporates evidence-based techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and somatic approaches to address the emotional, physical, and psychological impact of trauma. The goal is to reduce symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, emotional numbness, and hypervigilance while helping clients develop healthier coping mechanisms. Trauma therapy also provides a safe space for individuals to explore the root causes of their distress and regain a sense of control over their lives. Over time, clients can rebuild a sense of safety, trust, and emotional balance.

What is PTSD and C-PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as violence, an accident, or natural disasters. Symptoms often include flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, and hypervigilance, which can disrupt daily life. Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) results from prolonged exposure to trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect, and includes additional symptoms like difficulty with emotional regulation, low self-esteem, and trouble maintaining relationships. Both PTSD and C-PTSD are serious but treatable conditions that can improve with specialized therapies such as EMDR, somatic therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Treatment focuses on helping individuals process the trauma, reduce symptoms, and rebuild a sense of safety and self-worth.

What is dissociation?

Dissociation is a mental health phenomenon where an individual feels disconnected from their thoughts, emotions, memories, or surroundings. It is often a protective response to overwhelming stress or trauma, creating a sense of detachment to help cope with difficult experiences. Symptoms can range from mild, like feeling spaced out, to more severe, such as memory gaps or feeling as though you are observing yourself from the outside. For some, dissociation becomes a recurring issue that interferes with daily life and relationships. Understanding dissociation is an essential step in addressing underlying trauma and fostering self-awareness. Through therapies like Sensorimotor Therapy or trauma-focused counseling, individuals can reconnect with themselves and develop tools to remain present and grounded.

What is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states. These identities may have unique behaviors, memories, and perspectives, and they often take control of the individual’s actions at different times. DID typically develops as a coping mechanism in response to severe, prolonged trauma, especially during early childhood. Treatment for DID focuses on stabilization, integration, and trauma processing through therapies like trauma-informed care, EMDR, and somatic approaches. The goal is to help individuals build a sense of internal harmony, reduce symptoms, and improve their quality of life. With consistent support, people with DID can work towards healing and developing greater self-awareness and stability.

What are therapeutic modalities?

Therapeutic modalities refer to the various approaches, techniques, or methods used in psychotherapy to support emotional healing and mental well-being. Each modality is grounded in different psychological theories and frameworks, offering specific strategies to help individuals address mental health challenges. Depending on a client’s needs, therapists like Celine Paganini may use one or more modalities in treatment to guide the healing process, promote personal growth, and foster healthier relationships. These methods provide a structured approach for navigating complex emotions, trauma, relationship dynamics, and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. You can explore the specific modalities Celine integrates into her practice below.

What is Sensorimotor Psychotherapy?

Traditional psychotherapy addresses the cognitive and emotional elements of trauma, but lacks techniques that work directly with the physiological elements, despite the fact that trauma profoundly affects the body and many symptoms of traumatized individuals are somatically based. Altered relationships among cognitive, emotional, and sensorimotor (body) levels of information processing are also found to be implicated in trauma symptoms. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a method that integrates sensorimotor processing with cognitive and emotional processing in the treatment of trauma. Unassimilated somatic responses evoked in trauma involving both arousal and defensive responses are shown to contribute to many PTSD symptoms and to be critical elements in the use of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy or Somatic Experiencing — what's the difference?

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) and Somatic Experiencing (SE) are both body-oriented trauma therapies designed to help individuals process unresolved trauma by working with the nervous system and bodily awareness. However, they differ in their focus, techniques, and effectiveness, particularly when treating complex trauma and dissociation. SE, developed by Dr. Peter Levine, is rooted in the understanding that trauma is stored in the autonomic nervous system. It emphasizes the release of pent-up survival energy from incomplete fight, flight, or freeze responses through techniques like titration (gradual trauma processing) and pendulation (moving between distress and regulation). SE is particularly effective for single-event traumas, such as accidents or assaults, where the body’s natural response to danger was interrupted.

What is existential psychotherapy?

Existential psychotherapy is [...] an exceedingly practical, concrete, positive and flexible approach. At its best, existential psychotherapy squarely and soberly confronts the 'ultimate concerns' and sometimes tragic 'existential facts of life': death, finitude, fate, freedom, responsibility, loneliness, loss, suffering, meaninglessness, and evil. Existential psychotherapy is concerned with more deeply comprehending and alleviating as much as possible (without naively denying reality and la condition humaine) pervasive postmodern symptoms such as excessive anxiety, apathy, alienation, nihilism, avoidance, shame, addiction, despair, depression, guilt, anger, rage, resentment, embitterment, purposelessness, psychosis and violence as well as promoting the meaningful, life-enhancing experiences of relationship, love, caring, commitment, cour…

What is the Gottman Method?

