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Victoria Powell

About Victoria Powell

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Clinician Spotlight: Peighton Corley

Meet Peighton Corley!

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From Cognitive Curiosity to Compassionate Counseling: A Therapist’s Journey Toward Advocacy and Acceptance

Originally pursuing a future in Cognitive Psychology, Peighton found their path transformed by an unexpected encounter with the world of therapy. During a semester spent transcribing recorded counseling sessions, they became deeply moved by the emotional depth and connection inherent in the therapeutic process. That pivotal experience led them to complete a clinical internship the following semester—an experience that solidified their decision to pursue counseling as a career.

“I fell in love with counseling,” they recall. “There were so many opportunities for advocacy and community interventions that I just didn’t have access to in a Cognitive Psychology lab.” Now, years later, Peighton is preparing to graduate with their PhD in Counselor Education—a milestone that reflects their commitment to the field and its ever-evolving role in creating meaningful change.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Peighton’s work is the chance to support and connect with fellow members of the queer community. This work, though fulfilling, requires a strong foundation in self-care to maintain balance and sustainability. “I try to utilize self-care as much as possible,” they explain, emphasizing the importance of tending to their own wellbeing while holding space for others.

In Peighton’s therapeutic approach, they are especially passionate about Narrative Therapy—a modality that invites clients to examine and reframe their personal stories. “Narrative approaches allow us to deconstruct bias and oppression from our own narratives,” they note. “By emphasizing non-judgment and acceptance, I aim to reduce the shame often imposed on minoritized communities.”

And for those curious about the path to becoming a counselor, Peighton offers an insightful fact: “A Master’s degree is actually the terminal degree for practicing clinicians, which includes a 700-hour internship. Afterward, counselors enter residency. In Virginia, you need 2,000 direct service hours to become licensed—it’s actually the most difficult state to obtain licensure!”

Through their journey from psychology researcher to community advocate and soon-to-be doctoral graduate, Peighton exemplifies the blend of intellect, empathy, and activism that defines modern counseling. Their story serves as both inspiration and reminder that healing begins when we dare to rewrite our own narratives—with compassion, courage, and care.


Interested in connecting with Peighton? Email us at referrals@phases-therapy.com to get started!

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Yule: The Winter Solstice & Celebration of Light

Yule: The Winter Solstice & Celebration of Light by Max Lamm

 
 
Yule is a pagan celebration of the winter solstice, when the Earth’s poles reach their maximum tilt away from the sun, creating the longest night of the year. In the northern hemisphere in 2025, this falls on the night of December 21st into the 22nd. This event marks the sun’s rebirth as the following days gradually lengthen.
 

ORIGINS

Yule is one of the oldest winter celebrations, with its earliest known documentation in the 8th century. Its ancient roots are difficult to trace, although historians generally agree that these celebrations began as a Norse festival, recognized early on by Germanic peoples (ancient northern European tribes). The harvest is finished, so now is a time for resting, feasting, singing, dancing, and keeping the warmth and light going until the sun returns.
Its traditions began to merge with the newer holiday, Christmas, around the 10th century. After he became a Christian, King Haakon Haraldsson required by law for Yule to be celebrated alongside Christmas.
 
 

MEANING

The sun’s absence nurtures retreat into our own subconscious, hibernating in introspection, to return with fertile material to feed in the springtime of creativity.
 
– Beginning of astrological winter
– Return of the sun; rebirth of the sun.
– Hope
– Celebration of light
– Magick, spirit, and merriment
– “Solstice” means “sun stands still”
 


RITUALS & TRADITIONS

  • There are many different rituals and traditions associated with Yuletide, but below are some that have lasted across culture and time.
  • Lighting and tending fires – To keep warm, light up the dark, celebrate, ward off evil spirits, and encourage the sun’s return
  • Feasting – To gather together and enjoy the fruits of our labor during a season of rest
  • Gifting to loved ones and community – To care for each other during harsh months. May have started with the Roman festival, Saturnalia
  • Bringing greenery into the house – To bring life and protection into the home
  • Watching the sunrise – To observe the sun’s return, which will arrive earlier and earlier on the mornings following the winter solstice
 
 

