You may have experienced a certain modality or style of therapy in the past that you found helpful and hope for some of the same in your therapy with me. While I work to help you feel safe, I also ask you to be open to my approach, which may not be familiar to you. In addition to the “talking cure” I am active in my efforts to learn new therapeutic approaches that integrate knowledge from neurobiology, attachment theory, and the study of trauma, and I borrow from various approaches in response to the unique needs of my clients. I am trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, which are powerful “bottom-up,” or experiential approaches to address trauma, and I am currently learning more about Internal Family Systems (IFS), and will be training in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Therapy (AEDP). I sometimes have specific requests for CBT, which has many merits, but in my experience, is not as effective for treating trauma-related issues.
I am certified to provide the Safe and Sound Protocol, based on Polyvagal Theory.
Whether you know about these methods or not, they are tools for the work I do, and most important, is the relationship we develop in our work together. It will be the container for all we do, whatever the intervention.
As a technophile, I love experimenting with wearables and other methods for inducing calmer brain states, especially for those who are plagued by anxiety. While none of the gadgets I may sometimes refer to in session can replace the therapeutic value of an attuned presence, I do find that the act of searching for and developing healthy strategies for regulating your emotional states can be an empowering part of your healing. So if you are interested, I may suggest trying a *Muse headset if you have no experience and want to learn to meditate (I have one available for short-term loan). Or I might refer you to various websites that offer products that might help you learn to relax or attain calmness in some way. One such website is Advanced Brain Technology (ABT) for their music products. I do not benefit financially or personally in any way from ABT’s products even though I am listed in their directory. I do not actively work as a provider for ABT. (I once took a training to learn about their music therapy products and they automatically put me in their directory). I am, however, an active provider of Ils-Unyte’s Safe and Sound (SSP) Protocol, and can provide access to my active clients.
I am also a provider of neurofeedback, a form of biofeedback for the brain.
My ultimate goal is to work to help relieve emotional pain and to facilitate healing for you in a safe, non-judgmental environment. And also, to help you through your transition with improved emotional regulation and better coping skills.