Therapy
I believe that with the right therapeutic relationship and a safe space, an individual can discover their true self and become empowered to face life's hardest challenges. People often seek therapy when they are feeling stuck in some sort of way. Challenges are a normal part of everyday life, it is the way we respond to these events that determine how we can better learn and grow from them. I believe that we as people have an innate wisdom within ourselves to help guide us to the healthiest version of oneself. Although this knowledge is sometimes hard to recognize, within this is where I can help.
Therapy is a collaborative partnership that brings awareness to underlying issues that have caused challenges in relationships, work and everyday life. I help clients relieve negative patterns and put in place positive ways of navigating through the world by helping clients understand how their past experiences dictate their current actions. I incorporate mindfulness to help you acknowledge your thoughts and feelings with compassion. I believe every feeling has a purpose (yes, even the “bad”ones). Instead of trying to fight that feeling, it is important to try and understand what the feeling is trying to communicate to us.
I also use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. Stress responses are part of our natural fight, flight, or freeze instincts. When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create feelings of overwhelm, of being back in that moment, or of being “frozen in time.” EMDR therapy helps the brain process these memories, and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved.
In my work with couples, I use The Gottman Method to help disarm conflicting verbal communication, increase intimacy, respect, and affection, remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy in conflicting situations, and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship. In most relationships, conflict is inevitable, which is why the goal in therapy is to manage conflict rather than resolve it. When given the right tools, conflict could be an opportunity to learn about our partners needs and in turn create greater connection and closeness.
Having a safe space where one can feel seen and accepted can help facilitate you in achieving your greatest potential. I will help you get to the root of what’s causing your current life struggles towards a state of great clarity, peace and wholeness.