SYMBOLS 

  • Yule log – A symbol of bonfire traditions. The Celts believed the sun stood still for 12 days midwinter, and would burn a single, large log to get through this period.
  • Yule goat – Originally a tribute to Thor, usually made of straw, associated with gifting, caroling, and playing pranks. A counterpart or companion to Santa Claus.
  • Holly – Symbolizes protection from lightning and faeries/spirits. Celtic mythology speaks of a Holly King who rules from midsummer to midwinter.
  • Mistletoe – Druids (Celtic priests) believed mistletoe was a sacred plant given the rarity of blooms in the winter. Seen as a symbol of life and rebirth, they would decorate their homes with it to ward off evil spirits on long winter nights. Romans believed that enemies who met under mistletoe would make peace.
  • Evergreens – Represent resilience as they stay green through winter.
  • Candles – Reminiscent of the sun.
 
 

References

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Samhain: Honoring the Turning of the Seasons

Samhain: Honoring the Turning of the Seasons by Bekah Drake

Samhain, pronounced SOW-in or SAH-win, is a celebration of the harvest season and it’s successful end as well as the honoring of ones dead and the spirits connected to them. It is traditionally from Celtic and Gaelic tradition and can be found throughout history as far back as the 9th century. 
As with many traditions of the Celts it was a very nature based tradition, grounded in sunsets and sunrises, bonfires, elaborate costumes, dancing, and feasting. 
 
The celebration of Samhain falls between the Autumnal Equinox and the Winter Solstice, usually October 31-Nov 1. 
 
In about the 9th century we can see protestant christianity appropriating this holiday and twisting it, keeping some things but not all. The most significant change being altering the Day of the Dead or All Hallows Eve into All Saints Day, creating a time for people to honor church figures rather than their family dead and any spirits or energies they felt needed connecting to at that time. 
 
These days you will find most people who observe Samhain lighting candles or fires, setting our offerings of food and fauna in gratitude for the abundance provided, and dressing up to offer fun and family connection while also offering food to young people. Personal practices often include ways to honor a person’s family dead and remember them.
 
Whether you’ve celebrated Halloween or Samhain for whatever length of time I invite you to be intentional this year about recognizing the connections around you, honoring the people who have come before you who deserve honor and recognizing those who may not, and getting into your body with gratitude as we enter this next season of the year.


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September’s Astrology Forecast

Get ready for a transformative period! From September 15 to October 14, 2025, we’re navigating a cosmic blend of profound internal work and a drive for harmony in our external lives. This period is packed with significant celestial events, including a partial solar eclipse, major planetary shifts, and a rare, powerful grand trine.


Major Planetary Shifts and Events

This season kicks off on September 15 as Venus joins Ketu in Leo, a rare conjunction that can bring breakthroughs and revelations in love and relationships, with authenticity as the key theme. Later the same day, Mercury enters Virgo, sharpening our communication and focusing our thoughts on what’s practical and clear. The shifts continue with Mercury entering Libra on September 18, which shifts our focus from analytical thinking to seeking harmony and compromise in our conversations. On September 19, Venus enters Virgo, inviting a more service-oriented approach to love and relationships, encouraging us to find devotion in small acts of care. The next major event is the partial solar eclipse in Virgo on September 21. This powerful cosmic reset is a major invitation to release old patterns and embrace new opportunities, especially concerning your health, daily routine, and work. On September 22, our determination and emotional drive get a boost as Mars enters Scorpio, giving us the courage to confront hidden truths and take decisive action. Finally, on September 23, we officially kick off Libra season as the Sun enters Libra, shifting our focus to finding balance, beauty, and harmony in all areas of life.

 

The Grand Finale: A Profound Grand Trine

As we move into late October, a powerful and rare grand trine in the water signs takes center stage. This alignment connects Mars and Mercury in Scorpio with Jupiter in Cancer and Saturn and Neptune in Pisces. This harmonious flow of energy supercharges your intuition, emotions, and ability to access deep psychological insights. It’s a prime time for inner work and spiritual growth.


Navigating This Transformative Period

Ready to make the most of this celestial energy? Here’s some advice for the road ahead:

  • Embrace the Reset: The solar eclipse in Virgo is your invitation to start fresh. Focus on improving your daily rituals, prioritizing your well-being, and getting organized.
  • Communicate with Intention: With Mercury moving through both Virgo and Libra, remember to think before you speak. In Virgo, be precise and practical. In Libra, use your words to create harmony and compromise.
  • Honor Your Relationships: Venus’s journey through sensitive signs highlights the importance of your connections. Prioritize the relationships that nurture you and be honest about your needs.
  • Listen to Your Intuition: The grand trine in water signs is an ideal time for meditation, journaling, and dream work. Pay close attention to your inner voice—it’s speaking volumes.

