About My Practice

I see myself as an eclectic and flexible therapist. I use a combination of different modalities to meet each client’s individual needs and preferences. Here are some examples of the therapies I integrate into my practice:

  • EMDR  Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

Some aspects of memories and experiences are stored in the nervous system in a nonverbal form, (e.g., sights, sounds, smells, physical sensations, feelings of helplessness, lack of power, shame, guilt, fear).

When something in the present triggers an unresolved traumatic memory, the same old feelings come up again. Often times, we aren’t aware of the fact that those feelings are parts of a memory. We can’t access and process them through talk therapy, because they are stored in the right hemisphere of brain.

EMDR is very effective at getting this information to move towards integration with the verbal (or narrative) information, located on the left hemisphere. The traumatic memory can be processed and become just that, a memory. There is no reason to feel the pain over and over again.

EMDR activates both sides of the brain through simple back and forth eye movements. It is also thought that the eye movements have a role in the processing of information, as it happens during REM sleep when we dream.

For an introductory video about EMDR, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkfln-ZtWeY&feature=youtu.be

For more information about EMDR visit the EMDR International Association website, at http://www.emdria.org/

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

We all have some core beliefs that lead us to see the world through our own special lenses. Sometimes those lenses distort reality. In these cases, our interpretation of reality is maladaptive, and can cause distress. Cognitive therapy challenges those beliefs and promotes a more realistic perspective.

 

Behavioral therapy is used to replace old responses and behaviors with more adaptive ones.

  • Psychodynamic therapy

We learn how to relate to others trough our early life experiences. Sometimes unresolved issues from past relationships trigger certain emotional responses and behaviors in our present relationships, depending on what the situation means to us. Unresolved issues from the past may be carried on to our adult relationships and cause difficulties in the present.

  • Attachment Theory

This theory looks at the way we attach to our caregivers during early development, and the patterns of attachment we form and utilize as a result.

Understanding attachment issues can help improve relationship difficulties. It also opens the door to more effective parenting.

  • Existential therapy

Existential therapy deals with life givens such as freedom, responsibility, death, human limitations, isolation and meaning. It promotes acceptance of the occasional absurdity of the human condition, and restores hope. It helps us become aware of different options we can choose from, create meaning in life and relationships and accept responsibility.

  • Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a state of being present in the body and in the moment, and being aware without being judgmental. The ability to observe one’s thoughts feelings and sensations objectively, without an emotional response, allows us to expand our self awareness to the different aspects of our experience. We can promote our self understanding and self acceptance. Those skills can be later applied to different life situations, and to our interpersonal relationships. Mindfulness is believed to promote a sense of wellbeing, improve mood and attitudes and boost the immune system. Although mindfulness has its roots in Buddhism, it has been researched, adapted and widely used in mainstream medicine and psychology.

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed 

The premise of IFS is that we all have internal parts. They interact with each other much like family members. They hold “burdens” (e.g., negative beliefs, painful feelings) and dysfunctional coping styles/defense mechanisms  they learned through life events and traumas. Often times, parts get  blended with who we really are (the “Self”), and create problems. We all have a core healthy “Self”.  It is characterized by eight positive  qualities (or “C” words). It is Calm, Confident, Curious, Clear, Courageous, Creative, Connected, and Compassionate. Therapy helps create internal harmony, free parts from their burdens and dysfunctional coping mechanisms, and allow us to operate from the “self”.