COUNSELING

I’m a big fan of knowing what to expect before things get started.

For those of us who have experienced unexpected changes in life (AKA most of us), it’s often comforting to know what to expect before diving into a therapeutic process. I believe in the importance of positioning myself as a co-pilot with clients, which means I will openly share the thought behind therapeutic interventions and decisions before we try them out. While my specific approach changes depending on the needs and lived experiences of each client, I generally frame my work through Judith Herman's three phases of trauma treatment:

Safety and Stabilization:
I begin by focusing on creating a safe and supportive environment for my clients, helping them feel secure in our therapeutic relationship, explore their internal world and learn language to track their nervous system and emotional responses. This phase often involves more elements of traditional talk therapy and psychoeducation, however, it is vital— establishing a sense of safety is crucial before delving into deeper somatic work.

Reprocessing and Re-negotiating:
In the second phase of treatment, I use body-oriented techniques like mindfulness based therapy, EMDR therapy and Somatic Experiencing therapy to guide clients in gradually exploring and processing the legacy of their past experiences. This involves helping clients process and reframe their past, as well as regain a sense of control over their emotions in the here and now.

Reconnection and Integration:
Finally, I support clients in reconnecting with themselves, others, and the world around them, fostering a sense of empowerment and integration of the work. This phase involves rebuilding a sense of identity and purpose beyond the past, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and fostering meaningful connections with others. It may also involve finding ways to contribute to the community or advocate for social change related to trauma issues.

It is important to remember these phases are not not strictly sequential and may overlap or occur in a different order depending on the individual and their specific circumstance.  By integrating this framework into my practice, I aim to assist clients in navigating their past experiences and moving towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.