This season offers a unique opportunity to align your inner world with your outer actions. How will you use this powerful energy to create balance and authenticity in your life?

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Celebrating Mabon

Mabon: The Autumn Equinox & a Celebration of Balance by Penelope Davis


Mabon is the second of the three harvest festivals in the Wheel of the Year. It marks the Autumn Equinox, typically occurring between September 21st and 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a time of balance, reflection, and gratitude.  Equinoxes symbolize the point where the amount of daylight and dark of night are equal. As the earth prepares for winter, Mabon is a celebration of the abundance of the harvest and a moment to honor the transition from light to dark.


Origins

Mabon is a modern term adopted by contemporary Pagans and Wiccans to celebrate the Autumn Equinox, though the festival has roots in ancient harvest celebrations. The name “Mabon” itself is believed to come from Welsh mythology, referring to the god Mabon ap Modron, a figure associated with youth, the hunt, and the harvest. While Mabon’s specific association with the equinox is a more recent development, it draws from these ancient practices and deities tied to the earth’s cycles of growth, death, and rebirth.

Historically, cultures worldwide have marked this time of year as a harvest festival. In Ancient Rome, the festival of “Feriae Septimana” celebrated the harvest of grapes and wine, while the Celts, long before the creation of Wicca, celebrated the equinox as a time of balance, reflecting on the changing season and the imminent darkness of winter. For me, Mabon is a time of thanksgiving, in a similar way that Lughnasadha is. It’s a time to be thankful for all that we receive from the Earth.


The Meaning of Mabon

A Time of Gratitude

The equinox signifies a moment of reflection on the abundance of the harvest. Whether literal, such as the fruits and grains that have been gathered, or metaphorical, representing the lessons and growth of the past year. It’s a time to give thanks for all that has been received and to prepare for the winter ahead.

Letting Go and Preparing for Winter

As we harvest the final crops, we are reminded that the earth, and by extension, ourselves, must rest and replenish during the coming months. There was a time when the winter months were specifically reserved for leisure. In The One Straw Revolution, Masanobu Fukuoka discusses winter being a time for rest, reflection, and investment in expressive arts like poetry. Mabon encourages letting go of what no longer serves us, just as nature sheds its leaves. It’s a time to evaluate the past year’s experiences and prepare mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the colder, more introspective months of the year.

Balance and Harmony

Mabon is about finding balance between the light and the dark, not just in the external world, but within ourselves. The equinox acts as a mirror to our internal world, encouraging self-reflection and balance between opposites. It asks us to examine the ways in which we balance our personal and professional lives, our time between work and leisure, and our relationships with others. If you are interested in starting shadow work, this is a good time to start. 


Rituals and Traditions

For those who celebrate Mabon, the festival is often observed with rituals that honor the harvest, the balance of nature, and the cycle of the year. These rituals vary by culture and tradition, but several common practices are associated with Mabon:

Feasts and Feasting
Like many harvest festivals, Mabon is a time for feasting. Traditional foods might include apples, squash, pumpkins, grapes, nuts, and root vegetables—symbols of the season’s harvest. Wine, cider, and breads are often shared as part of the celebration. Canning is another way to easily celebrate the season and is a great way to share abundance with family and friends.

Gathering of the Community
Many Pagans and Wiccans see Mabon as a time to come together with friends, family, and fellow practitioners to celebrate. Rituals can include meditation, prayer, chanting, or drumming. In some traditions, there are ceremonies to honor the Great Mother, symbolizing the end of the cycle of life and the start of the period of rest. Harvest parties are a great way to celebrate.

Hiking and being out in Nature
Since Mabon is also a time of connecting with the natural world, many people celebrate by taking long walks in the woods or spending time outdoors to witness the changing colors of the leaves, the harvests from the earth, and the coming of fall.

Candle Magic
A traditional Mabon ritual might involve lighting candles to honor the balance of light and dark. These candles can be used in spells of protection, gratitude, or growth, often paired with colors that reflect the autumn season, such as red, orange, and gold. This is also the time when people would make candles for the winter. Learning how to dip candles or pouring them into molds can be fun to do with friends and family and a good way to celebrate the season.

