The Work
Because what works for one person in therapy may not work for another, each session is designed uniquely and collaboratively with the individuality of each client in mind. I have a therapeutic foundation in Transpersonal Psychology, which essentially means that I hold a strength-based approach to people and their challenges from a non-pathological perspective. I take into account all aspects of experience from a holistic lens and approach all elements with empathy and positive regard. Below please see specific practice points that help create the foundation of my work.
Art TherapyArt making offers a therapeutic opportunity to manipulate materials and create something. The process of problem solving, exploring new ground, creating unique marks and colors colors, or externalizing an emotion or part of the self through line shape and color can feel empowering. Art can support both sensory work and motor function. Art also has the capacity to enhance and capture present moment experience. It allows a client freedom to explore expression without judgment. It can help a client visualize steps towards possibility or solution. It can aid in articulating needs and desires that may hover just below to surface of consciousness. This is the modality through which I approach all of my therapy.
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is founded in the belief system that disturbing memories and unresolved trauma can be the cause for disrupted experience. This treatment modality allows people to recall and experience in a safe environment while receiving bilateral sensory input to diffuse the experience of distress or agitation. This technique can be incredibly helpful when working with trauma and past relationship distress in all age groups.
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Gestalt InfluenceA gestalt is equivalent to a whole. Thus, one of the major components to Gestalt work is the examination and exploration of all the different parts of the self. Particular emphasis and attention is given to those parts that someone may minimize, ignore, or deny. The intention here, is to give acceptance to the whole self. In my approach to my work with clients, we explore various parts of an individual. This may include feeling parts (sad part, mad part, joyful part, etc..), perceived "light" and "dark" parts, parts associated with traits (strong part, animal-lover part, playful part), or chronological parts (6 year old part, infant part, 33 year old part, etc...). So often the "parts" that we associate within ourselves need integration. So much of what we may experience as a challenge may be due to a dis-integration of a part. Exploring, nurturing, and welcoming those parts of ourselves back into our existence can be some of the most powerful work. We cannot see the whole without including all of its various dimensions and elements. All parts, feelings, identities, and experiences are welcome in this technique of therapy.
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Relationship & Attachment
All relational healing happens in relationship. I always offer a heart centered, non-judgmental, and compassionate approach to our work together. Being authentic can be challenging, and looking deeply into parts of ourselves often triggers big emotions. It is through creating a strong rapport, and trusting relationship that I hope to challenge clients to explore these sensitive and hidden parts.
We all have different experiences of our primary attachment relationship. This initial experience of "an other" is what frames all of our future relationships. In deeply investigating this foundation, we can explore how this may effect our current relational stressors, challenges, or patterns with our partners, friends, and children. Drawing awareness to these patterns, we have the ability to initiate and support change. |
Yoga
Though yoga is not directly a therapeutic approach to my work, much of my own daily practice, spirituality, and mindfulness background are intertwined with the eight limbs of yoga. Yoga is a way of life and much of the physical (or "Hatha") aspect is a practice in exploring day to day challenges through the metaphor of the body. As a Registered Yoga Teacher, I do often utilize my expertise to enrich and encourage my clients through their therapeutic experience.
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Mindfulness
Often in sessions I use contemplative and mindfulness based practices to draw more awareness to the body, emotions, and the context of a client's experiences. We often spend so much time looking into the future or assessing the past. Mindfulness allows us to stand and exist within the present, and notice our experience of purely being. Techniques I may use include: guided meditation and imagery, muscle relaxation, breathing techniques, and somatic awareness. I often will refer to external resources to help cultivate a holistic experience for clients outside of the therapy space. Once we draw conscious awareness to the present moment, we allow ourselves the opportunity to break free from what may be holding us back from a fully embodied experience.
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