Modalities

CBT is  a type of talk therapy where we examine the relationship between our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. This is a logic-based type of therapy that focuses on empowering clients to recognize harmful or negative patterns of thoughts and behaviors in order to make shifts or changes in how we view ourselves, others, and the world around us. 

EMDR is a mix of talk and somatic-based therapy used for trauma processing. It is designed to "take the heat" out of traumatic memories and minimize the distress they cause us in everyday life.  It works by using bilateral stimulation and exploring our memory networks in order to shift our perspective on our traumatic memories and to gain a sense of empowerment. 

Parts Work involves identifying different parts of ourselves and gaining an increased understanding for their motivations to do what they do. All of us have different parts, often organized into protective parts or wounded parts who influence our feelings, beliefs, and reactions. Parts work helps us get to know and increase our understanding of the parts in our internal family.

Mindfulness Therapy recognizes that humans are complex beings with the amazing ability to experience multiple different times at once. We can reflect on the past, experience the present, and plan for the future. Many of us can either get stuck in the past or become anxious about  the future. Mindfulness helps to ground us in the present moment, gain increased connection to our bodies, and gain a better understanding of (and even to detach from) our thoughts.

Narrative Therapy is based on the tendency for humans to make meaning out of ourselves and our experiences through stories. Often when something bad happens to us, if left to our own devices, "our story" may reflect negatively or unfairly on ourselves, leading to negative or unfair core beliefs -- which then become reinforced through our story. Narrative Therapy aims to reexamine our story and to allow ourselves to re-author our experience from a more adaptive lens.

I often state that the cornerstone to any therapeutic work we do is to first create a strong foundation of self-compassion. Cultivation of self-compassion is beginning to recognize that our first and foremost relationship is with ourselves, and it is necessary to create a sense of safety within us if we are going to do scary things like introspection or to take steps toward change.