Therapy Process

What’s it like to work with me?

I love a good metaphor. The one I often use to describe the therapeutic journey is just that- it’s a journey. More specifically, you can think of it as a road trip. We’re on the journey together. You’re in the driver’s seat and I’m riding shot-gun. We have a similar view on the world from our seats side-by-side, but ultimately it is the driver who is in control of the car. Some days, we might have a specific destination and route in mind, and other’s we’ll see where the road takes us. You might find yourself wanting to hit cruise control on the highway, and I’m there to have us slow down and take the scenic route, following curiosity and unafraid to hit a dirt road. After all, there’s a reason why you found yourself in therapy (or even skimming my website) and it usually has to do with wanting some form of change. So let’s start by looking at what your usual route is, and then see where a new direction can lead us.

How often do we meet?

Weekly. At least on the onset and you should plan for that going in. Just like it takes time to get to know someone in your day-to-day life and fully feel comfortable with them, a therapeutic relationship is no different. It can be difficult to dive in deep when we’re still finding our footing, so a strong foundation of trust is essential and takes time to build.

What do you consider “trauma”?

The barebones definition of trauma is “a deeply distressing or disturbing experience.” What’s important to consider is that the degree to which an experience is distressing or disturbing varies from individual to individual. And, it matters less what the actual traumatic event is as much as how it is perceived and experienced by the individual going through the trauma. So, a breakup, for example, may not feel so destabilizing for one person, but to another it could lead to severe emotional distress (depression, hopelessness) and physical disturbances (loss of appetite, insomnia, digestive issues).

It’s also important to note that our ability cope with stressful events varies moment-by-moment and day-to-day depending on the accumulative stress experienced by the individual at any one time. So take that break up for an example, and imagine just how much more taxing that experience may feel when paired with losing a job, or even a disagreement with a close friend.

For a more in-depth answer, check out this blog post on trauma and this one on the window of tolerance.

What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapeutic process that works with the nervous system and uses bi-lateral stimulation (i.e. side to side eye movements, sensation, or tapping) to help the brain process and integrate distressing past experience, or even distress from anticipating a difficult upcoming experience. It’s been shown to be one of the most effective treatments for PTSD and trauma. To learn more about it, check out EMDRIA.

What have clients used EMDR therapy to help process?

• childhood trauma, in cluding neglect or painful experiences from an emotionally immature parent

• past abusive relationships

• childbirth and/or anticipation of childbirth

• religious or spiritual abuse

• sexual trauma

What is Sandtray?

Sandtray therapy is a creative theaputic technique that invites clients (yes, adults included) to explore the unconscious through play and creation. Using a tray filled with sand and various miniature objects, clients can create symbolic scenes, explore a specific theme or event, and express themselves without words.

We do process the tray together, where I’ll reflect your own exploration of what the tray means to you, but it’s non-interpretive and non-diagnostic. I’ll be there as a visitor to your world, and helping gain deeper meaningful reflection.