Grace Ballard MA

Contemplative Psychotherapy is rooted in the belief that all people are born with the wisdom they need, known as your “brilliant sanity.” As your therapist, I can help you uncover this rich resource and tap into your innate wisdom, promoting healing and improved well-being. With a decade of experience in meditation and mindfulness practice, I integrate Buddhist philosophy with modern Western psychology, bringing present moment awareness into our time together and focusing on our relationship as the tool for healing. While Western psychology often focuses on diagnoses and symptoms, Contemplative Psychotherapy views the effects of past trauma and emotional challenges as the barriers to accessing your internal wisdom and its healing potential. Together, we aim toward awakening the self as it fully is, complete with its pain and challenges, and its brilliance and beauty.

I know that in navigating the world as a queer person, it can be challenging to find the right fit in a therapist. Whether you identify as non-binary, trans, genderfluid or anywhere on the spectrum of non-heteronormativity, it’s critical to talk with someone who gets it. When it’s time to further explore a facet of your identity, sexuality or relationship, you can feel safe expressing yourself with me as you are without your therapist assigning your struggles to your lifestyle or identity. I counsel sex workers, individuals in polyamorous or other multiple-partner relationships, and participants in kink or BDSM lifestyles. When you walk into my office, you can rest assured that you will be met with compassion and non-judgement.