The results of the present study confirmed the effectiveness of Gottman's couple therapy on improving couples' intimacy and adjustment in studied statistical sample. In general, integrated treatment interventions seem to be appropriate for helping the couples with widespread, multidimensional and serious problems in their marital relationships. The Gottman Method for Healthy Relationships [as an integrated approach] helps couples to be able to manage marital relationships and develop problem-solving skills. These skills make couples more flexible in their relationships and help them achieve a high degree of emotional stability and a peaceful life. Therefore, the discussed changes will have a positive effect on marital relationships, compatibility, and intimacy among couples.

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an advanced therapeutic approach that integrates the use of ketamine, a legal dissociative anesthetic, with psychotherapy to treat mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety, and trauma. KAP is particularly effective for individuals who have not responded to traditional therapy or medication. During a KAP session, ketamine is administered in a safe, controlled environment, allowing clients to experience altered states of consciousness. This dissociative state helps clients access deep-seated emotions, memories, or trauma that may be difficult to process in regular therapy. The psychotherapist guides clients through this experience, helping them process insights and emotions that arise.

What is individual therapy?

Individual Therapy is a personalized form of psychotherapy where an individual works one-on-one with a licensed therapist to address personal mental health challenges. The goal is to create a safe, confidential environment where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in depth. Individual therapy can address a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress management, relationship issues, and personal development. By using different therapeutic modalities—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, or Sensorimotor Therapy the therapists help clients gain insight into their challenges, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and work towards emotional well-being and personal growth. Sessions are tailored to the individual’s unique needs, and clients can progress at their own pace.

What is couples therapy?

Couples Therapy is a therapeutic practice designed to help partners address and resolve conflicts, improve communication, and deepen emotional intimacy. Whether couples are dealing with trust issues, communication breakdowns, recurring arguments, or emotional disconnection, couples therapy provides a structured, supportive environment to explore these challenges. Celine uses the Gottman Method, a research-backed approach focused on improving relationship dynamics through effective communication strategies, emotional awareness, and conflict resolution techniques. Virtual couples therapy allows partners to attend sessions from the comfort of their own homes, creating a convenient and safe space to work on their relationship. Celine guides couples through exercises to foster understanding, rebuild trust, and reignite emotional bonds.

What is family therapy?

Family Therapy is a type of counseling that focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within family systems. This approach involves working with the entire family unit or specific members to address issues that impact the family dynamic, such as parent-child conflicts, blended family challenges, or communication breakdowns. Family therapy recognizes that the family plays a critical role in shaping individual behavior and mental health, so addressing relational patterns can lead to healthier, more supportive interactions. The goal is to foster understanding, enhance communication, and build stronger connections among family members. Sessions offer a safe space for open dialogue, allowing each family member to express their thoughts and feelings while developing strategies to resolve conflicts and improve relationships.

What is group therapy?

Group Therapy is a form of psychotherapy where multiple individuals, often with similar issues, meet under the guidance of a licensed therapist to share experiences and offer mutual support. Group therapy sessions provide a safe, structured space for individuals to work through personal challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship difficulties while benefiting from the shared experiences of others. The group setting fosters connection reduces feelings of isolation, and allows participants to develop new perspectives on their challenges. Group therapy also encourages self-expression, emotional support, and collective healing, helping members learn from each other and develop coping skills. It is an effective modality for those who may feel disconnected or benefit from shared insight and community.

What happens during a free consultation?

A free consultation is an introductory service offered to potential clients, allowing them to meet with a therapist before committing to therapy. During this no-obligation, 15-minute virtual session, clients can discuss their mental health concerns, ask questions about the therapeutic process, and determine if the therapist’s approach aligns with their needs. The consultation is designed to help individuals, couples, or families explore the benefits of therapy, understand the available modalities, and feel more comfortable with the therapist before beginning a formal therapeutic relationship. For many, the free consultation serves as an important first step in seeking support and helps ease any anxiety about starting therapy.

Cultivating Healing: Supporting Maternal Mental Health for Indigenous Mothers

Celine Paganini
May 11
4 min read

Native American Heritage Month: Education & Resources for the Maternal Mental Health of Indigenous Mothers

Cultivating Healing: Supporting Maternal Mental Health for Indigenous Mothers

As November draws to a close, we reflect on Native American Heritage Month—a time to honor the profound history, vibrant cultures, and enduring contributions of Native Americans and Alaska Natives. It's a month to celebrate resilience, wisdom, and deep connection to land and community. Yet, in this honoring, we must also hold space for the profound struggles and systemic injustices that have impacted Indigenous communities, particularly when it comes to maternal mental health.

