Therapeutic Styles
Collaborative Process
I see us as equal participants in the therapy process. I’m deeply interested in the knowledge, strengths, and expertise you bring to our work. I’ll bring my own strengths and knowledge, and we’ll work together to meet your goals. I’ll work with you rather than on you.
Mindfulness & Compassion-Based
In the safe space of therapy, we can practice noticing and accepting the physical sensations and feeling-states of our bodies and minds - being present and compassionate with ourselves. Mindfulness helps ground us in the here-and-now, even when we choose to investigate pain from our past or fears about our future.
Parts Work
Parts work acknowledges the many different parts or aspects of our minds and personalities. Different parts have different needs, wants, beliefs, and strengths which tend to both help and hinder us. By bringing awareness and acceptance to each of the parts, we foster integration, which leads to greater flexibility and choice in our lives.
Attachment Orientation
Research shows that the bonds we create with others affect every aspect of our physical and mental health “from the cradle to the grave” (Bowlby, 1979, p.129). Furthermore, we know that attachment styles are malleable and that attachment injuries may be healed. Therefore, I seek to help you foster secure, healthy attachment with your significant others and, ultimately, with yourself.
Trauma-Informed
Trauma results from deeply-disturbing or distressing events that overwhelm our ability to cope, leading to feelings of helplessness, overwhelm and/or detachment from self and others. Understanding how trauma shows up in our bodies and minds helps us to heal and live in the present, rather than trapped in the past. Trauma-informed therapy involves experiencing safety in connection, promoting self-regulation, empowerment, and healing.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting (BSP) is a relatively new form of trauma therapy. Brainspots are brain areas that hold "frozen" traumatic memories. These brainspots are revealed and accessed through fixed, steady eye positions. The client chooses what issue to start with in a BSP session. The therapist provides an attuned presence, helps locate brainspots, and offers light guidance, trusting the client's own conscious and unconscious mental connections to promote healing. BSP is a tool that can be combined with other therapeutic modalities.