my clinical orientation
My dissertation, in 2003, focused on Attachment Theory - 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.
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. 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.
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. 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 may 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 may 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.
Individual Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy sessions typically involve an interactive process between myself and the client. Depending on the intended outcome of treatment/training. Sessions may include discussion, survey completion, or teaching. Details of the approach will vary based on the presenting issues. All interventions are attachment-based and trauma-informed and utilize methods known to aid in the treatment of distressing symptoms. A typical session will last 1 - 1.5 hrs. Frequency is determined by need, but will likely be 1 time per week or 1 time every two weeks.
Family Assessment and Psychotherapy
Family sessions may be held to gather additional assessment information or may be the focus of therapy. Family members may be invited to sessions to provide support to the client and/or to provide information about the family values, culture and norms, for example. Decisions about who to include in treatment are made jointly with the client, with significant others, and myself. We may also decide that it is best for your treatment to be engaged in individual or family psychotherapy only. Again, this decision is made together. A typical family session is 2 hrs.
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.
Individual Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy sessions typically involve an interactive process between myself and the client. Depending on the intended outcome of treatment/training. Sessions may include discussion, survey completion, or teaching. Details of the approach will vary based on the presenting issues. All interventions are attachment-based and trauma-informed and utilize methods known to aid in the treatment of distressing symptoms. A typical session will last 1 - 1.5 hrs. Frequency is determined by need, but will likely be 1 time per week or 1 time every two weeks.
Family Assessment and Psychotherapy
Family sessions may be held to gather additional assessment information or may be the focus of therapy. Family members may be invited to sessions to provide support to the client and/or to provide information about the family values, culture and norms, for example. Decisions about who to include in treatment are made jointly with the client, with significant others, and myself. We may also decide that it is best for your treatment to be engaged in individual or family psychotherapy only. Again, this decision is made together. A typical family session is 2 hrs.
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. |
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.
Fees for services are to be paid before or at the end of each session. Payments are processed automatically through my SimplePractice 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. |