MY APPROACH TO THERAPY
The world of therapy can come with a lot of jargon, and it’s totally normal to feel a little overwhelmed by it all. Like many therapists, I pull from a mix of approaches to shape a style that feels authentic and effective. Here, I want to break things down in a clear, approachable way and give you a better sense of what working with me might look like.
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is an approach used to aid in processing traumatic events. EMDR has different steps. We start by building up coping skills so that strong feelings can be soothed throughout therapy. We then explore your past and try to identify core beliefs connected to your past (for example, "I'm not good enough." "I'm not capable." "I cannot be trusted.") Once we have selected our target experience and belief, you will pay attention to either back-and-forth sound or movement while holding the experience and belief in your mind.
There are several theories on how EMDR works however there is still much disagreement. Despite disagreement, EMDR is an evidence-based treatment and is a recognized protocol for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.
I find that EMDR works well for many different types of experiences, even ones you wouldn't necessarily think of as traumatic. If you are seeing the world through the lenses of a negative core belief, it might be worth trying EMDR.
For further information:
Parts Work is a technique that is used in many different therapy modalities. One of the more commonly known modalities is Internal Family Systems. Since I use this as a technique, it is something I weave in sessions particularly if I feel there are "blockages" to being able to sit with emotions.
Parts Work refers to the idea that our mind is made up of parts, rather than simply being one "mono-mind." The best way I can explain this idea is by having you imagine yourself being at work with your boss, and then at home with your spouse/partner, and then out at lunch with a friend. You can also consider how you feel when on the phone with parent. Do you feel different in each of these scenarios? Maybe you feel like a take-no-nonsense version of yourself with your boss. A vulnerable version of yourself with your spouse. A fun version of yourself with your friend. A young version of yourself with a parent.
I like to explore these different versions, or parts, that you experience and see how each of these parts serve you. Do they protect you? Do they hold trauma? Parts Work can provide you with interesting insights into how you navigate your every day life.
For further information:
Mindfulness is essentially a practice of awareness. Many of us exist in what feels like an autopilot state. It can feel confusing at times to understand why we feel anxious, sad, or angry. It can feel confusing to understand why we got into an argument with our partner or had a terrible day at work. Practicing mindfulness can give us the space we need to make sense of our lives.
By encouraging you to practice techniques that foster mindfulness, my hope is to give you an almost third-person perspective to your situation. A perspective where you can observe your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with no judgement. The goal is simply to be more present in our lives rather than caught up in our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. If we can be present, maybe then we can make sense of what led us to have that thought or to experience that feeling. Once we gain understanding and awareness, we can give ourselves the space to make choices that align with our personal values.
For further information:
When I first learned about Person-Centered Therapy one thing that stuck with me was how the therapist is viewed as a "fellow traveler" in life rather than an expert. Someone who is there to walk alongside you and see life from your perspective, rather than someone who is there to dictate what you "should" do. Person-Centered Therapy operates from a perspective that we all have within us an inherent drive for self-actualization (the process of realizing one's full potential.) The therapist is there to create a healing relationship that encourages this inherent drive, so that you may find solutions to the challenges you face.
With a Person-Centered approach you can expect therapy with me to be a place of nonjudgement, of understanding, and of warmth. A place where you feel comfortable to explore your inner world and understand what makes you, you!
For further information:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/person-centered-therapy
