One of the primary goals of counselling is finding emotional balance and a stronger sense of self through connection. We are hard-wired for connection- with ourselves and with others. Connection is a means of survival, and a source of wellbeing. When we are in the swamplands of difficult emotions or of life circumstances, reaching for a sense of connection takes us back to a place of feeling supported, cared for, and regulated. When we feel connected to ourselves and to others, we find greater clarity, we have more confidence and strength, and we feel like life is manageable rather than overwhelming.

What I love about Emotionally Focused Therapy, is that it provides a clear path for re-connecting to ourselves and to others. Not only does Emotionally Focused Therapy help us to get unstuck from difficult emotional landscapes, but it serves to re-awaken positive emotional states. One of the ways we can re-connect to ourselves, is to discover what images and symbols are meaningful to us, and that create a sense of calm, peace, and strength. Clients often tell me that an image of a tree best represents how they want to feel- “I want to feel grounded, balanced and strong, like a tall tree”.

From a symbolic stance, trees represent life, connection, nurturance, and regeneration. Trees often reflect our desire for growth and strength. Trees are rooted and tall. They are sturdy and balanced, and they can gracefully meet each season, surrendering to the changing energies of life, while holding their ground and doing what will support their health and regeneration. Trees have a mother-like character, in that they provide safety, shelter, and nourishment to many creatures. We also have a similar appearance to trees; we are up right in the trunk, and have long arms and slender fingers, along with toes, reaching the earth.

Trees exemplify how a tiny seed of potential can grow into a grounded, beautiful and balanced being. And yet at the same time, are in a constant process of growth, dormancy, and rebirth. Trees symbolize connection to multiple realms- the heavens, the underworld, and the ordinary earth. Their connection to above and below gives them the capacity to create oxygen and cleanse the atmosphere.

Take a moment to pause here- when you imagine your favourite tree, or create an image of a beautiful tree in your mind, how does your body respond? Do you notice a change in your muscles, your breath, or your energy? Does your mood change? Do your thoughts change? For some people, an image of a beautiful tree will bring a sense of calm and regulation to their nervous system. Others may not experience this same effect from an image of a tree. We all have unique autonomic nervous system responses that respond in different ways to different images.

Imagery goes deeper than thoughts and words. When we want to create a deeper sense of calm and joy in our lives, we need to make a change at the core level of our autonomic nervous system. Meaning, we need to go deeper than the level of our thinking brain; we create change by reaching the “emotional” and “reptilian” levels of our brain. Fortunately, there are a number of practices and techniques that can reach these areas of our brain. Imagery is one of them. So, whether you pause to take in a picture of an awe-inspiring tree, or imagine one in your mind, if a tree resonates in a positive way with your nervous system, it can help to regulate your emotions, gain more calm and clarity, and feel renewed in your strength.

If you are looking for a counsellor in Qualicum Beach, feel free to book a free 15-minute Meet & Greet call with me HERE