Releasing and Letting Go
As the season shifts, Mabon offers an opportunity to let go of what no longer serves you. This could be a physical item, a negative thought pattern, or an emotional burden. A ritual of releases. For instance, writing down things to let go of then burning them. symbolizes the transition from light to dark and the internal changes we are making as we prepare for winter. 


Symbols of Mabon

Mabon is rich with symbols that represent both the harvest and the balance between light and dark. Key symbols of Mabon include:

  • The Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty): Representing abundance and the harvest, this symbol is often displayed in Mabon altars or feasts.
  • Apples: Apples are considered sacred to many cultures and represent knowledge, abundance, and life cycles.
  • Oak: The Oak tree is often associated with Mabon, as it symbolizes strength and resilience.
  • Grapes and Wine: A symbol of the bounty of the harvest, particularly the grape harvest, which is a significant part of Mabon celebrations in various cultures.
  • Autumn Leaves: These symbolize the release of the old to make way for the new, as well as the impermanence of life.
  • Hare or Rabbits: This is a traditional Irish symbol of the harvest. Seeing one on Mabon can be a symbol of either good or ill omen depending on what the individual believes. 
  • Sheaf of Wheat: Or other grain. This symbolizes abundance and harvest.
  • Scythe or Sickle: Traditional equipment used in agriculture. Symbolizes the harvest and community. 





References

Kelly, A. (2017, September 21). About Naming Ostara, Litha, and Mabon. Patheos. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/aidankelly/2017/05/naming-ostara-litha-mabon/ 

Fukuoka, M., Korn, L., & Shih, D. (2017). The one-straw revolution: An introduction to natural farming. Tantor Audio. 



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Penelope Davis (they/them) is a resident in counseling in Phases Therapy’s Richmond office. 

To learn more about Penelope and inquire about booking, head over to https://phases-therapy.com/outpatient/penelope-davis/ 

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Clinician Spotlight: Brooke Velozo

Brooke Velozo Our September Clinician Spotlight

Have you ever wondered what inspires a person to become a therapist? Many people think it’s a straightforward path, but the journey is often filled with unexpected turns. For Brooke Velozo, LPC, it all began with a fascination with the human brain in a high school psychology class. This initial spark led her to explore the complexities of how both our biology and our environment shape who we are, a journey that has evolved from studying human development and family sciences to becoming a licensed therapist on the path to creating her own practice. 
(Don’t worry, Brooke is also staying at Phases as a clinician!)

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Q: What inspired you to become a therapist, and how has your journey in the field evolved so far?

A: I’ve always been interested in how the brain works! I had a great AP Psychology teacher in high school and found the material interesting as well as easy for me to understand and absorb. From my interest in psychology in high school, I decided to be a clinical neuroscience major upon entering college and planned to go to medical school. After my first semester of college, I changed my major to human development and family sciences when I realized that I was much more interested in learning about both nature and nurture. Through this new degree change, I was able to focus more on people, relationships, and development across the lifespan and how that affects mental health. Right after graduation, I started graduate school for my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and have been able to work with a variety of people in diverse fields which I believe both my degrees really prepared me for. I’ve worked in community based mental health in rural Appalachia, school-based treatment, inpatient treatment, and now work in group private practice and hope to one day open my own private practice.

 

Q: What has been one of the most rewarding aspects of your work with clients, and how do you navigate challenges in therapy?

A: One of the most rewarding aspects of my work with clients is witnessing their growth and healing. I’m grateful every day to be able to see my clients realize they are capable of change and reclaiming their power.  I also take pride in the opportunity to help people understand themselves better and to create a non-judgmental, warm, calm, and safe space for clients to feel fully heard, valued, and supported. As a clinician, I prioritize understanding the client’s perspective, collaborating on solutions, and maintaining a safe, empathetic space where they feel heard and empowered when navigating challenges in therapy.

 

Q: Can you describe a specific area or approach in therapy that you are passionate about or currently focusing on in your practice?

A: I specialize in trauma, particularly childhood and relational trauma. I’m passionate about utilizing bottom-up approaches to therapy especially when healing trauma. This means focusing on healing physical sensations, feelings, the body’s automatic responses, regulating the nervous system, and integrating both the body and brain. Some of the bottom-up approaches to therapy that I currently focus on using a- re EMDR, internal family systems, and somatic experiencing. I believe an essential part of healing is focusing on the whole person. That’s why it’s important to focus on the impact of trauma on the mind, body, and spirit and by calming the nervous system it allows for a foundation of safety which supports emotional regulation.

