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Different people respond to different methods of healing. For that reason I am trained in a number of different healing modalities such as:
Humanistic Psychology— This approach provides you with a safe, unconditionally accepting experience in the therapeutic relationship. In this way we work to remove any toxic shame you may be carrying from the past. This can be particularly helpful if you come from a difficult family upbringing. Many of our issues we carry are a result of negative relationship patterns from the past. Humanistic psychology does reparative work by making the therapeutic relationship as accepting, non-judgmental, and healing as possible.
Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Inner Child Work— These tools teach you how to relate to yourself in a loving, present time, productive manner. Most of us suffer from a strong “inner critic.” With the skills of Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Inner Child work, you will learn to alleviate suffering generated by the self-critic and move forward.
Cognitive Behavioral Work— The most commonly used type of therapy, CBT is effective for helping you move out of stagnation and into accountable action when working on achieving specific goals. Goals are set and tracked within the therapy so you are not alone in them. It is sometimes not enough to gain insight and do emotional healing in therapy, we often need to work toward concrete behavioral changes. CBT lets us do just that.
Emotional Freedom Technique-- Also referred to as “tapping”, this healing modality is used specifically to reduce cortisol levels in your blood stream which will in turn ease depression and anxiety. Cortisol is the hormone released by the brain’s amygdala gland when under stress— sometimes resulting in paralyzing fears. Once cortisol levels reduce, you will often feel able to handle whatever is challenging you in a more direct, effective manner.
How do you work in couples counseling?
As well as being a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am also a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist. If you are currently experiencing issues in your romantic relationship, it is important to find a therapist who has specific couples training to help you. Imago relationship therapy is one of the most renowned therapies in treating couples.
Imago therapy is based on learning effective “mirroring” communication skills, being able to hold each person’s experience in equal esteem, and making decisions in a cooperative / safe way. In the process we heal the “unfinished business of childhood” (i.e. past hurts or issues) that we transfer over from our family of origin to our adult romantic partners. As a result of this kind of healing we gain greater maturity, intimacy, and fulfillment in relationships. See the Imago Couples Therapy section of this site for more.
What about life coaching?
I am also a Certified Strategic Intervention Life Coach. Tony Robbins and Cloe Madanes developed this form of life coaching. The coaching is based off Mr. Robbins’ research and seminars as well as Ms. Madanes’ experience as a psychotherapist and author. Together they coined the theory of “Human Needs Psychology”. This theory states that all of our behaviors and beliefs are driven by six basic needs. When these needs are made conscious we are better equipped at fulfilling them in ways that provide optimal growth and happiness.
Life coaching might best be thought of as a form of unique behavioral therapy. That is, when you stop ruminating on the reasons things are not working out, and start changing your behavior to act in accord with what you say you want, your goals can be achieved.
I also run men's groups. Please inquire for more info.
If you're ready to take a step toward change, contact me. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if this might be a good fit for you.
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