My Approach to Healing

As a compassionate and solution-focused psychotherapist with over 35 years of experience, I am a lifelong learner and committed to my ongoing personal and professional development.

My formal training is in Gestalt Therapy (certified 1993), EMDR (certified 1997), Sensory Motor Psychotherapy, the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy, Internal Family Systems for both individuals and couples, and Tholage Neuropsychotherapy.

Tholáge® Neuropsychotherapy

Tholage is a powerful, newer therapy that harnesses neurochemicals in the brain and body to access and process suppressed emotions which are at the root cause of symptoms. New neural pathways for healing are then created for immediate symptom reduction and long-term positive changes in mood, nervous system activation, and behavior. For more information and access to study results, visit www.tholage.com.

EMDR

EMDR is a central part of my practice, and I am deeply trained in its application for both single-incident and complex trauma.

EMDR is a central part of my practice, and I am deeply trained in its application for both single-incident and complex trauma.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an evidence based comprehensive protocol for treating trauma. Trauma may include anything that overwhelms the system at the time that it happens, whether it be from a single incident or ongoing disturbing occurrences, such as long term neglect, chronic shaming situations, lack of support, developmental trauma etc. Those life events tend to set the stage for lingering symptoms such as anxiety, depression, dissociation etc. later in life. EMDR often relieves those symptoms and opens the door to new, more adaptive ways of thinking, behaving and feeling.

Clients typically report increased feelings of calm, a change in perspective, fading of the negative emotions and images associated with the past event, new positive associations, increased feelings of mastery over the distressing event, and strengthening of their ability to implement new skills in future situations.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an evidence based comprehensive protocol for treating trauma. Trauma may include anything that overwhelms the system at the time that it happens, whether it be from a single incident or ongoing disturbing occurrences, such as long term neglect, chronic shaming situations, lack of support, developmental trauma etc. Those life events tend to set the stage for lingering symptoms such as anxiety, depression, dissociation etc. later in life. EMDR often relieves those symptoms and opens the door to new, more adaptive ways of thinking, behaving and feeling.

Clients typically report increased feelings of calm, a change in perspective, fading of the negative emotions and images associated with the past event, new positive associations, increased feelings of mastery over the distressing event, and strengthening of their ability to implement new skills in future situations.

FAQs

Below are answers to common questions about fees, scheduling, therapy, and confidentiality.

Individual Therapy

A compassionate, parts-based approach to understanding and healing inner experiences shaped by life’s challenges.

 My primary therapeutic modality is Internal Family Systems (IFS), which includes imagery, mindfulness, and body awareness, to discover and work with various parts of onesself that may be holding on to trauma, negative beliefs and protective behaviors that were taken on to cope with hard or traumatic situations or unmet needs. Those parts might need attention, nurturing, healing, updating and unburdening in a safe and understanding environment which I provide 

Couples or Family Therapy

A supportive space to rebuild safety, strengthen connection, and foster honest, open communication.

We all have a deep desire to be known and accepted for who we are.

In committed partnerships and families, communication can become indirect and harmful due to past relational wounds, betrayals, or hurtful actions or words. Difficult topics for couples often involve their sexual or intimate relationship(s), betrayals of trust, issues regarding parenting, blended families, addictions, cultural issues, or finances, to name just a few. Safety and trust must be established or repaired for the relationship to thrive and for further work to proceed. My job is to hold a safe space where vulnerability and courageous, open-hearted communication can be seen, respected and honored by the partner, and empathy and intimacy can be fostered. My training is in both the PACT model (the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy), level 2, and Internal Family Systems From the Inside Out (IFIO).

EMDR

An evidence-based approach for resolving trauma and reducing the lasting impact of overwhelming experiences.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an evidence based comprehensive protocol for treating trauma. Trauma may include anything that overwhelms the system at the time that it happens, whether it be from a single incident or ongoing disturbing occurrences, such as long term neglect, chronic shaming situations, lack of support, developmental trauma etc. Those life events tend to set the stage for lingering symptoms such as anxiety, depression, dissociation etc. later in life. EMDR often relieves those symptoms and opens the door to new, more adaptive ways of thinking, behaving and feeling. Clients typically report increased feelings of calm, a change in perspective, fading of the negative emotions and images associated with the past event, new positive associations, increased feelings of mastery over the distressing event, and strengthening of their ability to implement new skills in future situations.