ABOUT MY APPROACH & METHODS
My approach to psychotherapy is first and foremost:
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Relational & connected
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Attentive
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Collaborative
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Humanistic
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Person-Centered
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Empathic
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Compassionate
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Validating
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Experiential
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Attachment theory-based
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Trauma-informed
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Focused on changing root-cause neurobiological & relational systems
rather than focusing on symptom management
... and also:
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Strengths-based
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Empowering
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Encouraging
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Non-pathologizing
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Grounded in scientific research & theory (particularly neuroscience)
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Holistic & Somatic
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A balanced dynamic of leading and following
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A balance of organic and professional
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A balance of direct and sensitive
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Gender-affirming
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Culturally sensitive & informed by cultural humility
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Psychoeducational
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Depth oriented & psychodynamic
(processing the subconscious and childhood core experiences)
... while at times my approach can be:
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Lovingly challenging
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Playful & humorous
About my Methods:
The two primary theories of humanistic experiential psychotherapy I use are:
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Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) for relationships
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Mindfulness-based experiential therapy (MBET) for individual & group therapy:
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Hakomi and Re-Creation of Self (RCS) models
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In EFT, I work with relationships to:
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Identify and step out of subconscious feedback systems
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Communicate more clearly
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Respond more effectively
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Work as a team
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Increase engagement and availability
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Repair relationship injuries & resolve relationship traumas
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Strengthen bonds and intimacy
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Stabilize and naturalize more effective relationship patterns & strategies
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Develop secure attachment
In MBET, I work with clients in collaborative mindfulness to:
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Stimulate neuroplasticity (changing the wiring of the brain)
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Expand the possibility of positive life experiences
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Disrupt unhelpful habit patterns
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Integrate parts of self and experience more wholeness
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Explore the subconscious mind including:
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Thoughts and core beliefs
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Somatic (bodily) experiences, sensations, postures and impulses
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Emotions
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Memories (particularly early childhood memories)
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Explore parts of self
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Explore mind-states
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Role play to integrate new possibilities or deeply explore habit patterns
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Explore relationship dynamics with the therapist
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Regulate and resolve traumatic feelings
I also incorporate techniques and ideas from:
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Gottman method
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PACT (the psychobiological approach to couples therapy)
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Relational life therapy
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NVC (nonviolent communication/compassionate communication)
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Systems theory
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IPNB (Interpersonal neurobiology)
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Polyvagal Theory
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Gestalt
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Somatic experiencing
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Psychodrama
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Three pillars model of attachment treatment & IPF (ideal parent figure) protocol
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Feminist theory
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Existential psychotherapy philosophies
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NLP (neurolinguistic programming)
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EMDR (eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing)
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Multicultural Counseling Theory
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IFS (internal family systems)
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CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch to schedule a free 30 minute consultation to discuss your wants and needs in therapy or ask me any questions you might have.