TYPES OF THERAPY I OFFER
ART THERAPY
Have you had an experience that is difficult or even impossible to put into words? Some experiences are like that; they defy our ability to find language to describe them.
Art therapy relies more on your art-making rather than talking. It’s important to note, however, that artistic skill or ability is not necessary. It’s your experience of making art that is important, not the end product. That said, you might still be very happy and proud of your work.
What Is Art Therapy?
A form of therapy involving the encouragement of self-expression through the creative process.
A bit like an exercise for your mind and will help you to improve your imagination and creativity.
What are the Benefits Of Art Therapy?
Learn to better resolve conflicts and problems.
Learn to better understand your behavior.
Learn to relieve stress.
Learn to increase your self-esteem and self-awareness.
Learn to contain overwhelming emotion.
Learn to organize emotional confusion and chaos.
What Will We Practice During Art Therapy?
We will identify. By sharing what has been on your mind. If you can’t think of anything specific, we will go straight into creating a piece of art.
We will create. Through creation, whether by talking or art alone, you will express your thoughts and feelings about what’s been on your mind.
We will process. By talking about the experience of making art, you will share how you felt, and how the experience of making art affect your perspective.
What Are Some Challenges I May Meet In My Art Therapy Session?
You may feel anxious because you are making art in front of a stranger.
You may become critical of your work because you feel nothing is good enough.
You may feel uncomfortable because you may be talking about something you don’t like.
You may be surprised that your artwork revealed something unexpected.
How do I Know if Art Therapy is for Me?
You are looking for different ways to express feelings.
You have experienced traditional psychoanalysis and felt it didn’t ‘click’.
You are looking for an opportunity to play and explore yourself.
You want to have options in your therapy (art, talking, or both).
EMDR
What Is EMDR? {Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing}
A psychotherapy and counseling model that allows people to heal from the emotional distress and symptoms they may have as a result of an upsetting or traumatic life experience.
What Are the Benefits Of EMDR Therapy?
A form of therapy that provides quicker relief than other previously applied counseling methods. It helps one heal by removing emotional blocks.
What are the eight phases of EMDR Therapy?
Phase 1: History Taking (assessment of readiness)
Phase 2: Incorporating learning and practicing distress tolerance skills (coping skills) to control intense emotions that are coming up in and out of session while receiving EMDR therapy.
Phase 3-6: Includes the following components: Identifying the target(s) for processing, describing a visual image that represents the specific event, stating a negative belief connected to the event, identifying related emotions and body sensations, and finding a positive thought to connect with the event and rating the current emotions plus feelings of truth of the positive thought. The goal of phases 3-6 is to decrease the intense negative emotions and body sensations through bilateral stimulations while holding the image and target in mind plus installing the positive thought.
Phase 7: The closure stage, which happens by helping the client calm down and applying self-soothing strategies. Furthermore, the client will be instructed on using a personal journal to keep track of new material that may arise outside of session.
Phase 8: This phase is usually at the beginning of the following session. It presents an evaluation of the previous week’s process and the possible identification of new materials that have to be addressed
What is the Process of EMDR?
The side effects of EMDR can be upsetting and unresolved memories may come up. Some clients experience reactions during a session that neither they nor the therapist expected like very high levels of emotions and/or physical sensations. Additionally, after a session, the processing of material very likely continues and other dreams, memories, and feelings may arise. Due to these possible side effects, it is crucial that the client is ready to start EMDR therapy, and that they have a good support system and a pallet of coping skills to choose from in order to self-regulate in and outside of the counseling session. Certain individuals who have been exposed to severe trauma may show high levels of dissociation (altered level of awareness)
CONNECT WITH ME
Set up a consultation to see if we are a good fit and for additional details on working with me.
Please Note: Due to the historic nature of my building, it is unfortunately not currently ABA accessible.