My Approach
I bring to my work a strong background in culturally-sensitive community mental health and collaborative care. In the course of my practice, I've worked with clients spanning a diverse range of sexuality, gender, race /ethnicity, immigration status, age, mental and physical abilities, relationship or family structure, and economic status. I recognize the barriers preventing people from receiving much-needed services, and I know how tough it can be to find the right kind of help. I hope that knowing a bit about how I practice will bring some comfort to prospective clients as they make important choices about seeking therapy.
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What to expect...
A smile at the door. A warm presence. I am here to share in my clients' experiences, through thick and through thin. Some of our time will be spent looking at what feels familiar, and if/when clients are ready, we can try on some new hats. I always do my best to ensure my clients' comfort, and I will check in often to see how they are doing during each session.
Therapeutically oriented in AEDP, I will help my clients build awareness of what is happening in their bodies as they experience their feelings — after all, "feelings" have that name for a reason! As mind-body awareness grows, I help my clients use bodily sensations to harness their inner wisdom. What I expect from each and every session is that no matter how hard the challenges may feel to those entering my office, my clients will leave with a sense of relief and restored hope.
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I won't bite. Promise! I'm here to support clients' safety, health, and growth, in whatever shape that takes. That said, I can help clients step out of their comfort zones when the time feels right. It can initially feel like work to take risk with a new experience. As we traverse the journey together, we build trust, self-esteem, and relationship skills.
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Frequency and duration of therapy is dependent on how the process unfolds, and I respect that many factors can impact clients' availability. I work with clients to make the most of the time we have together.
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Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy
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AEDP is an emerging form of therapy wherein the therapist takes an active, participatory role in allowing clients to form a healthy attachment in order to ensure a non-judgemental and safe emotional space. With this secure and trusting emotional "base," it's possible to explore and address issues of trauma, suffering, loss, and damaged attachments effectively and compassionately.
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How is AEDP different from other styles of treatment?
AEDP is different because it's not always about storytelling. It's also about creating new experiences in the client-therapist relationship, and then making meaning from those that can carry out to other experiences.
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Is AEDP right for me?
While this modality of treatment is particularly helpful in healing trauma wounds, it is also an effective approach for a variety of applications. AEDP serves as a framework for care and is easily used in concert with other types of therapeutic approaches.
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Do you practice other therapeutic methods in addition to AEDP?
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Yes, in addition to AEDP, I combine various methods of therapeutic healing in ways unique to each client to provide the most tailored, targeted, and effective care I possibly can. Approaches I draw from include: Mindfulness techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Structural and Strategic Therapies, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Harm-Reduction, Crisis Intervention, and Sex Therapy. My clients and I discover together what path leads toward healing and growth, and together we develop a plan for my clients' healthy, happy living.
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