Approach to Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a therapeutic approach designed to help you process and heal from past trauma, painful memories, and negative beliefs that may be holding you back. It’s a gentle yet powerful method that works by using specific eye movements (or other forms of bilateral stimulation) to help your brain process and "reintegrate" difficult experiences in a healthier way.
Here are the 8 phases of EMDR, explained in a simple way:
History and Treatment Planning: We’ll start by talking about your life, the issues or traumas you're facing, and how you want to feel better. We’ll also set clear goals for your healing journey.
Preparation: Together, we’ll create a sense of safety. I’ll teach you techniques to help you manage any strong emotions or distress that may come up during our work.
Assessment: We’ll identify a specific memory or event that you’d like to work through, and pinpoint the thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations associated with it.
Desensitization: This is the phase where the magic happens. Using eye movements (or other techniques), we’ll work to process the trauma memory, so it no longer triggers intense emotional reactions. Over time, the memory will feel less distressing.
Installation: We’ll replace any negative beliefs you hold about yourself (like "I’m not safe" or "I’m unworthy") with more positive, empowering beliefs.
Body Scan: Together, we’ll check for any lingering tension or discomfort in your body related to the memory. If we find any, we’ll work to release it so you feel more at ease.
Closure: At the end of each session, we’ll make sure you feel stable and grounded before leaving, so you can continue your day with a sense of calm and confidence.
Reevaluation: In future sessions, we’ll revisit the memories we’ve worked on to see how you're doing and ensure you’re feeling more peaceful and empowered.
The Goal of EMDR is to help you process difficult memories, reduce emotional distress, and shift your negative beliefs to more balanced, healthy ones. This allows you to feel more in control of your life, more connected to the present moment, and more resilient when faced with challenges. EMDR can help you heal from past wounds and live a life that feels more peaceful and authentic.
To learn more about what EMDR sessions would look like:
Experiencing EMDR Therapy - EMDR International Association (emdria.org)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I use a Parts Work perspective to help you explore the various aspects that make up who you are. Together, we’ll uncover the different thoughts, feelings, and behaviors you experience, and understand how each one has played a role in your survival and coping mechanisms. The foundation of Parts Work is that there are no bad parts—each part has developed for a reason, often to protect or help you in challenging situations. The goal of our work together is to help you acknowledge, accept, and invite these parts into a collaborative and harmonious relationship. As we do this, these parts can evolve into more adaptive, proactive roles that support your well-being and personal growth.
By gaining insight into these different aspects of yourself, you can foster greater self-compassion, create lasting change, and experience deeper healing.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a therapeutic approach that helps you move beyond the limits of black-and-white thinking by embracing the "gray area" of life. It empowers you to find balance between opposites—accepting yourself as you are, while also working toward meaningful change. In our work together, we’ll focus on building skills in the following key areas:
Emotion Regulation: Learn to understand, manage, and respond to intense emotions in healthy, balanced ways.
Distress Tolerance: Develop practical strategies to navigate difficult situations without feeling overwhelmed or resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Strengthen your ability to communicate, set boundaries, and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Mindfulness: Cultivate awareness and presence in the moment, helping you reduce stress and increase emotional clarity.
Through DBT, you’ll gain valuable tools that help you manage life's challenges with resilience and create lasting emotional well-being
