THERAPY APPROACHES USED
Therapy isn't one-size-fits-all. I use a variety of evidence-based approaches and tailor our work to your individual needs, goals, and experiences.
Below are some of the approaches I commonly use in sessions. You don't need to know which one is right for you before starting therapy—that's something we'll figure out together.
MY OVERALL APPROACH
My approach to therapy is active, straightforward, and collaborative. We'll work together to understand not only what you're struggling with, but what may be keeping you stuck and what we can actually do about it.
I primarily use EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while incorporating other approaches based on your individual needs and goals. This may include Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic approaches, relationship and communication skills, and nutrition integration.
You are always an active part of deciding what we work on and how we approach it. I may offer ideas, challenge patterns, teach skills, or suggest different ways of approaching something, but therapy is collaborative. You will never be required to participate in an approach or technique you aren't comfortable with.
Although I don't provide couples therapy, I have training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy Levels 1 & 2 and PREPARE/ENRICH. I use that training when helping individual clients with communication, relationships, boundaries, and interpersonal patterns.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
CBT focuses on the connection between our thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. Sometimes the ways we've learned to think about ourselves, other people, or the world can keep us stuck in patterns that are no longer helpful.
We'll work on identifying those patterns, understanding where they come from, and developing more helpful ways of thinking and responding. CBT is practical and skill-focused, which means much of what we work on in therapy can be applied to situations in your everyday life.
EMDR
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a therapy that utilizes bilateral stimulation (every other side of the body) while focusing on a traumatic memory. EMDR has been shown to be very effective to reprocess trauma and reduces the intensity of the emotions associated with the memories. This therapy does not require you to share details of your traumas with your therapist, nor does it require you to "relive' your traumas. Please ask for more information.
Here are two videos I've found helpful to learn more about what EMDR is and how and EMDR reprocessing session goes.
These are not my content and are for informational purposes only.
NEUROFEEDBACK
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive form of brain training that uses real-time information about your brainwave activity to help your brain practice more regulated and flexible patterns of functioning. Rather than requiring you to consciously change what your brain is doing, neurofeedback provides feedback as your brain works—allowing it to gradually learn and reinforce more helpful patterns.
Neurofeedback may be worth exploring for people who struggle with things like attention and focus, anxiety, stress, sleep, emotional regulation, or feeling like their nervous system is constantly “on.” It can be used alongside therapy or as a separate service depending on your needs and goals.
GOTTMAN METHOD COUPLES THERAPY
Gottman Method Couples Therapy is a science backed approach to couples therapy that utilizes various exercises designed to create relationship dynamics and habits that have proven to keep couples together and happy together. You will learn how to improve communication in a way that allows you to understand your partner and to be understood. You will gain tools that are applicable in daily life and can be used right away in various situations such as conflict management, improving friendship and trust, and building a future together again.
NUTRITION INTEGRATION
Nutrition, sleep, movement, and other health behaviors can affect how we feel mentally and physically. When relevant to your therapy goals, we may explore how these factors could be contributing to what you're experiencing and identify realistic ways to support your overall well-being. This is not nutritional counseling, dieting, or weight-loss treatment.
SOMATIC APPROACHES
Emotional experiences don't only show up in our thoughts—they can show up physically, too. You might notice tension, a racing heart, stomach discomfort, restlessness, numbness, or other physical responses when you're stressed or triggered.
Somatic approaches bring attention to what's happening in your body and nervous system, rather than focusing only on your thoughts. We can use that information to better understand your responses and practice strategies for feeling more grounded, regulated, and connected to yourself.