Therapeutic Modalities
I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Person-Centered Therapy. These approaches resonate with me due to their emphasis on holistic healing and empowering clients to navigate their personal journeys. However, I recognize that each client is unique, and I tailor my approach to meet your individual needs and goals. To ensure I provide the best possible support, I am committed to ongoing education and actively explore new modalities to deepen my knowledge and skills within my profession. This dedication allows me to offer a more comprehensive, personalized therapy experience that meets you where you are in your healing journey.
Person-Centered Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy is a non-directive talk therapy approach in which the therapist provides a safe space for clients to process thoughts, emotions, and difficult life events. The therapist guides and provides support while avoiding judgment, suggestions, or solutions in order to encourage self-discovery as the client focuses on what is most important to them and recognizes what is needed to achieve positive change.
The Goal: To allow the client to come to their own realizations and gain the courage and sense-of self to overcome challenges and gain control of their lives.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT stems from CBT and looks at the connection between thoughts and emotions and their effect on behaviors; however, it instead focuses on accepting thoughts and emotions. ACT teaches you to stop struggling with distressing thoughts and feelings and learn how to accept them, put them down, and embrace them as part of the human experience; thereby increasing psychological flexibility.
The Goal: To help people change their relationship with their thoughts and emotions, accepting even the difficult ones and engage in value-centered behavior.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a very structured therapy used in the treatment of trauma, abuse, and other distressing events in life that have become stuck memories. In EMDR therapy, the counselor uses bilateral stimulation (BLS) to activate both sides of the brain as the client processes the most disturbing part of a stuck memory. Through this process, the memory becomes desensitized, and the client becomes less reactive to the emotional trigger.
The Goal: To desensitize traumatic memories and help the client and instill a more desired way of thinking and being such as realizing they weren't responsible, they are stronger and more capable, to recognize they are safe, to know they survived.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about being present in the present moment. In therapy, you learn how to using various breathing techniques, guided imagery, and other methods of relaxing the body and settling the mind in order to decrease stress and emotional dysregulation. In addition to reducing stress, mindfulness has been proven to improve physical health. As individuals learn to be present they are more capable of broadening their perspective on life and appreciating each moment.
The Goal: To become aware of the present moment and tune into their thoughts and emotions with quiet observation and no judgment.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS looks at sub-personalities or parts of self that exist within all of us and is based on the idea that some parts of us become wounded through trauma, abuse, and difficult life experiences, and our other parts step in to protect. However, this creates conflict between our parts as some parts try to control and protect other parts from pain by engaging in avoidance, minimizing feelings, and engaging in self-destructive behavior.
The Goal: To reintegrate the parts of ourselves that carry pain and trauma with our protective parts and help the core or true self to regain control.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT looks at the connection between thoughts and feelings and their effect on behaviors. CBT therapy teaches you to recognize dysfunctional thinking and distorted core beliefs and replace them with healthier, more realistic ways of thinking and being, allowing you to address distressful moments and change the way you respond.
The Goal: To recognize and challenge unhelpful thoughts and to learn adaptive coping skills to manage situations within your control.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a cognitive behavioral therapy focused on emotional regulation, setting healthy boundaries, and mindfulness. It was designed for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) but is also used to help with suicidal and self-harm ideation, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
The Goal: To guide clients in learning coping skills to help them effectively manage distressing situations and emotions on their own.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
MI is about finding the motivation to change. MI teaches that people are the expert of their own lives, already have the internal power to change and do so when they become aware of where they are and where they want to be. Through empathy and compassion from the therapist, the client focuses on strengthening motivation toward a specific goal and helping the client discover their own reasons to change.
The Goal: To help people recognize their inner strength and identify their reasons for wanting to change.
Let's Connect
Change happens when we have the courage to see that we need help and we take the first step.