Brainspotting
I am trained to use a variety of techniques in my work and am highlighting two methods that we may use in our work.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a form of psychotherapy based on the idea that traumatic or emotionally charged memories are stored in specific locations in the brain.
The therapist helps the client to find a specific spot in their field of vision that is connected to their traumatic memory. Once the spot is located, the therapist will then guide the client to focus on the spot while processing the traumatic memory, which can help to reduce the emotional charge and symptoms associated with the trauma. Brainspotting is very effective for medical trauma, major traumatic incidents and the bumps and bruises that occur throughout life that stick with us.
IFS/Parts Work
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is based on the idea that each of us is made up of different parts or subpersonalities, each with their own characteristics and roles. These parts are thought to be formed as a result of past experiences and can include, for example, an inner critic, a protector, or a wounded child.
The therapist helps the client to identify and understand these different parts and their roles, and then guides the client in a process of "self-leadership" where they learn to communicate and collaborate with their different parts in order to achieve a state of inner harmony and balance. The goal of IFS is to help the client to access the "Self", which is considered to be the part of the mind that is capable of compassion, wisdom, and inner peace. IFS therapy helps individuals to understand and work with these parts in order to resolve inner conflicts and achieve greater self-awareness.
Premarital & Relationship Education
At this time, my work with new couples is only in a very specific way; please read on to see if you are a good fit for this model.
I now meet with couples for 8 sessions, following the outline below.
Session 1: Attachment and Relational Anxiety
Session 2: Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Parts Work
Session 3: The New Rules of Marriage
Session 4: Friction, Conflicts and Fights
Session 5: Boundaries and Self-Esteem
Session 6: Burnout, Sex and Desire
Session 7: Interpersonal Neurobiology
Session 8: Making Relationships Work
This work is not meant to take the place of premarital therapy, but is an excellent foundation for beginning a relationship on the same page. Each session has handouts and at-home practice activities, as well as a list of sources should you wish to dive in deeper.
Couples who engage in this package are relatively stable with no interpersonal violence in the past or present. Although there is space in each session to address your specific relationship as it relates to the content, couples who discuss these concepts between sessions find deeper connection to each other and satisfaction with the work.
As I am not diagnosing or treating any mental health disorders, insurance cannot be billed for this service.
Clinical Supervision
I provide supervision for LMFT and LPC licensure in the state of Oregon. Please contact me directly to discuss my approach and your needs.
The primary goal of supervision is to help the therapist develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide effective and ethical therapy. This involves reviewing case materials and discussing treatment planning and implementation, as well as providing feedback and guidance on the therapist's therapeutic style and approach.
Clinical supervision also serves as a means for therapist to maintain ethical standards, to ensure that the therapist's work is aligned with the professional code of conduct and to help the therapist to identify and address any areas of concern or potential malpractice.