I believe we all have a basic need for relationship and attachment to others. During childhood we learn through family of origin experiences, socialization and trauma, and we ultimately develop various defense mechanisms. Though these are helpful in childhood, defensive mechanisms in adulthood keep us from experiencing satisfying relationships and daily life contentment. Healing the wounds of the past, building awareness of our triggers, and choosing different responses can go a long way towards bringing peace and fulfillment into our lives.
At the heart of my work, I approach therapy from a relational, psychodynamic therapy model which means I believe the relationship between the client and therapist can be a transformative component in the growth and healing process. I draw from approaches of Attachment Theory, Object Relations Theory, Family Systems Theory, Psychodynamic Theory and Emotion Focused Therapy.
Overall, I believe each person/couple is unique and everyone needs a different combination of theoretical approaches in order to receive the right care for their personal experiences and personality. My therapeutic process also draws from my personality, which integrates humor, creativity and honest feedback in our work together.
TRAUMA TREATMENT - EMDR
Trauma can greatly affect how a person is able to function and enjoy daily life. I am an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) therapist who is specifically trained to treat trauma and problems associated with it. EMDR is an alternative way of addressing trauma, phobias, grief, PTSD and many other issues. It is an internationally recognized therapy that actually enables to brain to alter the way it has stored traumatic memories. I see really successful results with this therapy. My goal is to help trauma sufferers heal their pain and therefore improve their quality of life.
EFT - Emotional Focused Couples Therapy
An empirically researched method of couples therapy, EFT creates a shift in partners’ interactional positions and initiates new cycles of interaction. Through guidance and support, a couple will begin to understand the emotional responses linked to certain behavioral responses, which ultimately helps them change the way they respond to and understand one another. The main goal of EFT counseling is to create a new attachment bond where both partners feel understood, accepted and bonded to one another. My work with couples focuses around attachment, building connection and intimacy, as well as working to create new ways of relating.
“When we were children, we used to think that when we were grown up we would no longer be vulnerable. But to grow up is to accept vulnerability. To be alive is to be vulnerable.”