Types of Therapies

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There is a theory that when trauma is unable to be processed completely, it gets stuck in our body. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (e.g., tapping, moving eyes side to side, audio sounds alternating from left to right ear drum) to fully process the trauma using small body movements. Sounds odd? It began as a treatment for our veterans but now has expanded to all persons with anxiety, trauma, and or depression.

CBT is a widely used and evidence-based therapeutic modality that focuses

on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It is based on

the premise that our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves, others, and the

world around us influence our emotions and drive our behaviors. I will use

CBT to help you identify and change negative or unhelpful patterns of

thinking and behavior that contribute to emotional distress or psychological

difficulties. This is a very collaborative and goal-oriented process between

the therapist and client. Let us work together to challenge and modify

cognitive distortions and develop healthier, more adaptive thoughts and

behaviors.

Trauma Focused CBT offers an additional component used for trauma processing (could be a single incident such as a car accident or death of a family member to trauma that may have lasted over many years such as parent conflict). The sessions are a mix of individual, parent trainings, and family sessions. 

This is also known as a "bug in the ear" therapy because the therapist is communicating to the parent in real time (via bluetooth) while the parent is playing with their child. This therapy is typically used for children 2-7 years old and focuses on the attachment between parent and child teaching communication and discipline strategies. 

The person-centered approach to therapy is a humanistic and client-centered

therapeutic modality that focuses on the inherent capacity for self-growth,

self-direction, and self-actualization. Which this approach I emphasize the

importance of creating a supportive and empathetic therapeutic relationship

that allows you to explore and express your true self without judgment or

conditions. I strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment where you

feel heard, understood, and respected. I also strive to maintain congruence

and authenticity, so you get a true version of myself as your therapist, in

each session.

TGCT is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that was specifically designed for teens (ages 11-17) to process grief, loss, and trauma. These modules teach necessary information on trauma responses, trauma reminders, grief reactions, and cycle of grief. The teen is taught coping skills, how to regulate emotions after trauma/loss. Optional parent/caregiver sessions can also be provided to include a supportive caregiver for teen support.