 

Q: What’s your favorite therapy fun fact?

Your nervous system can hold onto traumatic experiences, which is why body-based healing methods like yoga, somatic therapy, or EMDR are so effective. It’s important to remember your brain and body are biologically wired for healing. Thanks to neuroplasticity, your brain can form new neural pathways. This means healing is always possible, even after deep pain. There are also many ways to find healing. Healing can often happen in connection, not isolation. Feeling seen, heard, and accepted by others helps regulate your nervous system. You can also find healing within yourself by practicing self-compassion. When you show yourself kindness, your body releases oxytocin, a hormone that calms stress and promotes connection and safety.  The way you speak to yourself lights up the same brain areas as if someone else were saying those words to you. So, speak kindly to yourself because your brain listens.



Interested in working with Brooke? Hit the “Contact Us” tab on the homepage to send us a message.

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Clinician Spotlight: Kat Devereaux

Clinician Spotlight: Kat Devereaux Owner of Phases Therapy, Inc.

Meet Kat (she/her), a therapist with a story that’s anything but typical. Her path to becoming a healer wasn’t a straight line, but a journey from a chaotic childhood to teaching French in Paris to a “burn-it-all-down-and-start-over” moment that led her to her true calling.

In this candid interview, Kat shares how she’s moved beyond traditional therapy to create a “magic potion” for healing—one that blends sass, humor, and unwavering compassion. She discusses the joy of watching clients reclaim their power, her passion for unconventional approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS), and why she believes the only way out of pain is through it. Read on to discover how Kat found her own “homecoming” in the world of therapy and now helps others do the same.

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What inspired you to become a therapist, and how has your journey in the field evolved so far?

Let’s be real—my childhood was chaotic, and healing didn’t exactly come wrapped in a neat little bow. But even in the mess, I’ve always been a healer at heart. I originally wanted to be a psychologist, but let’s just say my family had opinions. So instead, I became a high school and middle school French teacher for nearly a decade—oui, vraiment! I even lived in Paris for a while and I am still pretty fluent!

After some major life shake-ups (as in: burn-it-all-down-and-start-over energy), I took a hard look at what I wanted and decided to go back to school for a second master’s degree so I could finally step into the work I felt called to do all along. Becoming a therapist wasn’t a pivot—it was a homecoming.

Over time, I’ve evolved from trying to be the “by-the-book” therapist to someone who leads with authenticity, weirdness, and a deep trust in my own magic. I’ve let go of old templates rooted in patriarchal, neurotypical, and compulsory-heteronormative standards—and in doing so, I’ve found my niche in weirdo land. I began to move from surviving to full on THRIVING. Now, I get to hold space for other beautifully complex humans who are ready to unlearn the harm, reclaim their power, and live fully on their own terms. That’s the work I live for.

What has been one of the most rewarding aspects of your work with clients, and how do you navigate challenges in therapy?

There is nothing better than watching a client step into their worth. When they start setting boundaries unapologetically, stop absorbing other people’s dysfunction, and realize they deserve to take up space—that’s the magic moment. It’s pure joy to watch their authentic self begin to take root and shine. Seeing people come home to themselves—to recognize their power and finally offer themselves the same care they’ve given everyone else—is one of the greatest joys of my work.

But let’s be honest: getting there can be tough. As a therapist who is also Jewish, I fully believe in the healing power of humor. We laugh at the pain—not to minimize it, but because sometimes laughter is the only thing strong enough to hold the weight of it. My sessions often feel like co-creating a potion: a generous dose of sass, a splash of humor, a dash of “let’s get real,” a pinch of accountability, and a whole lot of compassion, validation and safety.

And of course, I love a good kvetch. Vent it out, let it breathe, and then—because we don’t let things fester around here—we make a solid plan of attack. That balance of emotional release and forward movement is where the real magic happens.

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Can you describe a specific area or approach in therapy that you are passionate about or currently focusing on in your practice?

I’m a bit of a healing alchemist—I blend different approaches to meet each client where they are. That said, you’ll always find a strong foundation of Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, feminist theory, and person-centered care in my work. IFS, in particular, has been an absolute game changer for so many of my clients (and, let’s be real, for me too).

