About Therapy
session vibes
We'll meet for our virtual sessions via a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform (or phone session, if needed). Feel free to have a cozy blanket, coffee or water, or a tasty snack at the ready. Just be sure that you're in private space with limited distractions (no driving, please!), and you'll need to be in New York during our session. I'll check in with you about the happenings since our last session, review any homework from the previous session, and go from there. While I support and am skilled in treating an array of mental health conditions, it's important to feel safe and comfortable first!
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You're the driver in this space--we'll go at whatever pace you feel is best for your mind and body.
modalities & approach
Psychodynamic/Humanistic/Person-Centered
Our therapeutic alliance and rapport is my top priority. I want to ensure that you feel safe and secure in this space, even in the virtual world! Respect, nonjudgement, dignity, and compassion are the the core of my work as a therapist, and that's what I will provide. I'll listen, ask questions, and explore patterns from the past that may be showing up in your present. It's only then (in my experience) that real, transformational change can happen. I bring my authentic self to this space while attuning to your needs in the present.Â
Attachment-based & Relational
Attachment theory tells us that a secure-base is essential for safety, curiosity, creativity, and trust. It's that inner child that can feel brave going out into the world knowing that if they fall, get scared, or get hurt, there is someone there who will be with them and see them through. Often times, early childhood experiences may impact individuals' ability to feel safe, secure, and trusting of the world and others. By being that model of consistency, safety, and security, I aim to create that safe-base for my clients so that can go out and explore the world and take on life's challenges with courage.
Trauma-informed/EMDR
(Eye-movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
I look at the whole self—mind & body—through a trauma-informed perspective, which means I'll explore your present experiences and work with you to identify themes or patterns from the past that may be surfacing, consciously or unconsciously. You may notice some intense emotional and nervous system dysregulation when you're overwhelmed and flooded, which likely means that your body is remembering or perceiving a threat (that or may not be present).Â
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I am trained in EMDR (eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy) by an EMDRIA-approved institute, and follow the specific 8-phase protocol that supports your brain in processing distressing and painful memories that may feel "stuck". Clients often report that this modality helps them reduce the emotional intensity of difficult memories, shift negative beliefs , and help you move forward with a greater sense of safety and control.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The relationship between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors is immense and can impact our mood, our relationships, and how we handle life. By recognizing the impact that unhelpful, negative thought patterns has on how we feel and the choices we may, we'll work collaboratively to reframe those thoughts and engage in different behaviors to re-shape the way we feel and cope with life's challenges.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Difficult emotions and thoughts can be overwhelming and distressing which we can tend to ignore or avoid, and contributes to unresolved pain. With ACT, we work collaboratively to help you make space for those difficult thoughts and emotions while building a life that gives your meaning and purpose, and aligns with your values. Instead of ignoring or eliminating uncomfortable feelings, ACT helps you respond to them with greater flexibility, self-compassion, and intention so you can move toward what matters to you most.
Whole Self: Mind-Body Integration
Traumatic experiences, significant loss and grief, and painful memories can contribute to fragmentation of the whole self. With the implementation of other modalities like Gestalt Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness-based techniques, we will work collaboratively to bridge the disconnect between your mind and body to bring awareness to the present so that you feel empowered. Body movement and stillness with meditation are often implemented into my work to support whole self integration.Â
Learn more about me here.