We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cara Behan LMFT . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cara below.
Cara , we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
Self care informs so much of my life! I believe self care is a perspective, is never selfish and by showing ourselves true care, we are better able to show up as ourselves in the world – living life the way we want to and moving through challenges with ease. We live in a society of chronic codependency and obligation. I am all for helping one another and being of service, however never at the expense of ourselves. This requires getting really clear on your intention and motivation. For example, ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” and is it in alignment with what you truly want and who you really want to be.
My self care practices include yoga, meditation, being creative through art & music, being in community and being outside in nature. I live for new experiences and deep connections with others. I live to play and believe we all need more play in our lives, especially as adults in a stressful world.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist practicing in Santa Barbara, CA. I help clients connect to their true Self. I have an online course and see clients in private practice. I lead nature-based yoga & therapy groups in wilderness locations, using silent disco headphones for a truly immersive self care experience. We use principles of ecopsychology, meditation and movement to focus on our inner ecosystem. I’m passionate about building community and creating integrative and immersive self care experiences for my clients so they can connect to their inner : outer ecosystem.
Inner: Outer
a nature-based yoga & therapy group
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inner-outer-nature-based-yoga-therapy-group-tickets-724267261877?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I have so much gratitude to my younger self for listening to my heart and intuition, and trusting. I am a person who feels things deeply and that can sometimes be overwhelming. I’ve learned how to hone the messages my feelings hold for me, which is what I hope to teach my clients. If we can consider the experiences of our lives as opportunities for meaning, we have the ability to rise above and transmute and transcend the pain of life. My advice to others: when the going gets tough, keep going. You are growing and there’s so much magic and wisdom on that path that is yet to be. One step at a time, one day at a time and make sure you have a support system. If that support system is not in your family of origin, find your tribe. We are all so much more connected than we know. Let’s cultivate and create the community we need, learn from and listen into your feelings. What is the message they’re trying to tell you?
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Creating safe spaces for our mental health is a passion of mine. I’m always looking to collaborate with like-minded healers who are creating mental health events for our communities! Feel free to email me at [email protected] if you have a mental health or community event you’d like to discuss.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://therapyinsantabarbara.com/
- Instagram: @therapyinsantabarbara
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-behan-lmft-12665185/
Image Credits
Cara Behan LMFT
