My Approach
I treat each client as an individual, who has different needs and different strengths and struggles. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients can process, reflect, and explore. Depending on a client and the presenting issue(s), I work with the following therapeutic modalities:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)— This approach provides insights to distorted thought processes that influence and prohibit behaviors. By identifying and challenging automatic negative thoughts and changing behaviors our moods will be elevated in the process.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)- This approach incorporates CBT and is the balance between accepting your situation in life and embracing change. It is effective for people who deal with intense emotions. Components of this therapy are emotion regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)—This is a therapeutic modality often used with those who struggle with addiction, but can be combined with other treatment modalities. It explores the Stages of Change (Pre-contemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance). I use a combination of techniques to empower the client to make positive changes in life.
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)—This is a solution-oriented approach to therapy that focuses on strengths and achieving specific goals. By using various techniques, the client identifies their core strengths and articulates the desired outcome. I will then encourage clients to take action, which increases the probability of a more satisfying life.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)—I often integrate this form of therapy with clients who struggle from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). EMDR allows you to process distressing thoughts, memories, feelings, and body sensations related to trauma. This is done while the client focuses on the memory while using specific eye moments or other bilateral stimulation techniques.
Narrative Therapy (NT). By listening and identifying your patterns of language, I’ll help you turn your problem-saturated story to a story that can re-shape your narrative. This new narrative acknowledges your strengths and helps you re-shape your experience by putting space between you as a person and the problem.
Existential Therapy (ET)— We are designed with live meaningful lives and even though the journey can be painful at times, we can pivot and find purpose at any age and stage of life. I will implement tools to help you get on the path to purpose and meaning.
Trauma Informed Approach—Trauma topics are sensitive. No matter which approach or modality I use in treatment, this framework is one that guides me. Therefore, I will always ensure a safe environment for you to share. I’ll let you know what we are doing at every step of the therapeutic process, and assure you that you’re safe. The goals is to empower you and help you heal.
Bibliotherapy—I may suggest books, workbooks, pamphlets, videos, movies, and other material that will be used in conjunction with therapeutic treatment modalities in order to validate your experiences, gain a perspective different from your own, and to facilitate your healing process.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of treatment primarily used to help those who want to recover from trauma. Initially, clinical trials were conducted using EMDR on veterans who experienced PTSD after coming home from war. It has been found to be effective in desensitizing vivid memories; therefore, those who have experienced difficulty overcoming trauma can experience relief after receiving EMDR.
EMDR is what we call a “bottom-up” approach to therapy. This means that a person processes their traumatic symptoms through body sensations that are externally provoked. While a top-down approach such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) rely on our cognitive systems to interpret past situations, a bottoms-up approach relies on our body’s ability to intuitively guide us into the path of healing. When EMDR therapy is conducted, a person’s brain re-processes traumatic memories which allows a proper linking of the brain’s systems to adequately process information. It removes blockage so that healing can occur. In the same way that we trust that a scab will form after a cut, the brain can heal itself when we allow ourselves to re-process disturbing events.
There are many misconceptions about EMDR and unfortunately it creates a barrier for people who struggle with PTSD who could benefit from EMDR to get healing. Let me first say that it is NOT a form of hypnosis. Clients are consciously aware and awake during every phase of the process. EMDR is heavily researched-based and it allows a way to heal more quickly than talk therapy. It is completely safe and research has found EMDR treatment helpful with those who are struggling with trauma—whether it is simple or complex trauma.
Contact me so that we can hop on a fifteen minute consultation call so that I can answer your questions about EMDR so that we can better decide if you would be a good candidate for this treatment.
Explanation of EMDR
As this brief video shows, EMDR is an effective form of treatment. Be mindful that any form of bilateral stimulation can be used to achieve the same results as eye movements while doing this form of therapy.
Here is more information on the EMDR at the EMDR international association (EMDRIA)