Modalities

Therapeutic approaches are taken based on the unique life experiences of the individual client. What works for one client may not work for another. We will work together to find the right therapeutic approach and modality for your needs and create an individual treatment plan designed just for you. Below are descriptions of various modalities I commonly use in Therapy Sessions. If a particular modality resonates with you, please do not hesitate to let me know when we begin working together. 

Creative Arts Therapy

Healing Arts Therapy is a holistic form of therapy that utilizes art, music, dance, poetry, spirituality, storytelling, sand tray, play, and other creative processes to help individuals achieve emotional healing and growth. It provides a safe and non-judgmental space for you to express yourself creatively, helping you process emotions that you may not be able to put into words. Creative expression allows for deeper exploration of our inner wisdom and may uncover subconscious thoughts, feelings, and patterns that were previously hidden from our awareness, allowing us to gain greater insight into our inner world. Expressive Arts Therapy can be particularly helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma or have difficulty verbalizing feelings. The creative process provides a way to work through trauma in a non-verbal way, enabling to express your emotions and release the negative energy associated with traumatic experiences. 

Somatic Therapy & Polyvagal Theory-Informed Therapy

Somatic therapy is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the connection between mind and body, acknowledging that emotional experiences are often manifested in physical symptoms. Through various techniques such as movement, guided visualization, and breath work, somatic therapy helps you to access and process unresolved emotions (trauma) stored in the body. In therapy, somatic techniques can assist in identifying and releasing trauma, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. By bringing awareness to physical sensations and movements, somatic therapy can increase body awareness and foster self-regulation, leading to improved emotional wellbeing.

Both Somatic Therapy and Polyvagal Theory can be utilized to address bodily responses to trauma and help us learn to regulate our nervous systems. Polyvagal theory suggests that the autonomic nervous system is comprised of three distinct responses - ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal. As you begin to understand the hierarchy of these responses, you can become more aware of the patterns of your autonomic nervous system and learn skills to regulate your body's physiological responses.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

IFS is a therapeutic approach in which individuals begin to identify, explore, and differentiate the different parts of themselves that can often become burdened, fragmented, and disconnected over our lives due to trauma, hurt, and other negative life experiences. One of the primary benefits of IFS is its ability to empower you to take control of your own healing process. As you begin to identify your parts and the extreme roles they have taken on, you can see the impact that your parts have on your emotions, behaviors, and relationships. With this awareness, you can align with the core and truest part of you- your Self- integrate and unburden your parts, and make room for the Self to lead you to greater harmony and balance in your internal world as it was intended. IFS can be especially helpful for those struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. If you are looking to explore new avenues for growth and healing, IFS therapy may be the right choice for you.

Narrative Therapy

Narrative therapy is a therapeutic approach that works to separate individuals from the problem and empowers them to identify personal narratives that have dominated their life and influenced their thinking, feelings, and actions. The approach uses techniques such as storytelling and statement mapping to create a more helpful and preferred narrative, one where you can see yourself as a capable, resourceful, and strong individual. By reframing unhelpful personal narratives, you will begin see to yourself, your experiences, and your interactions in a different way. You will find solutions to problems that once seemed insurmountable and find new meaning and new possibilities. Narrative Therapy can help you view yourself as an essential part of your healing, rather than a passive recipient, and it can help you overcome a variety of emotional issues, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and low self-esteem.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT (pronounced "ACT") can be incredibly beneficial in therapy as it helps individuals build resilience and develop a sense of agency over their emotions. Rather than trying to eliminate unpleasant thoughts and feelings, ACT encourages you to develop a new relationship with them. Through strategies such as mindfulness and values identification, you can learn to respond to your thoughts and feelings in a way that aligns with your values and promotes your personal growth. With ACT, you can develop a sense of inner peace and move towards a life that is more meaningful and fulfilling. ACT can be a highly effective approach for individuals struggling with a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. 

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented form of therapy that focuses on finding solutions to a specific problem rather than exploring the root causes. This approach encourages individuals to focus on their strengths, abilities, and resources rather than dwelling on their limitations. SFBT is helpful because it empowers you to take charge of your own life and make positive changes. Rather than being a passive recipient of therapy, we will actively collaborate to set specific, achievable goals and develop concrete action plans. This solution-focused approach can be especially helpful for those who are feeling stuck or overwhelmed by a particular issue, as it helps them break the problem down into manageable pieces and identify actionable steps they can take to make progress. SFBT is a practical and results-oriented form of therapy that can help you achieve your goals, build resilience, and improve your overall sense of well-being.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT uses various strategies and techniques to help individuals identify their negative thought patterns and challenge them to use positive and helpful thinking. With CBT, you also learn many healthy coping skills and relaxation techniques to help you manage your emotions and improve your overall well-being. Research has shown that CBT can be an effective treatment for anxiety, depression, and a variety of mental health issues, helping you to feel better and function more effectively in their your life.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a scientifically-proven program designed to reduce stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions by promoting self-awareness and mindfulness techniques. Through a combination of mindfulness practices such as meditation and body scans, you will learn to focus on the present moment without judgment, increase self-compassion and acceptance, and develop new ways of coping with stressors. Studies have shown that practicing MBSR can help decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. It has also been linked to improved immune system functioning and reduced inflammation levels in the body. By incorporating mindfulness into daily life, you can cultivate a sense of calm, balance, and resilience, which can enhance overall well-being and improve your relationships with others. MBSR is a powerful tool that empowers you to better manage stress and live a happier, more fulfilling life.