Specializing in Trauma, OCD, and Anxiety Therapy
Internal Family Systems
Internal Family Systems is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people understand and heal themselves by viewing the mind as a multiplicity - an internal system of parts that is led by the core self. That inner person, that core self, cannot be damaged. The parts within the system may adopt extreme roles, sometimes appearing to overtake the system, in an effort to protect the system. IFS helps people heal by accessing and connecting to each of their inner parts with the guidance of the core self through curiosity and compassion.
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In the connected system, the core self stands as the conductor of the internal orchestra. Working with IFS, you can come to understand your internal and external relationships, and move towards creating an internal harmony with the qualities of the core self: confidence, calm, compassion, courage, creativity, clarity, curiosity, and connectedness. You can hold the keys to your future with confidence and clarity. I am here to support your journey of connection to each of your parts through providing a place of curiosity, compassion, and understanding.
Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing is a body-oriented therapeutic model that focuses on resolving the physical symptoms of overwhelm. When faced with a perceived life-threat or other stressors, the human body reacts physically to the situation with defensive responses - fight, flight, or freeze. All of these self-protective responses may be relevant in the moment, but these responses are designed to be time-sensitive. Sometimes, the stress response does not run its full course and the body can become stuck in patterns of defensiveness. Using a body-first approach to healing, SE can help people understand the body’s response to trauma and can be used to support the resolution of PTSD and developmental attachment trauma.
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Inference-based Cognitive-Behavior Therapy
Inference-based Cognitive-Behavior Therapy is an evidence-based treatment specifically developed for individuals who suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and related psychological conditions. The central idea in I-CBT is that obsessional doubts are not random - rather, they arise as the result of a reasoning narrative with a distrust the senses and an over-reliance on the imagination. As a result, obsessional doubts are able to persist without being resolved by carrying out compulsions.
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While I-CBT is a cognitive behavioral treatment, it is different from standard CBT approaches to the treatment of OCD.
The standard CBT approach to OCD considers obsessions to be negatively interpreted random intrusive cognitions, and thus focuses on helping clients reappraise their intrusive thoughts. I-CBT, on the other hand, focuses on resolving obsessional doubts by teaching clients that obsessional doubts do not arise in the same way as normal doubts - they arise from a confusion between reality and possibility during reasoning. It is important to note that I-CBT does not include deliberate or prolonged Exposure and Response Prevention. Instead, I-CBT focuses on a cognitive approach specifically focused on the obsession and where it comes from so that obsessional doubt is resolved naturally with limited effort.
Exposure & Response Prevention/Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Exposure & Response Prevention is a method of treatment focused on building the system's ability to cope with discomfort - specifically around uncertainty. When engaging the ERP process, I build from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy lens. This means that our direction is primarily values focused. The goal of exposures is to increase your ability to engage in what is important to you and to your ability to live your life more fully.
Relationships
In my practice, I engage in a relational approach to therapy. Much of the change that happens in therapy is due to the rapport/connection between myself and the client. During sessions, there is an opportunity to explore one's experience in their relationships and how the relationships are impacted by internal and external systems. Often, patterns in life are present in the therapy room in different ways. Sessions are an amazing opportunity to explore and move to change these relationship patterns.
Adolescent Therapy
As a provider, I specialize in supporting teens primarily with different forms of anxiety, OCD, and Trauma. My experience primarily is focused in supporting student athletes who engage in high-intensity academics as part of their middle and high school careers. Adolescent therapy is focused on boundaries, including understanding limitations, and emotional regulation. While sessions are often client-led, I may often provide more directive therapy including the building of executive functioning skills.