Danielle Bolster July's SUPERVISOR of the Month
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.
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.
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.