“We take this journey together. We will work on what is right for you and/or your family or couple. Read more to familiarize with some of the cutting edge Trauma Informed, Evidence Based approaches that I specialized on. Or read more About Me.”
Individual Therapy: EMDR, ARC, DBT
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR ) is a psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories (Shapiro, 1989a, 1989b). In the WHO (World Health Organization) practice guidelines, EMDR is one of the psychotherapies recommended for the treatment of PTSD across lifespan.
EMDR has been an incredibly rewarding experience so far. It never ceased to amaze me how “easily” and yet deeply we can observe an actual change even with one session. Working on painful memories can positively transform our negative perception of self for good.
Introduction to EMDR Therapy Video – “Courtesy of EMDR International Association”
Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency (ARC) is a core component framework that identifies key treatment targets within the following three core domains of attachment: Self-regulation/Competency, Trauma Experience, and Integration. I mostly use the ARC approach when working with youths, in order to access their vision of self and others, build rapports, integrating healthy copings skills, as well as, supporting emotional regulation.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy. This approach focuses on teaching people how to be mindful, developing healthy ways to cope with stress, regulating emotions, and improving relationships. DBT can help individuals who have difficulties with emotional regulation or exhibit self-destructive behaviors. DBT is also used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I use DBT in individual therapy, especially with youths who struggle with emotional regulation, lack of coping skills and struggle with peer relationships.
Couple Therapy: EFT
Emotionally Focused Therapy is a short-term and empirically validated method with 90 % of couples showing significant improvement that lasts over time. I embraced this approach not only because of its effectiveness in helping couples unravel the distressed negative cycle, but also for secondary benefits for the therapist. Working in the here and now lingering on emotions can be painful and difficult but it is absolutely rewarding ad transformative.
“We must recognize that we are more than ‘homo sapiens’. We are ‘homo vinculum’ -the one who bonds with others. And these bonds are what will save us. They always have.” Dr Sue Johnson
Family Therapy: Systemic approach
The Systemic approach views the “individual” not as an isolated, detached being but rather as an integral part of a wider and dynamic system. Problems or symptoms that can impair a person or family are resolved by changing dysfunctional interactional patterns within that system rather than the single individual.
We have learned to be the way we are. Working with this systemic approach with single individuals means to identify dysfunctional as well as healthy relational patterns in their family history.
Reconnection and reconciliation are the strategic words in this complex process. As Froma Walsh, family therapist pioneer once said:
“Reconciliation is not a hasty peace. Rather, is a process of mutual reengagement, requiring a readiness of the part of each person to take the other(s) seriously, to acknowledge violations to the relationship, and to experience the associate pain. Reconciliation is more than righting wrongs; it brings to a deeper place of trust and commitment.”