My Approach
Treatment models and perspectives
With the studying and training I’ve done over the years, my approach to working with clients has developed into a blend of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma treatment models such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. Although I draw from the treatment model(s) that might be the best fit for any given client, I bring the following perspectives, beliefs, and actions into my work consistently:
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I will consider all aspects of your life and history, including physical health and cultural background, when forming an understanding of you and your needs.
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Healthy relationships can help us heal and grow. The therapy relationship can contribute to your healing and growth.
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Symptoms, such as familiar presentations of your anxiety, may be adaptations that you needed during the time the symptom developed.
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The one thing we humans have control of (though not always) is where we aim our attention.
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Improvement in our health and wellbeing is greatly aided by regulating one’s emotions and energy level.
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We perceive the world around us first through the “non-thinking” parts of our brains a split-second before our thoughts arise. Therefore, it’s useful to develop an appreciation—even when we don’t like our reactions—for how we experience life through body sensations, impulses, urges and movement.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP)
To bring the elements of bodily sensation, movement, and our senses into focus, I draw from my training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. By paying attention to physical sensations, movement, posture, impulses, etc, we can better understand our reactions and behavioral patterns. We can also notice and practice internal resources that present themselves when we shift from focusing only on thoughts and emotions. However, they are important and naturally included as significant for exploration within the SP framework. How and when we pay attention to the sensorimotor realm is part of the collaborative process.