my clinical orientation
- I have been a clinical social worker since 1993.
- My dissertation, in 2003, focused on Attachment Theory in international adoptees - I have been studying psychodynamic theories, including attachment, since then.
- I was trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) in 2019 by EMDR Consulting and Carrole Lovell, PsyD, LCSW and earned EMDR Certification status by EMDRIA in January, 2021 . My clinical consultant for certification was Janet Alexander, LMFT. To be an EMDR Consultant, I am receiving clinical consultation from Yunetta Spring, EMDRIA Certified Therapist, Consultant and Trainer of Groundbreakers Coaching & Consulting. I am most interested in offering Attachment-Focused EMDR, based primarily on the scholarly work of Laurell Parnell and others. This means, my effort is to help you heal from early childhood wounding that may have occurred in the context of one or more relationships.
- In December 2021, I trained in Brainspotting (Phase I) with Tracy Gantlin-Monroy, MDiv, LPC and John Edwards, LCSW. I have since trained in Phases II and III and have attended a Master Class with Dr. David Grand (who is the developer of Brainspotting). This method is a complement to EMDR but is a stand-alone, body-based intervention technique that leads to deep discovery, processing and healing. I'm excited to be offering this as well.
- I am also trained in Internal Family Systems Therapy which can be used in conjunction with the previously mentioned modalities or as a stand alone method.
- I am also Certified in offering the Safe & Sound Protocol, which is based on Polyvagal Theory.
- Let's talk about whether I would be a good fit for your therapy work. And, see below for more information about my psychotherapy services.
What is happening to me?
One can be suffering from the effects of past trauma and not even know it. You might get triggered in otherwise neutral situations. You repeat negative behavior patterns. You find yourself unhappy and unsatisfied, while those around you seem to be prospering. Maybe it's time to explore this.
This mental health practice centers on healing from the aftermath of trauma, whether trauma happened for you as an adult or a child. Our work together may focus on processing trauma (what happened and why) or focus on what to do now that trauma has happened.
You will also learn:
Some or all of this will look different for each person. The relationship we develop will be central to our work together and will form a basis for integrating new learning and behaviors in existing and new relationships.
To begin working with me, we'll discuss your current circumstances (symptoms and discomforts, home and family dynamics, relationships and social supports, etc.) as well as explore factors in your past, including those you consider traumatic, that may contribute to your present functioning. We'll then consult on a recommended direction for our work together or with another qualified professional if you or I feel we would not be a good fit working together, for whatever reason.
If you choose, we will incorporate complementary or alternative body-based movement in to your therapy which could include meditation, breath work, Yoga or Reiki.
One can be suffering from the effects of past trauma and not even know it. You might get triggered in otherwise neutral situations. You repeat negative behavior patterns. You find yourself unhappy and unsatisfied, while those around you seem to be prospering. Maybe it's time to explore this.
This mental health practice centers on healing from the aftermath of trauma, whether trauma happened for you as an adult or a child. Our work together may focus on processing trauma (what happened and why) or focus on what to do now that trauma has happened.
You will also learn:
- how to neutralize bodily/somatic reactions to trauma and re-establish safety,
- how to learn what factors in your environment are currently triggering you,
- healthy coping skills you can adopt to decrease symptoms to enable sustainable living practices and move through healing.
Some or all of this will look different for each person. The relationship we develop will be central to our work together and will form a basis for integrating new learning and behaviors in existing and new relationships.
To begin working with me, we'll discuss your current circumstances (symptoms and discomforts, home and family dynamics, relationships and social supports, etc.) as well as explore factors in your past, including those you consider traumatic, that may contribute to your present functioning. We'll then consult on a recommended direction for our work together or with another qualified professional if you or I feel we would not be a good fit working together, for whatever reason.
If you choose, we will incorporate complementary or alternative body-based movement in to your therapy which could include meditation, breath work, Yoga or Reiki.
Tips on Consultation
It is important to identify a therapist that is a good “fit” for you. You must be comfortable with me. Likewise, it is also important I feel I can offer therapeutic assistance to you (and your family). To determine a good fit, I recommend we schedule a 20 minute no charge consultation.
Assessment/Intake
A course of treatment includes a thorough exploration of presenting issues and life circumstances. This assessment process is on-going but the initial appointment tends to be the most comprehensive, is very important and takes in to consideration physical health, social environment, psychological attributes and cultural background, among other things. Please plan on 90 minutes for this initial appointment.
Trauma Intensives
In lieu of engaging in on-going individual psychotherapy services, I provide trauma-intensives. This is akin to having an emotional "spa" day. These are extended sessions that may last from 4 - 5 hours up to 3 - 5 days. These are also done virtually and include assessment, psychoeducation, stabilizations skills (resourcing), early trauma protocol (if needed), trauma processing and body-centering. A follow up appointment 1 week after the intensive, is built in to the fee schedule.
It is important to identify a therapist that is a good “fit” for you. You must be comfortable with me. Likewise, it is also important I feel I can offer therapeutic assistance to you (and your family). To determine a good fit, I recommend we schedule a 20 minute no charge consultation.
Assessment/Intake
A course of treatment includes a thorough exploration of presenting issues and life circumstances. This assessment process is on-going but the initial appointment tends to be the most comprehensive, is very important and takes in to consideration physical health, social environment, psychological attributes and cultural background, among other things. Please plan on 90 minutes for this initial appointment.
Trauma Intensives
In lieu of engaging in on-going individual psychotherapy services, I provide trauma-intensives. This is akin to having an emotional "spa" day. These are extended sessions that may last from 4 - 5 hours up to 3 - 5 days. These are also done virtually and include assessment, psychoeducation, stabilizations skills (resourcing), early trauma protocol (if needed), trauma processing and body-centering. A follow up appointment 1 week after the intensive, is built in to the fee schedule.
Fees and Payment Information
Menu of PSYCHOTHERAPY services
There may also be a charge for telephone consultations, report writing and other related activities. Contact me for sliding scale fee options as well. Sign in to Client Portal to see your Good Faith Estimate (GFE)*, in compliance with the No Surprises Act. *This GFE is provided at the onset of treatment and is discussed in the initial consultation prior to our agreeing to work together. |
Cancellation
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payment optionsI do not bill insurance for your visits. However, at your request, I will provide a "Superbill", which lists your visit dates and fees and you can submit this to your insurance carrier. I need to know in advance if you will submit to ensure proper information is included (CPT codes, diagnoses, etc).
Fees for services are to be paid at the end of each session. Payments are processed automatically through my SimplePractice (Stripe) software which allows you to securely store your payment information. Your account is only charged at the end of the business day on days when we have a scheduled appointment. |