My Approach
I support clients in settling back into their bodies. I strive to create an environment of warmth, curiosity, humor, and creativity. I typically draw from a few particular therapeutic modalities in my work (EMDR, polyvagal theory, parts work, somatics — more info below), but I will partner with you to identify specific tools and techniques to support your unique needs. My hope is to create a space where you feel empowered to try out new ways of relating to yourself and others, and to move towards shedding beliefs and patterns that are not supporting you. Oftentimes this work is slow, and I believe it’s important that we move at a pace that feels safe for your nervous system.
My approach aims to center within an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and liberatory perspective.
I believe that each of us has the capacity for all kinds of healing, and I look forward to supporting you in this process.
My work is informed by the following modalities:
Parts work / Internal Family Systems (IFS)
We often say things like, “a part of me wants to do this, but another part of me wants to do that…”
Parts work can be used to better understand and support these different “parts” of yourself. You may notice certain parts rising to the surface quite frequently — maybe it’s the perfectionist, the pessimist, or the skeptic. Each part comes with its own feelings and beliefs, and parts can often end up in conflict with each other. We will work together to get to know your parts and develop more harmony within your inner system.
I am IFS-informed and completed a 6-month training program called the IFS Circle through the IFS Institute.
Somatics
Trauma and oppression impacts us psychologically, of course, but it is also stored in our bodies. We live in a world that glorifies violence and profits off of pulling us away from each other. Somatic practices can support in reconnecting to your physical sensations, experiencing and tending to your pain in new ways, and ultimately learning to connect more deeply with life — your own body, the people around you, and the earth. In therapy, we can practice specific exercises to support in embodying your values, making requests, setting boundaries, and building trust.
I have been trained in the Generative Somatics approach through the UW School of Social Work.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)
EMDR is one of the most researched therapy modalities for trauma treatment, and can be used to reprocess and integrate memories that previously felt distressing or triggering. When most people imagine EMDR therapy, they think of the dual attention stimulus that the therapy utilizes (side to side eye movement or self-tapping while you focus on a distressing memory). While this is an essential part of the therapy, EMDR is a multi-phase approach to treatment that involves things like identifying negative beliefs you would like to shift, and learning effective exercises to support you in self-soothing and regulating. EMDR can be a short or long-term therapy. I also use the Four Blinks Version of Flash when helpful.
I am trained in EMDR through The Institute for Creative Mindfulness. I continue to seek out regular consultation and training in EMDR.