Services

Each person has their unique nature, concern, and emotional character – and as such I tailor my therapy to meet the specific needs of each client. I provide therapy that is relational, which means the encounter between therapist and client is part of the therapy process. Together we explore your challenges and difficulties, discover the underlying sources including wounds from earlier experiences, and identify what is needed. Together we will work toward healing, recovery, and restoration. This process involves many facets including:

• Building a sense of value and worth intrinsic to every human being.
• Discovering empowerment for facing what has seemed hopeless.
• Experiential strategies to internalize the insights and concepts learned.
• Discovering strategies to manage the anxiety and symptoms of trauma including PTSD.
• Connecting with others – which might include working through the blocks to building relationships.

There are different approaches to therapy. My work with you will be informed by these frames.

Attachment

Attachment is a vital concept in the process of my approach. Much has been discovered and developed in understanding significant adult relationships as more has been revealed about our childhood developmental process. Attachment theory emerged through research on the bond between parents and their children. It was observed that the sense of feeling loved and secure was connected to whether one feels their “attachment figure” (parent or caregiver) is nearby, accessible, and attentive. Further exploration has suggested that these early experiences have a significant impact on how we engage in adult emotionally intimate relationships. Our ability to connect with others is of major importance for mental health and emotional satisfaction.

Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-informed care is an approach to therapy that is grounded in and guided by an understanding of the neurological, biological, psychological, and social effects of trauma. Care focuses on compassionate and well-informed steps to recovery. Therapy is person-centered and functions from an affirming philosophy that suggests challenges and behaviors are often attempts at coping rather than from pathology. It is essential to provide care in an environment of safety, avoid re-traumatization, and discover new adaptive strategies to cope with the responses in the nervous system, emotions, and physically.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

An important avenue to accessing and repairing the results of trauma are found through the sensory and motor systems of our bodies. We hold and experience emotions in our muscles and nervous system, seen in our postures, automatic habits of movement, and our ability to regulate the nervous system. A treatment modality developed by Pat Ogden and others incorporates awareness of the body into clinical practice. It addresses the sensorimotor systems as well as the psychological effects of adverse experiences into treatment. Sensorimotor psychotherapy supports a “deep, effective, and unified approach to healing.”

Spirituality/Faith

I believe that we as human beings are not only made up of emotional and physical parts, but we have a spiritual part that is key to feeling whole. My own Christian faith is important to me and is a core part of what informs my therapy practice. However, I do not insist or suggest that my faith beliefs are to be imposed on you. I welcome each person’s personal faith journey and look forward to seeing where your particular beliefs intersect with your well-being. Fostering spiritual development is an important part of “soul care.”

Overall, I work largely from a psychodynamic perspective incorporating sensorimotor psychotherapy treatment. I also draw from other modalities including, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, interpersonal therapy, and systems approaches.

Contact Today