Therapeutic Modalities
I am eclectic in my therapeutic approach. I weave several therapy modalities, tools, and frameworks to support my clients. I find that each person is unique and therefore I enjoy pulling from a variety of approaches to help my client’s on their healing journey.
Here are the modalities I use
Somatic (body-based) & Mindfulness
Trauma lives in our bodies in emotions and sensations. Somatic and mindfulness skills can help people get in touch with and experience their emotions and sensations in their bodies in the present moment in manageable doses. Learning to do this, can help us process our experiences both in the present and past.
Parts Work
People are made up of many different parts of themselves. Talking with our parts with an attitude of curiosity, non-judgement, and kindness can often lead people to greater self-understanding, self-compassion, and feelings of wholeness. Often when people have experienced childhood trauma, they have younger parts of themselves that have pain that’s never been seen, understood, or validated. These younger parts of us need loving attention to heal. I use parts work techniques derived from Gestalt Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is an evidence-based trauma treatment therapy that combines somatic (body-based) tools and mindfulness skills to help people process past traumatic experiences. EMDR helps people work with their past distressing experiences, present challenges, and address possible future situations. EMDR can help people feel a sense of resolve with their past and resilience in their present.
Attachment-based Therapy
Exploring our early relationships with our caregivers can help give us insight into our present day patterns of relating to people. People who’ve experienced childhood trauma often have relational or attachment wounds from their early life experiences. By addressing and healing our attachment wounds whether in couple / relationship therapy with a partner or through a supportive and empathetic relationship with a therapist, we can develop healthier and more secure ways of relating to others and ourselves in our lives.
Non-violent Communication (NVC)
Non-violent communication is a tool I use in couple and relationship sessions as well as with individuals who are looking to learn healthy communication skills. NVC provides a structure for speaking that is direct, non-judgemental, and compassionate. NVC can be a helpful tool to develop deep listening, perspective-taking, express feelings, needs, & make requests. I use additional communication tools to teach clients how to identify, name, and maintain healthy boundaries to set their relationships up for success.
Social Justice Lens
I acknowledge that people’s experiences in life are continually shaped by the identities they hold (both of privilege & marginalization) & the culture & environments they exist within. I welcome and celebrate diverse identities. I will honor and validate how your experience of your identities has impacted your life.
Client-centered / Humanistic Therapy
I believe that clients are the experts on their own experiences. My role as a therapist is to support you in achieving your unique goals by providing an environment of compassion, non-judgment, acceptance, and authenticity. I believe these qualities are essential for healing. I also hold the beliefs that every individual is inherently good & possesses everything they need to reach their full potential.