“When we walk to the edge of all the light we have and take a
step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe that one
of two things will happen. There will be something solid for us
to stand on or we will be taught to fly.”
~
Patrick Overton
Venturing into the unknown, or getting to know ourselves at a deeper level, can feel scary at times. I am committed to helping make the process for you as smooth as possible. Congratulations on taking that first step!
FOR ADULT CLIENTS:
I offer talk therapy, with an approach that is very warm and affirming. My goal is to help you navigate the challenging issues you may be facing, and to help you feel more empowered. With many years of professional (as well as life) experience, and deep appreciation for the diversity of human experience, I am able to connect with clients in some very meaningful ways. Common issues I work with include: anxiety, grief, relational issues, significant life events, trauma, depression, and parenting challenges.
FOR ADULT and TEEN / PRETEEN CLIENTS:
I offer Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
ART is an eye-movement therapy based on EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing); however, it is more somatic focused, has a more structured protocol, and is generally much quicker. ART is suitable for adults and older children. It is a relatively new evidence-based therapy (about 14 years old) that focuses on reprocessing negative memories and emotional/physical sensations, so that they do not have the same "pull" anymore. The process is unique, and creative (which clients tend to like), and includes a blending of several therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), guided imagery, Jungian, psychodynamic, somatic-based, and oftentimes Gestalt. At the end of an ART session, clients typically share that they feel more confident in their ability to handle a current situation or past memory.
ART has application across numerous areas. Some of the issues I have helped clients overcome/better manage through ART include: trauma, abuse, generalized anxiety, loss, bereavement, phobias, addiction, indecision, intense anger, and depression. It is not uncommon for a client to say they feel 75 percent better after one session. However, many clients will benefit from several or more sessions; especially if there is complex trauma. The level of relief is also related to the level of focus and motivation for change that the client brings with them.
How does ART work? The eye movements are believed to replicate REM sleep, our deepest sleep, where we reprocess memories and try to resolve problems in our dream state. The client is guided through a process of seeing their problem and resolving or coming to terms with it - which includes positively converting negative thoughts and emotions that are connected to the problem. The client is always the one in control of their process - with help from the therapist. One thing I love about ART is that a client can feel a sense of resolution and relief from symptoms without needing to share specifics of their trauma.
I have conducted over 200 ART sessions with clients. I was trained in 2015 by Laney Rosenzweig, the founder of ART. Following my Basic training in ART I took both of the upper-level trainings, and am certified at the Master (highest) level. My own personal experience with ART is that during my initial training practicum, I received help in overcoming a phobia I had struggled with all my life; eight years later in 2023, I still feel confident in my ability to handle a "triggering" situation when it arises.
For more information on ART:
ART Website
TEDx Talk on ART
How ART Helps Veterans with PTSD
Journal of Clinical Neuroscience - Article on ART
Article on ART and EMDR
FOR CHILD CLIENTS: **NOTE: I am not offering child/play therapy at this time (Winter 2023)**
FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS:
For Mental Health Professionals, I offer Play Therapy supervision, including supervision toward the RPT (Registered Play Therapist) credential. I also offer consultation for child/ play therapists in general.
For information on the RPT credential, please visit the Association for Play Therapy's credentialing homepage: https://www.a4pt.org/page/CredentialsHomepage
** Please contact me for more information, or to schedule a time to meet.