Holistic approach to therapy
Psychotherapy Approach
My approach to psychotherapy provides a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients are given an opportunity to develop more self-awareness into how their own feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes contribute to how they relate to the world. With this awareness, one has more choice in how they wish to respond to the world in the future and gives a person more freedom to make positive changes.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) involves a powerful approach which helps individuals relieve many types of psychological distress, overcome limiting beliefs, change feelings and beliefs about past events, and develop new templates for the future. EMDR affects the way the brain processes information and, therefore, helps a person see life events in a new and more positive way. Well-known as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR can also be useful in the treatment of: anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, eating disorders, grief, addictions, stress reduction, pain disorders, depression, abuse, & self-esteem issues.
Addictions Counseling
I take an individualized approach to addictions counseling for each client so they can get onto and stay on the road of recovery. I have extensive experience working with adults and adolescents with substance abuse and addiction issues in residential and out-patient settings. I am board-certified by the WV Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVCBAPP) as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor and am also a Certified Criminal Justice Professional with vast experience working with individuals with substance abuse issues who are involved in the court systems. I am a proponent of motivational interviewing, a person-centered approach, emphasizing the Stages of Change model, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and solution-focused therapies for addiction treatment. I also offer supervision for other therapists wishing to become credentialed as an ADC.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I have a passion for working with individuals in an experiential manner as I have found these therapies profound in the changes they bring about. I am a graduate of the comprehensive professional training in the Hakomi Method of Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy. This therapy can be an adjunct to traditional talk therapy or as a stand alone method, and incorporates mindfulness and body awareness into therapy. Mindfulness forms the very foundation of the therapeutic encounter. This method of working embraces an attitude of gentle acceptance and care to maximize safety, respect, and cooperation of the unconscious and the core material that lies beneath the surface.
Learn more about Hakomi : What is Hakomi | Hakomi Institute