The Story of our Name
Our Vision is that no one will ever grieve alone and no one will ever have to navigate life’s struggles on their own.
And so, when life gets chaotic, I’ve found that it’s good to have something that steadies you - an anchor that keeps you where you need to be - a moment and place in time where you can find peace and rest.
Joanna Gaines
The magical thing is that [anchors] somehow offer a place of refuge in the ever changing landscapes of our lives - Joanna Gaines
We chose the name Anchored Hearts as we wanted a name that reflects something that is relatable to many, if not most people - in life, change is something that remains constant across the lifespan and challenges are inevitable. In the midst of life’s storms and waves in grief, we need something that holds us steady and grounds us. Anchors represent anything in our lives that keeps our boat (who we are) steady when we face death, losses, trauma, disappointments and relationship difficulties, when we struggle with self worth, childhood hurts and during transitions where circumstances might be shifting, changing, and/or posing challenges. The boat (aspects of ourselves) might be rocking due to the waves of life’s challenges and we might be feeling unsettled - it is in those moments when anchors help us find rest and provide a sense of safety. When the word ‘anchor’ showed up several times through songs, an article, a book and finally an art at a gift shop at a fisherman’s wharf, it was clear to us that anchors are what we would choose to reflect the vision of our work of holding space for the hearts of the clients we serve.
Anchors can look like praying, meditating, cooking, running, walking, singing, spending time with safe others and the list goes on. According to Deb Dana (a clinician specializing in complex trauma), it is helpful to identify experiences that anchor you in a ventral vagal state (a state where you are socially engaged, relaxed, calm and connected to others and to yourself) - here are some questions to consider:
Who anchors you? (e.g. people, pets, spiritual figures, people who are no longer living)
What anchors you? (e.g. spirituality, habits, hobbies, activities)
Where do you feel anchored? (i.e. places that bring you a sense of safety)
When do you feel anchored? (e.g. when you get a good night’s rest and when your feelings are validated)
If this story and the questions above resonate with you, we invite you to connect with us. Our hope is that everyone will find what anchors their heart through the process of therapy. We desire that our therapeutic space and therapeutic relationship serves as one of the various anchors you will discover through the process of therapy. We look forward to connecting with you.