I provide individual counseling to adolescents (16+) and adults for the following concerns:
Depression
When someone feels depressed, they may experience sadness, withdrawal from others, fatigue, low confidence, irritability or anger, difficulty being productive, and sleep issues.
Life Transitions
These changes may include a significant move or job change, separation/divorce, and/or adjusting to a new health diagnosis.
Anxiety
Feeling stressed, nervous, agitated, or overwhelmed, with constant worries and thoughts fixated on situations like social interactions or work performance. Panic attacks may also occur, with symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, and sweating.
Loss, Grief,
& Bereavement
The loss, including a traumatic loss, might be that of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or close friends moving away.
I have a deep understanding of the complexities of trauma and its impact on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. My goal is to provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their experiences and work towards healing and recovery as well as reconnecting with a sense of safety and inner calm.
My approach to trauma counseling is holistic, focusing on the interconnectedness of mind, body, and emotions in the experience of trauma. I strongly believe in the importance of integrating various therapeutic modalities, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness practices, to address the diverse needs of individuals recovering from trauma. Furthermore, I recognize the role of the body in processing and healing from trauma, so I will promote techniques that will help regulate the nervous system and release stored tension and trauma responses.
I have worked with a diverse range of clients dealing with various forms of trauma, including but not limited to:
Childhood trauma (e.g. emotional, physical, and/or sexual), Domestic violence, Sexual assault, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Motor vehicle accidents. Trauma can also include the witnessing of something traumatic (e.g witnessing the World Trade Center attack on TV).
Trauma Counseling
Treatment Modalities
Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the idea that each individual is a system of protective and wounded "parts". These parts have different feelings, thoughts, memories, and beliefs, and they can sometimes be in conflict with each other or with the individual's core self. The goal of IFS therapy is to help clients access and understand these different parts, work towards healing inner conflicts, and ultimately foster harmony and balance within the individual. This approach is often used to treat various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues.
Schwartz explains IFS therapy in more detail in this video.
Internal Family Systems
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a type of therapy that helps individuals process distressing memories and emotions, especially related to traumatic experiences. EMDR involves the use of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or hand tapping, while focusing on specific memories or triggers. This therapy aims to help individuals reprocess these memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact and helps them develop more adaptive coping mechanisms.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes, showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences.
The American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Veteran Affairs Canada, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense, and the World Health Organization among many other national and international organizations recognize EMDR therapy as an effective treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change thinking and behavior patterns that are harmful or ineffective, replacing them with more accurate thoughts and functional behaviors. It can help a person focus on current problems and how to solve them. It often involves practicing new skills in the “real world.” CBT can be helpful in treating a variety of disorders, including depression, anxiety, and trauma related disorders. For example, CBT can help a person with depression recognize and change negative thought patterns or behaviors that are contributing to the depression.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Attachment-based approaches in therapy are types of therapeutic interventions that focus on exploring and addressing patterns in how individuals form and maintain relationships. These approaches are rooted in attachment theory, which suggests that early experiences with primary caregivers (parents) shape an individual's view of themselves and others, as well as their ability to develop healthy relationships.
Therapists using attachment-based approaches may help clients explore their attachment style, understand how past relationships impact current behavior, and work on improving communication and building secure attachments in their current relationships. The goal of these approaches is to help clients develop healthier attachment patterns and improve their mental well-being and overall quality of life.
Attachment Therapy
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the present moment, without letting thoughts about the past or future distract you. It involves paying attention to the “here and now” such as your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the environment around you with a non-judgmental attitude. Mindfulness can help reduce stress, increase focus, and improve overall well-being.
Mindfulness
