Individual Counseling

Through the study of dreams, images, symptoms, slips of the tongue, spontaneous humor, complexes, archetypes, and meaningful coincidences as well as interpersonal engagements, Depth Psychologists attempt to understand the language and the dynamics of the unconscious. Depth psychological approaches help individuals become aware of what has been cast out of consciousness or not yet able to be known. Healing is associated with allowing what has been repressed, rejected, denied or ignored to come forward so that the person can understand, explore its significance and integrate it, allowing for a transformation in consciousness. Depth Psychology also attends to the way unconscious processes express themselves in society and culture, and how culture affects the psyche.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an effective treatment for trauma. EMDR is also effective in treating “everyday” memories that are the reason why people have low self-esteem, feelings of powerlessness, and etc.

EMDR enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering. Once the block is removed, healing resumes.  Using the detailed EMDR protocols and procedures, clinicians help clients activate their natural healing processes.

The term expressive arts refers to any combination of dance, writing, visual arts, drama, music or other creative outlets. Expressive arts therapy is taking these modalities and using them to enhance individual development and growth.

Gestalt therapy uses creative, experiential techniques to enhance awareness, freedom, and self-direction. It is a humanistic, holistic, person-centered approach that focuses on a person’s challenges in the present moment rather than delving into past experiences. This approach stresses the importance of understanding the context of a person’s life and taking responsibility rather than placing blame.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that acknowledges that we sometimes step into different roles, feelings, and intentions when dealing with difficult situations. These protective parts of us help manage daily life, guard against pain, and shield our more vulnerable parts that carry past wounds. At the core of this system is the “Self,” a calm, compassionate, inner presence capable of leading with clarity and care. IFS helps us reduce reactivity and open our hearts by building a compassionate, trusting, and grounded relationship within ourselves.

The approach is collaborative and non-pathologizing, allowing you to take ownership of your healing process, expand your capacity for self-reflection, and develop skills that help you approach emotional difficulties with calmness, confidence, and clarity.

Why is this approach effective?

• Helps you understand yourself with more compassion
  IFS teaches that everyone has different “parts” of themselves — for example, a critical part, an anxious part, or a people-pleasing part. Instead of judging these reactions, you learn to understand why those parts developed and what they are trying to protect.
• Reduces shame and self-criticism
  IFS helps see inner conflict as a normal phenomenon. It helps you understand your competing tendencies as an attempt for protection – and discern when these strategies are no longer helpful.
• Creates lasting emotional change
  Clients report that IFS helps you change your perception of your own behaviors, creating deeper, more sustainable shifts. IFS builds a more trusting relationship with yourself.
• Can be especially effective for trauma recovery
  IFS is widely used in trauma therapy because it approaches painful experiences gently and respectfully. Clients are encouraged to move at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed or retraumatized.
• Builds emotional regulation and resilience
  By learning how to relate to difficult emotions with curiosity instead of fear, clients are better able to manage stress, anxiety, anger, and overwhelm.
• Improves relationships with others
  As clients better understand their own emotional patterns and protective reactions, communication and connection in personal relationships
• Encourages a stronger sense of self
  IFS promotes awareness and access to the “Self” — a grounded, calm, compassionate inner state in which people feel more confident and centered.
• Respects each client’s pace and autonomy
  By providing a non-directive, safe environment clients have agency to explore their memories, thoughts, emotions, images, body sensations with patience, generosity, and a loving inner-dialogue.
• Useful for a wide range of concerns
  IFS helps with anxiety, depression, trauma, perfectionism, burnout, grief, relationship issues, low self-esteem, and patterns that feel difficult to change.
• Helps people feel more internally connected
  Clients often describe feeling less “at war” with themselves and more able to experience clarity, balance, and inner calm.

Mindfulness Meditation for Children, at its simplest, is paying attention to what is happening in the present moment. It may be what you’re feeling, hearing, or anything else you notice. There’s no special place of calm you have to reach and it’s not about clearing your mind, it’s just an honest and kind look at what you’re experiencing in this moment.

Spiritual Psychology is the art and practice of Conscious Awakening; removing the blocks to the awareness of Love’s presence, awakening into the awareness of who you truly are, beyond the conditions of society and your ego. This practice helps you move from fear to love and align with your soul’s blessing- celebrating and owning what makes you unique and special.

There are three essential questions:

1. “Who am I?”
2. “Why am I here—what is my purpose?”
3. “How can I make a more meaningful contribution; how can I know that my life has value and purpose, and that my being here is truly making a difference?”