My Approach
I use a combination of evidence-based treatment approaches, depending on the needs and symptoms of each individual.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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Explore old patterns by building awareness of parts of you that may still be responding to the present based on the past, and help them finally heal. Maybe you have a people pleaser, an inner critic, an avoider.
These parts can be frustrating, and sometimes we know logically that what they're saying or doing isn't what we want, but it's hard to stop the pattern or it feels so true. I often hear it described as, "it's like there's a constant battle in my mind!" When we don't understand our parts and their purpose/function, they tend to create havoc and chaos. It makes it harder for us to make decisions, or to even know what we want.
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The cool thing about our parts is that they want to help us, they have good intentions. We just have to help them harness that into something more appropriate for what you need in your life now. They usually are adapted to something from the past.
Read more about IFS here.
EMDR
When we experience trauma our system is overwhelmed, and it doesn't get properly processed by the brain, leading to distressing symptoms and negative core beliefs about yourself. EMDR works to reprocess the trauma and help the system finally reach a resolution. I also have training in IFS informed EMDR, which combines IFS (above) into the treatment of EMDR and can be helpful for certain issues.
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EMDR not only works to help recover from traumatic memories, but also from experiences that have shaped what we believe about ourselves. Core beliefs like "I'm not good enough," are very common and can impact every aspect of our lives.
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EMDR uses something called Bilateral Stimulation which uses audio sounds or tapping to help remain in the present, as well as to help with processing in the brain. We can target memories associated with these negative core beliefs and reprocess them. Our brains have something amazing called neuroplasticity, which means that we can rewire and impart positive change with the right treatment. Our brains want to heal and reach a resolution!
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Read more about EMDR here.
Mindfulness & Meditation
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Many people are afraid of Meditation, or sick of hearing about Mindfulness. I get it, it's not for everybody, but together we can find what works best for you. Meditation and mindfulness can be very helpful in the therapeutic process to build emotional awareness and tolerance.
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I like to teach mindfulness and deep breathing exercises in sessions to help with grounding and retrain the brain. Our minds get so overstimulated in today's world. Practicing being still, quiet and just observing in the present moment can make a huge difference in how we engage with the world. I find this to be especially helpful for those struggling with anxiety, perfectionism and over-thinking because we are shifting the focus and showing our system that there's another way of being.
Using the breath and awareness, we can reactivate the nervous system to come out of fight/flight/freeze mode. Some of my clients feel surprised when they realize how long it has been since they felt truly grounded, once we engage in these exercises in session. Once we are more grounded, able to self regulate, and tolerate emotions we can then progress to the deeper work. This can be a great preparation for IFS and/or EMDR work.
Spiritual & Religious Counseling
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I'm not afraid of your religious or spiritual practices and beliefs, in fact, I welcome them! If you don't have any, that's ok too. Structuring therapy to fit your beliefs and values is so important to your overall wellbeing, and can be incorporated into the healing process. I have experience with various different Religions and Spiritual practices, as well as helping with Religious Trauma.
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This might look like:
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Exploration of what YOUR values and beliefs actually are.
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Spiritual and Religious growth, healing, conflicts and abuse
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Meaning-making
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