Identify triggers in your life and help you to manage them
Help you heal past trauma and and stop self destructive behavior
Bring you more in line with who want to be
Go from stress, unhappiness and feeling lost to feeling peace, stability and fulfillment.
Find more love and caring in your relationships
Achieve peace, empowerment, and inspiration
Get more life satisfaction
I Understand That Therapy Is a Financial Commitment, but it's also an investment in yourself.
Why invest in therapy? Because YOU are Worth it! Therapy is a life investment. Most who have successfully completed therapy can attest to its true value. Counseling is much like “emotional surgery.” It’s uncomfortable and scary, but so worth it once completed.
50-55 minute video session (or phone call, if you prefer): $150 for individuals $250 for couples
2 hour video session: $225
*I do offer some sliding scale spots for circumstances of financial hardship
Email/Texting Subscription $150 per week You may not feel like talking on the phone or doing video chat, which is fine. We can exchange emails or texts using the Signal messaging app.You can email or text me and I will give you a thoughtful response and feedback within 24 hours. Text or email therapy is a good option if you are testing the waters before doing a video session. It's also nice for someone who wants a little help as problems arise and not have to wait for their weekly appointment.
I accept credit, debit, and flexible/health savings cards Insurance is not accepted, however statements are provided each month for those interested in pursuing out of network benefits through their health insurance provider. Please note: insurance companies require a DSM-V diagnosis for reimbursement.
I am focused on and committed to helping individuals work through anxiety, grief, and trauma/PTSD. In my experience and training, I have found that body-based/bottom-up approaches work best to help a person move through the healing process. The approaches I use most frequently are Brainspotting and Internal Family Systems therapy, which I often combine. The following is an overview of these two therapy approaches and how they work together:
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a therapeutic model developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. It posits that our psyche is made up of different parts or sub-personalities, each with its own beliefs, emotions, and functions. IFS therapy aims to help individuals identify and understand these inner parts, and ultimately, to bring harmony and balance within the self. The process involves:
1. **Self-Leadership**: In IFS therapy, the "Self" is considered the core of one's being, often described as calm, compassionate, and curious. This Self serves as the guiding force in therapy and helps individuals connect with their inner parts.
2. **Exiles**: Exiles are the wounded and traumatized parts of our psyche. They hold the unresolved pain and trauma, often causing emotional distress, anxiety, and grief.
3. **Protectors**: Protectors are the parts that emerge to shield us from the pain held by Exiles. While they have good intentions, they can sometimes manifest as behaviors like anger, addiction, or avoidance, which can lead to more harm than good.
4. **Firefighters**: These parts react impulsively in an attempt to stop emotional distress. They may lead to impulsive or self-destructive behaviors, further complicating the healing process.
The IFS process involves identifying, understanding, and working with these parts to promote healing and self-integration.
Brainspotting, developed by Dr. David Grand, is a therapeutic technique that involves identifying and processing the neurobiological source of emotional pain, trauma, and other distressing experiences. It's based on the idea that our eye positions can be indicative of the emotional or traumatic memories stored in our brains. Through the guidance of a trained therapist, clients locate their "brainspots" and process the associated emotions.
How IFS and Brainspotting Work in Harmony
1. **Identifying and Healing Exiles**: IFS therapy excels in identifying and working with Exiles, the wounded parts of the psyche. By understanding and integrating these parts, individuals begin the process of healing. Brainspotting can complement this by providing a focused and efficient way to process the traumatic memories stored in these Exiles, thus accelerating the healing process.
2. **Taming Protectors and Firefighters**: Protectors and Firefighters may resist therapy or act as barriers to healing. IFS helps establish a trusting and compassionate relationship with these parts. Brainspotting can then help identify the source of their protective behaviors, often rooted in past traumas, and neutralize their intensity.
3. **Holistic Healing**: The synergy between IFS and Brainspotting allows for a more holistic healing approach. IFS therapy provides the framework for understanding and navigating the inner world, while Brainspotting offers a neurobiological mechanism to release trauma held in the body, creating a comprehensive path toward emotional well-being.
The combination of IFS therapy and Brainspotting holds great promise for individuals seeking to heal from trauma, anxiety, and grief. Together, they offer a comprehensive approach to understanding, addressing, and resolving the complex web of emotions and memories that can weigh us down. As with any therapeutic approach, it's essential to work with trained and experienced professionals to guide you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery. Through this integrated approach, individuals can find a path towards resilience, inner peace, and a brighter, emotionally balanced future.