TRAUMA THERAPY
As a trained and informed trauma therapist I approach trauma therapy from a “safety first” perspective. We will go slow at first (although I know this can be frustrating!) Our first sessions will be spent creating an environment that is secure both physically and emotionally. This can look like maintaining confidentiality, establishing boundaries, and communicating in a trustworthy and transparent manner. Additionally, it is important to build trust through honesty, respect, and reliability on both the therapist and client sides. I don’t know more than you do about your feelings or experiences, I’m not here to judge you, and I understand how difficult and powerless childhood trauma and PTSD can feel. Most of all, I want YOU to be in the driver’s seat when it comes to your healing. We will work together on restoring your sense of control, improve distress tolerance and emotional regulation, and learn how to be in and trust in the body. I’m trained in several trauma interventions including ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), WET (Written Exposure Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems), and the Flash method (similar to EMDR). More about ART and EMDR below:
COUPLE'S THERAPY AND RELATIONSHIP COACHING
As a Certified Neurodivergent Couple's Counselor through the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE), I have the opportunity to work with couples who seem to have everything going for them but miss the mark when communicating their needs, wants, and desires. Often, my neurodivergent clients (where one person is on the autism spectrum-typically ASD1- and the other person is neurotypical or both are on the spectrum) struggle when going to traditional (e.g. Gottman or Emotionally Focused) couples counseling because basic differences in Theory of Mind (Cognitive Empathy), Alexithymia, or demand avoidance are not understood by therapists unfamiliar with these issues. My approach to couples therapy is hands on, offering real solutions to real problems using the AANE model. That said, my experiential approach to couples counseling still incorporates and draws from the work of the Gottmans, Terry Real (Relational Life Therapy), Emily Nagoski, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), ART, Imago, and Gestalt. I believe childhood experiences, trauma, and attachment styles can influence the way we connect with our partner and should also be explored when working with couples and doing relationship coaching.
AUTISM & ADHD
Neurodivergence is an amazing aspect of human diversity that celebrates the variations in our brains and nervous systems! This umbrella term includes conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and others. Neurodivergent brains bring unique strengths and abilities to the table. While neurodivergent individuals may face challenges in certain areas, we also have incredible talents and perspectives that enrich our world. With that in mind, I am an Autism and ADHD affirming therapist. I mostly work with ASD1 clients (formerly Asperger's) and ADHD, but I do utilize interventions for dyslexia, OCD, and other neurodivergent variations. So how do I do therapy with Neurodivergent peeps? Interactive, practical, fun, and experiential: Stim toys in my office, don't believe in sitting silent while my clients squirm, practicing social skills, problem solving, thoughtful listening, and collaboration. I encourage list making before therapy sessions and I understand shyness around special interests- but I'm totally down if you want to talk about it! I'm here to provide support and understanding in the oftentimes confusing world made by and for neurotypicals.