Parts work helps create space between the chaos in our minds and gives us a way to meet ourselves with curiosity instead of judgment. Even the parts that are doing that thing (you know the one—side-eyes them) are just trying to help in their own way. There are no bad parts—just strategies born from different needs, experiences, and beliefs within the system.

In practice, this means we’re having full-on one-on-one conversations with different parts of the self, helping them feel seen, understood, and supported so they can do their jobs in a way that serves the whole system better. We help all the parts learn to let Self lead and to work together in a well oiled system. They are all important parts! It’s outside-the-box, wildly creative, and deeply healing—and probably one of the reasons I love it so much.

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Finally, please share with us a therapy fun fact!

Oh, I’ve got plenty—but here’s one I come back to all the time: it’s totally human nature to avoid pain like it’s our full-time job. We ignore it, numb it, deflect it onto others, or shove it onto “future us” like a bad group project. We even build these elaborate mental obstacle courses just to not feel it—and spoiler alert: those usually take way more energy than just sitting with it. But the truth is, the only way out of pain is through it. And therapy helps you do that with support, intention, and maybe a little humor along the way.

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Interested in working with Kat? 

Head over to our website, www.phases-therapy.com to learn more and join her waitlist!

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Metaphysical Spotlight: Ash Tamber

Meet Ash Tamber! Our August Metaphysical Partner Spotlight

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In the realm of metaphysical and spiritual practices, individuals often embark on unique journeys shaped by a blend of personal discovery, ancestral influences, and an innate curiosity about the unseen. This exploration can lead to profound insights and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. Below, astrologer Ash Tamber (she/her) shares her personal story, revealing how a familial connection to the Spiritualist Movement and a natural affinity for astrology guided their path. They also offer a glimpse into their daily practices and provide valuable advice for those beginning their own spiritual quest.


What led you to explore metaphysical practices, and how did you first discover your unique path within the spiritual community?

My journey into metaphysical practices began with a familial connection to the Spiritualist Movement. My mom’s mother was deeply involved in it, and even though our interactions were limited, some of her interests, particularly astrology, were passed down to me. I picked it up easily, and as a kid, I started compiling notes on people’s sun signs to observe patterns. This natural inclination to remember people’s signs without much effort led me to integrate astrology into various aspects of my life. This interest eventually led to a significant pivot in my jewelry business, which now focuses on custom, astrology-informed work. I also enjoy writing about astrology and sharing my insights through my website.


Can you describe a particular practice, tool, or ritual that is central to your work, and how does it enhance your spiritual connection or healing process?

I use astrology as a practical organizational tool. I add all the major transits to my planner and loosely use their themes to guide my tasks and routines. For me, it’s not about magic; it’s about using the “windows” provided by the planets to help me stay on track. I tend to procrastinate, so having this celestial nudge coaxes me into getting things done on time. This practice has also helped me understand others better by offering insights into personality traits that are very different from my own.


What advice would you give to someone just starting out on their metaphysical or spiritual journey, especially when it comes to finding their own truth and path?

My primary advice is to let astrology assist with reality, rather than trying to shape it. This is especially important when you get into synastry—comparing two people’s charts for compatibility. While astrology can be incredibly accurate, the timing or reality of a situation can be off. It’s also easy to get fixated on more challenging aspects or transits. Remember that astrology can manifest in all kinds of surprising ways, so be open to the unexpected.


Please share with us a fun fact about astrology!

A fun fact about astrology is that there are often glimmers of a parent’s chart in their child’s. For example, my mom and I are both Pisces Suns with a 15-degree Gemini Moon. The statistical probability of this is 1 in 4,320!

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Want to work with Ash? Email us at referrals@phases-therapy.com to be connected.

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August’s Astrology Forecast

August Astrology with Alisha Abdelilah of Soul Riot LLC

If there was ever a month where you thought astrology might be real, this is it! We kick off August with Mercury Retrograde in Leo, a major review period and a litmus test for how we express ourselves authentically. When Mars enters Libra it becomes increasingly important to speak from our truth. While Libra wants to fight for relationships, the cosmic task is to audit whether relationships around you support your new timeline. This time may require self assertion in dynamics where the interchange has been imbalanced.

