Rooted and Rising: Why the Name?
The Journey of Healing and Growth By Isabel Fink, MA, LAMFT
The name "Rooted and Rising" was chosen because it beautifully encapsulates the complex, yet incredibly rewarding, journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. It speaks to the deep connection we all have to our past, the strength we derive from our experiences, and the continual evolution we undergo as we move forward in life.
The concept of being "rooted" is one of grounding and stability. Roots are the unseen, often overlooked parts of a plant, but they are the very source of its nourishment, strength, and ability to withstand challenges. In our own lives, there are times when we, too, are focused on creating or strengthening our roots. This could manifest as times when we are working through past trauma, confronting old patterns, or simply navigating life’s demands in ways that seem small but are, in reality, monumental acts of resilience. During these moments, we may not always see the progress we’re making or feel the growth happening beneath the surface. It can be easy to become discouraged when we don't immediately notice the changes, especially in a culture that often prioritizes quick results and visible achievements. Yet, just like a tree’s roots, these internal, unseen shifts are the foundation for everything else to come.
Building roots involves cultivating a sense of self-awareness, learning how to connect with our emotions, and accepting that there is strength in moments of stillness and introspection. For many, this period may include therapy to process past pain or to better understand oneself. It is in these quiet, sometimes uncomfortable, moments that we often discover a deep well of resilience, even when we don’t immediately recognize it. "Rooted" is a reminder that healing is not always a straight line forward but a deeply rooted process that takes time.
On the other hand, the concept of "rising" speaks to the times when we feel the strength of our inner growth beginning to take shape, when we feel capable of taking on the world, tackling challenges, and making strides in our lives. There are moments when we can physically and mentally feel ourselves rising—like a plant reaching towards the sun. These are the moments when we see our progress in real-time. This could be stepping into a new job with confidence, setting healthier boundaries, or facing a challenge that once seemed insurmountable. Rising can be exciting, but it can also bring with it a sense of vulnerability. As we elevate, we may encounter fears, self-doubt, or concerns about sustaining our momentum. The higher we rise, the more we may worry about falling. It’s easy to forget that rising doesn’t negate the roots that keep us grounded. In fact, it’s because of our rootedness that we are able to rise, with a greater sense of stability and awareness.
The beauty of "Rooted and Rising" lies in the balance between these two phases. Sometimes, we are rooted in our past, and other times we are rising into a new future. Both are integral parts of the human experience, and both are worthy of attention and care. The work of therapy, and of healing in general, is learning to honor and navigate both moments of rootedness and moments of rising. In therapy, we may spend time in each of these spaces—some days exploring the roots, other days reaching for the sky and testing our limits. The key is to allow ourselves the space to grow at our own pace, understanding that healing is not linear and that both the rooted and rising phases are equally important.
In this space of therapy, we explore the deep roots that make us who we are—the parts of ourselves that we may not always be aware of, but that influence how we show up in the world. And from that place of understanding, we can rise into a future that feels authentic and empowering. We grow not just because we push ourselves forward but because we learn to embrace both our roots and our ability to rise.
At Rooted and Rising, my goal is to work alongside you to find peace and acceptance in both the grounded and expansive parts of your journey. Whether you’re in a phase of quiet root-building or in a season of bold rising, I am here to help you cultivate the balance, resilience, and self-compassion you need to navigate both with confidence. Healing is not about getting from one place to another; it is about learning to honor every part of the process, trusting that your roots will keep you steady and your rise will carry you forward.
1/14/2025
