Do I have to do breathing exercises or meditation?

Not at all. Body-based work is about building awareness of what’s happening in your body — not following a script. We go at your pace, and nothing is required. Some people find breathwork helpful; others prefer simply noticing sensations as we talk. We’ll find what works for you.

What if I feel disconnected from my body?

That disconnection is incredibly common, especially for people who’ve experienced trauma or chronic stress. Feeling numb or “not in your body” isn’t a barrier to this work; it’s often exactly where we start. We build that connection slowly and safely, together.

Is trauma-focused therapy going to make me feel worse before I feel better?

It’s a fair concern. Trauma-focused therapy is not about re-living painful events. It’s about processing them in a way that builds safety and stability first. We move at a pace that feels manageable, and you’re always in the driver’s seat. Many people feel a sense of relief rather than overwhelm.

How is somatic therapy different from regular talk therapy?

Talk therapy works primarily through language and insight. Somatic therapy adds attention to the body – noticing where tension lives, how your breathing shifts, what physical sensations show up when you talk about something difficult. It’s especially helpful when you feel like you “know” something intellectually but can’t quite feel the shift yet.

Therapy for Personal Growth

Online counseling for adults in Colorado, Tennessee, and Florida. You don't have to be in crisis to want more from your life.

I believe that every individual holds the potential for profound growth. Through compassionate guidance and a deep understanding of human connection, navigating your life's complexities and achieving your personal goals is possible.

Not everyone comes to therapy because something is wrong. Maybe things are basically fine, and you still feel a pull toward something more: more clarity, more meaning, a life that feels genuinely your own. Maybe you've done the surviving, and now you want to do the growing. Wanting more for yourself is not indulgent or ungrateful. It's one of the most human things there is.

When "fine" isn't the same as fulfilled

You've built a life that works. On paper, you have the things you're supposed to want, and you're grateful for them. And still, quietly, there's a sense that you're capable of more, or meant for something that feels more like yours. It can be hard to admit, because nothing is wrong, exactly. But "nothing is wrong" and "this is the life I want to be living" are not the same thing. The distance between them is worth exploring

When "fine" isn't quite enough

Personal growth work looks different for everyone. People often reach out because they want to:

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Know Yourself

Understand themselves more deeply

Live Your Values

Live in closer alignment with their values

Find Direction

Find a clearer sense of purpose or direction

Build Self-Worth

Build genuine self-worth, not just quiet self-criticism

Outgrow Old Patterns

Break out of patterns that no longer fit who they're becoming

Feel at Home

Feel more present, authentic, and at home in their own life

How I help

This work is grounded in a belief that you have a real capacity for growth and self-understanding. Rather than focusing on what's "wrong," we focus on who you are and who you're becoming: your values, your sense of purpose, and what it would mean to live in greater alignment with all of it. I bring deep presence and honest reflection, and because insight without action only gets us so far, we'll also look at what living differently actually looks like, day to day.

More about the approaches I use →

What our work together looks like

You are the expert on your own life, and this work follows your lead more than any other. My role is to offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can think out loud, get curious, and arrive at your own insights with a supportive witness beside you. When it's useful, I'll offer a direct reflection or a gentle challenge, and sometimes something concrete to carry into your week, because real change happens in the hours between our sessions. Nothing happens in a black box.

What healing can look like

Growth isn't a finish line. It's a way of living more like yourself. Over time, the work can look like:

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A clearer sense of purpose and directions

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Living in closer alignment with our values, day to day

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Genuine self-worth that doesn't depend on proving anything

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Outgrowing patterns that no longer fit who you are

Feeling present, authentic, and at home in your own life

You deserve to live a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. Together, we can bridge the gap between where you are and where you belong.

Reach out to setup a 15-minute consultation

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I'm Trista Sorenson, a licensed therapist working with adults across Colorado, Tennessee, and Florida. I was drawn to this work by the question of what it means to live a life that feels genuinely our own, and I'd be glad to explore that question alongside you.

Meet Trista

Personal Growth FAQ for Adults in
Colorado, Tennessee, and Florida

Do I need to have a problem or diagnosis to go to therapy?

No, you do not need a problem or diagnosis to benefit from therapy. Many people come for personal growth: to understand themselves, clarify their values, or live more authentically. Wanting more from your life is a completely valid reason to start.

What's the difference between personal growth therapy and just talking to a friend?

Therapy offers something a friendship can't: dedicated, non-judgmental space focused entirely on you, with a trained professional who reflects patterns you might not see yourself. It's structured, confidential, and oriented toward your growth, without the mutual give-and-take a friendship naturally requires.

Is personal growth therapy too open-ended to actually help?

No, personal growth therapy is purposeful, not aimless. It centers on your values, direction, and sense of self, and includes honest reflection and concrete steps when they're useful. You lead the direction, and the work stays anchored to what you actually want for your life.

Can I do personal growth therapy online?

Yes, this practice is fully telehealth and available to clients located anywhere in Colorado, Tennessee, and Florida. Sessions are 50 minutes by secure video, so you can do this work from wherever you feel most comfortable and focused.