The recent article from MMHLA, "Native American Heritage Month: Education & Resources for the Maternal Mental Health of Indigenous Mothers," deeply resonated with me, highlighting critical disparities that demand our attention and compassionate action. It's a powerful reminder that true healing begins when we acknowledge the full spectrum of an experience—the joy, the strength, and the pain.

The Echoes of History: Trauma's Imprint on Maternal Well-being

The statistics are stark and heartbreaking: American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women face consistently higher maternal death rates and a significantly higher prevalence of postpartum depression (14%-30%) compared to the U.S. national average. This isn't merely a set of numbers; it represents countless individual lives, families, and communities impacted by preventable suffering.

What lies beneath these disparities? The article points to critical risk factors, and as a somatic trauma therapist, I see how deeply these factors imprint on the body and nervous system. We're talking about historical trauma stemming from forced relocation, the deliberate prohibition of cultural and spiritual practices, and the intergenerational wounds that continue to echo. Systemic racism, persistent inequities, and alarmingly high rates of interpersonal violence further compound this burden.

The CDC data referenced in the article further illuminates this, showing how circumstances like substance use disorder, mental health conditions, and discrimination contribute to a significant percentage of pregnancy-related deaths for AI/AN women. It's crucial to understand that these aren't isolated issues; they are often manifestations of deep-seated trauma and systemic failures that impact a woman's ability to access care, be heard, and feel safe in her own body and in healthcare settings. When a woman's symptoms are dismissed due to bias, or when the weight of historical pain impacts her ability to manage her health, it's a tragic failure of the system.

Beyond Diagnosis: Cultivating Culturally Congruent Healing

What truly moves me in this conversation is the unwavering call for culturally congruent care. Dr. Amy Stiffarm, a leading expert in maternal mental health among AI/AN individuals, emphasizes the power of collaborating with Tribal communities to create interventions that are truly responsive to their needs and wisdom. This isn't about imposing external solutions; it's about sharing power, listening deeply, and co-creating pathways to healing that honor Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

In my practice, whether through Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, or Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, I've seen firsthand how essential it is for healing to be rooted in a person's authentic experience and cultural context. Healing isn't a one-size-fits-all journey. For Indigenous mothers, this means recognizing and integrating traditional practices, community support systems, and spiritual connections that have sustained their people for generations. It means learning to listen to what the body already knows and allowing that innate wisdom to guide the healing process.

Illuminating Pathways to Support and Resilience

It brings me immense hope to learn about the incredible organizations and resources highlighted in the article that are doing this vital work. The CDC's Hear Her® Campaign, with its culturally appropriate resources developed with and for AI/AN people, is a powerful example of how information can be shared respectfully and effectively.

And then there are organizations like Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services in Seattle and the Alaska Native Birthworkers Community. Their programs are not just addressing symptoms; they are building foundations for holistic well-being. From full-spectrum doula support and Guaranteed Basic Income (which has been shown to reduce perinatal mood disorders!) to the profound power of storytelling as a way of healing internalized narratives, these initiatives are truly transformative.

Storytelling, in particular, resonates deeply with my approach to trauma healing. Re-creating narratives, speaking one's truth, and connecting with ancestral wisdom can be incredibly potent tools for releasing the energetic imprints of trauma and fostering a renewed sense of self and belonging. These programs are embodying what it means to support healthy Indigenous babies being born into healthy Indigenous families, supported by healthy Indigenous communities—a vision of healing that centers cultural values and collective well-being.

Moving Forward with Hope and Action

As we close out Native American Heritage Month, let's carry forward a commitment to amplifying the voices of Indigenous mothers, supporting culturally congruent care, and advocating for systemic changes that dismantle inequities. Healing is a collective journey, and it requires us all to show up with open hearts and minds.

How can we, in our various roles and communities, contribute to creating spaces where all mothers, especially Indigenous mothers, feel deeply seen, honored, and supported in their journey of motherhood?

If you're an Indigenous mother seeking support, or a healthcare professional looking to deepen your understanding and practice, I encourage you to explore the resources shared in the original article. And if you're navigating your own journey of healing and seeking a somatic, integrative approach to mental health, I invite you to connect.

You can learn more about my approach and book a free 15-minute consultation at bodymeetmind.com.

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This post was inspired by the article "Native American Heritage Month: Education & Resources for the Maternal Mental Health of Indigenous Mothers". Click the link to read the full original article.