What kind of therapy do you offer?
Therapists would describe my style as relational and experiential. I am most aligned with a type of therapy called AEDP (more below). We will of course talk about what you need to talk about. But I will also help us to track what is happening for you emotionally in the present moment and relationally in the dynamic between us.
I also offer EMDR (see below).
How does it help?
In addition to gaining clarity and insight on how to approach what you’re struggling with, this type of therapy will also sharpen your mindful awareness of your emotional and relational experiences. In doing so, we can begin to detect and shift patterns that hold you back. For example, if you are worried that others are constantly judging you, we can begin to undo that worry by exploring how it unfolds between you and me.
Who does it help?
I believe everyone could benefit from this kind therapy and love working with all types of people. I believe in the importance of making therapy feel safe for people who have been historically failed or harmed by our mental healthcare systems. This includes women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and those whose bodies diverge from society’s rigid and harmful standards. I also specialize in working with trauma and it’s effects on anxiety regulation and self esteem.
What counts as trauma?
I consider an experience traumatic when it sticks with you in a significant way that burdens you or holds you back. This could be a physical trauma like an accident, sexual assault, or physical assault. It could be a relational trauma like emotional abuse, being dismissed or shamed as a child, losing a loved one, experiencing a breakup, or getting ghosted. Or, it could be both physical and relational, like sexual or physical abuse.
What is AEDP?
Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) is a trauma-informed, attachment-focused, neuroscience-supported modality of therapy. Therapists who use an AEDP approach view a genuine relationship as the primary source of healing. This is because many people have not had enough secure attachments in their lives. As therapists, we tend to be actively involved in sessions and to act as a secure anchor so our clients feel safe, seen, understood, and supported. Many clients describe these therapists as less “neutral” and less “detached” than other therapists they have worked with. To learn more, book a consultation with me.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a highly effective treatment for PTSD and traumatic stress. It involves identifying target memories, activating the feelings associated with them, and then processing these emotions to completion. We use bilateral stimulation (usually watching dots go back and forth on a screen) to facilitate this processing. EMDR works to take the traumatic “charge” out of the memory so it is no longer distressing to think about. It also helps correct negative beliefs about oneself that emerge from trauma and damage self-esteem. An additional benefit of EMDR is that it is not necessary for you to talk about all the details of the trauma for it to work. EMDR is also effective for processing grief. To learn more, book a consultation with me.
Do you work with couples?
Yes. I specialize in working with relationships that are considered “nontraditional.” This typically includes queer, open, polyamorous, or couples who feel otherwise different from their more normative peers. I can also help navigate issues with family or chosen family.
Do you see clients in person or virtually?
At this time, I am only working virtually (using video) and plan to do so for the foreseeable future. For the most part, I have found virtual therapy to be a surprisingly good alternative to in person therapy. If you are unsure about how this would work for you, I’d be happy to share my experience and the benefits and drawbacks I have observed in a phone consultation.
How do I know if I want to work with you?
I offer a free consultation in the form of a 15-minute phone call. During this time, I can answer your questions, find out what is bringing you to therapy and, if all seems well, schedule an initial session. Please note: due to licensing laws, I can only work with you if you reside in New York State.