Therapy Modalities
I offer both manualized treatment and an eclectic approach that is designed specifically for you and your presenting needs. Below are some of the modalities that I draw on, with your consent, to assist you with accomplishing your goals. All treatment is strengths-based and informed by attachment theory and a racial equity lens.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is particularly helpful when we are experiencing anxiety or just want to slow down and tune into a more rich existence. I often guide clients in grounding in nature, diaphragm breathing, or body scans to increase awareness of the present moment. Mindfulness has been shown to decrease our heart rate, lower blood pressure, and grow the prefrontal cortex of our brain which is in charge of logic, rational decision making, and impulse inhibition.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is an evidence-based treatment that helps reduce anxiety, depression, insomnia, and several other mental health symptoms. CBT involves learning about the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to become more intentional with what we are telling ourselves.
Somatic Internal Family Systems
Somatic IFS is an evidence-based treatment modality that recognizes that we all have different parts of us that have developed in response to our experiences, history, and developmental wounds. In therapy we can increase awareness of our parts in order to understand their role and how they help or hinder us from becoming our highest selves, facilitating healing through understanding and meaning making.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
DBT is helpful when we have skill deficits that are negatively impacting our relationships and overall functioning in life. DBT skills training can allow us to increase emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal relationships.
Sand Tray
Sand tray is appropriate when we might not have the language to describe what we are feeling. Sand art/expression was originally used by the native community and only later did the colonists adopt the method for psychotherapy. Sand tray will be used to connect with your cultural roots and healing practices. It helps with right brain integration and uses metaphors to create separation from ourselves which allows us to sustain curiosity longer.
Cognitive Processing Therapy
CPT is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD. It is highly structured and manualized, meaning that it is guided by a textbook and the client and therapist use a work book together to complete cognitive exercises.The duration of CPT treatment is anywhere from 6-14 weeks depending on the individual’s response to the material.
EMDR- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
EMDR therapy facilitates the accessing and processing of traumatic memories and other adverse life experience to bring these to an adaptive resolution. After successful treatment with EMDR therapy, affective distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal is reduced.