work with mE

INDIVIDUALS

I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology, from Pacifica Graduate Institute and was trained primarily in a psychodynamic approach. After experiencing frustrating limitations in my own experience of talk therapy, I found it imperative to find a modality that was transformative on a deeper level, and I have since trained in the Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM), a somatic-based modality that enables the healing of our attachment deficits by utilizing our own Self to witness and process our Inner Child wounds. In this way, there is a similarity with Internal Family Systems (IFS), another modality I have trained in and am informed by. It is a theory that posits we are born multifaceted but that due to trauma or adverse experiences in childhood, some of our innate parts take on protective roles (otherwise termed ‘defenses’ or ‘resistance’ in other models), to ensure that our wounded more vulnerable aspects of the psyche are defended against, thereby maintaining the homeostasis of our psychological system.

My approach is informed by the belief that our dysfunctional and limiting behaviors, affects and emotions, however they manifest, are the result of attachment wounding, and I apply my training to facilitate effective healing in that realm.

COUPLES WORK

In my Couples work, which I also really enjoy, I primarily utilize Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), originated by Sue Johnson, helping the couple to discover their dysfunctional patterns of interaction (known in EFT as ‘the dance’), and their individual, more vulnerable primary emotions driving the secondary emotions, which explicitly cause friction within the relationship. I am also informed by the Gottman Method (Levels 1 & 2), which offers practical and evidence-based interventions for supporting stability and happiness in long term relationships.

I am adept at helping couples overcome the impasse of poor communication, emotional dysregulation and distance, and at having each individual understand the motivation behind their own and each other’s behaviors. This increases their empathy for each other and encourages re-connection on a more profound level.

HYPNOTHERAPY

I graduated from the one-year program at the Hypnosis Motivation Institute and utilize Hypnotherapy where appropriate, although I tend to view Hypnotherapy as limited when it comes to the treatment of trauma.

Please note that I do not practice targeted Hypnosis, for such things as smoking cessation and weight loss as examples.

Sessions can be conducted via Zoom or in person.

I accept some forms of insurance under the Supervision of Dr. Avis Attaway, LMFT, and encourage you to reach out to ask if yours is included.