Then, the ouch gets loud as Chiron Retrogrades in Aries starting 6-month introspection residual self-worth wounds. This is the final stretch before Chiron enters Taurus.  Mars will meet Chiron later; until then “I” is a verb and “we” is under audit.

When the full moon hits in Aquarius, we’re on the spot as we’re asked to release restrictions around identity in totality. Embracing our depth & facing our fears brings us luck as if the ah-ha  moment is on the other side of our fear. We’re not asking for permission to take up space as our true selves within the collective – we’re embodying it intensely, powerfully.

Mars is the final cog in the wheel as a Grand Air Trine carries towards a pivotal moment that could shift how we think, relate, and show up within the collective. The risk comes in taking this new cycle for granted or letting the “mania” of it all lead you. The power comes from intentionally dialing in and being open when lightning strikes. It just might be the thing that sets you free! 

Mercury goes direct on a day of some of the luckiest energy of the year. Those who venture outside their comfort zone (literally) are rewarded. The key is to get your nervous system on board so we can feel safe in expansion and success.

All of this time is a gift as we prepare from anything but your average Virgo Season. We kick off with a brand new cycle as the new moon is 0 degrees.  We wrestle with another layer of shame, perfectionism, judgementalness, all among the heap of programming we are purging as the Sun passes the South Node. 

This is all before the start of eclipse season in September where the illusions fade and the masks dissolve.  

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Clinician Spotlight: Danielle Bolster

Danielle Bolster July's SUPERVISOR of the Month

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The path to becoming a therapist is rarely linear, and for Danielle, it has been a continuous evolution, shaped by different phases of life and a steadfast commitment to helping others. What initially began as a childhood inclination to be helpful, stemming from early parentification, matured into a profound dedication to supporting individuals through life’s complexities.

As a teenager, Danielle witnessed firsthand the struggles of friends and the shortcomings of the adult support systems available to them. This ignited a powerful desire to become the compassionate and effective adult figure she wished her peers had. While this might sound cliché, it is a deeply personal and authentic motivator that continues to fuel her work.

In her current practice, Danielle is firmly rooted in social justice. This isn’t just a professional principle; it’s a core personal value. She views therapy as a vital space to explore how societal systems both uplift and hinder individuals, all while holding space for the profound impact of personal trauma on daily life. This intricate interplay of systemic influence and individual experience is what inspires her daily, driving her commitment to creating a more just and supportive world.

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One of the most rewarding aspects of Danielle’s work, whether with clients or supervisees, is witnessing the “aha” moments—those small but significant breakthroughs where an intervention finally clicks. She thrives on these instances of clarity and progress.

A prime example is her experience with clients who have previously had negative encounters with therapy, particularly disliking deep breathing exercises. Danielle introduced them to the physiological sigh, a simple yet remarkably effective breath technique. This method, involving a quick extra “sip” of air at the top of an inhale followed by a big sigh, has proven to be a game-changer. It’s quick, easy, and genuinely impactful, even for those who were once resistant to such tools. These moments of finding what truly works for an individual are incredibly gratifying for her.



Lately, Danielle has developed a deep passion for somatic work, focusing on helping people reconnect with their bodies. She emphasizes that our bodies constantly provide us with valuable cues, which we often ignore or override. Drawing from her own experiences, she explains how recognizing anxiety in her stomach, particularly in social situations, and gently acknowledging it rather than dismissing it, led to significant shifts. Guiding clients through this process of listening to their bodily signals and offering self-compassion is a powerful and transformative aspect of her practice.

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Outside of her impactful therapeutic work, Danielle embraces life with enthusiasm and a sense of adventure. Just last month, she made her powerlifting debut at Barbells Not Bans, an annual event dedicated to raising funds for local LGBTQIA+ and reproductive freedom organizations. After training just once a week for four months, she impressively deadlifted 220 lbs! Inspired by her partner’s long-standing involvement in powerlifting, she relished the opportunity to experience the excitement firsthand.

Adding another layer to her vibrant personality, Danielle is a huge Halloween fan. She even worked at Fright Fest at Six Flags during her college years, an experience she fondly recalls as a fun way to “play with fear and flip the script on being scared.”

 

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about Danielle! Her journey is a testament to the power of empathy, continuous learning, and a deep-seated commitment to fostering well-being. The team here at Phases Therapy, Inc. appreciates the support Danielle provides us through supervision, guidance, and connection.

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