Healing Our Core Issues (HOCI)
pronounced hawk-eye
In my practice, I understand that many of us carry the weight of past experiences, especially from our early years. The Healing Our Core Issues (HOCI) model is designed to help you navigate the complexities of developmental and relational trauma, offering a nurturing and compassionate approach to authentic living and long-term recovery.
Rooted in the pioneering work of Pia Mellody’s Post-Induction Therapy (PIT), the HOCI model integrates evidence-based practices including Somatic Experiencing, mindfulness, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gestalt, and Relational Life Therapy. This blend allows us to explore the deep-seated effects of relational and developmental trauma in a supportive container.
This is the bedrock of my work with all individuals and couples.
Pia Mellody describes childhood trauma as "anything less than nurturing."
Many of us can recall moments from our early lives that lacked the care we needed. Through this framework, you’ll gain insights into your experiences, empowering you to articulate your feelings and begin a journey of self-discovery. You’ll learn how to nurture and reparent those younger parts of yourself with compassion, fostering a healthier relationship with yourself and others.
Learn how to nurture, affirm, and reparent the younger parts of yourself
Developmental trauma can stem from various factors in childhood—such as neglect, abuse, or absence and separation from a primary caregiver. These experiences may manifest as acting out behaviors, withdrawing or isolation, or struggling with trust and bonding as you grow in life and well into adulthood. Similarly, relational trauma arises when early relationships with caregivers are disrupted or unhealthy, leading to feelings of insecurity and anxiety that can also persist into adulthood.
Importantly, our work together is not about assigning blame to parents or caregivers. Instead, it focuses on understanding your story and placing responsibility where it truly belongs. Through gentle self-exploration, you can connect with your past Self, allowing for understanding and growth. This journey involves holding compassion for your younger Self while also embracing the wisdom of your adult Self, empowering you to create healthier patterns in your life and relationships moving forward.
If you’re ready to embrace this transformative work, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of your experiences and help you to establish a more fulfilling life.
Click ‘play’ for a brief video introduction to the Healing Our Core Issues (HOCI) model with Jan Bergstrom, M. Ed, LMHC, SEP, DARTT and Dr. Rick Butts, LPCC-S, EMDR, SEP, DARTT creators of HOCI Institute.
Wondering if HOCI is the right fit for you?
You can learn more about this model of thought through the resources shared and you can also feel welcome to contact me directly to talk through your specific questions and needs to see if we may work well together in achieving your goals through this integrative model.
Healing Our Core Issues Institute
Gifts From a Challenging Childhood by Jan Bergstrom, M. Ed, LMHC, SEP co-founder of HOCII
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The ‘wiser Self’ is not a place that you will arrive, it is a lifelong process of being that you will learn to practice through self-compassion, self-awareness, and self-care. In HOCI, you will identify your birthrights and gain presence through embodiment and conscious awareness of how to respectfully interact with yourself and others. Through this development, you will naturally unveil your innate knowings, desires, purpose, goals, and sense of self.
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Yes, it is possible.
The HOCI model will provide you the framework to practice healing which is a living experience to welcome healthy functional relationship with others and reinforce the need for interdependence. Our natural wiring is to connect and when that nurturing secure presence is not available early on our nervous system will adapt to create faux safety which we partially experience in dysfunctional attachment patterns (anxious, avoidant, or disorganized). Through presence, safety, and relationship it is possible for earned secure attachment to develop.
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Dysfunctional family roles are often an experience of parentification and enmeshment.
The HOCI model has three roles of the adaptive Self or historical Self that operate in the dysfunctional family.
The Hero Child or Mascot
The Lost Child
The Scapegoat Child
You will learn about each one and identify your own.
About my training and specialization:
I have trained in Level 1 and Level 2 with HOCII founders Jan Bergstrom, M. Ed, LMHC, SEP, DARTT author of Gifts From a Challenging Childhood and Dr. Rick Butts, LPCC-S, EMDR, SEP, DARTT. I am consultation with Dr. Rick Butts and Kim Ploussard, LMHC, SEP, DARTT for routine consultation integrating this work for individuals and couples. I am on path for Developmental and Relational Trauma Therapist (DARTT) certification in late 2024. I anticipate attending Level 3 training in 2025.