Have you seen Pixar’s “Inside Out”? If so, you probably already have a good understanding of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Similar to the movie, IFS is rooted in the idea that we are all made of up different parts, that hold and express a variety of emotions and behaviors. For example, in searching for a new therapist you may have noticed several different parts. You might have a part of you that is excited to embark on a new journey, a part that is nervous to try something new, and maybe a manager part that is helping you weigh the pros and cons of each therapist. IFS provides a framework for building a relationship with each of your parts, which can be a hugely transformative and life-changing experience. Learn more at the IFS Institute’s website https://ifs-institute.com/about-us

Our brains thrive on imagination, creativity, images and stories, which is why expressive arts therapy is such a powerful modality. When we give our brain the freedom to express without limits, we gain a deeper understanding of our inner self than we could with traditional talk-therapy alone.

Mindfulness is more than meditation and breathing exercises, it is a tool for building a deeper connection to our inner self and the world around us. Art, music, dance, and poetry, are just a few of the many mindfulness techniques that may work for you. I’m always open and curious to learn about and utilize any mindfulness-based practices you may already be using to support and individualize your goals for treatment.

Brainspotting is a brain-based therapy that focuses on processing traumatic memories at a deeper level than talk-therapy, by accessing memories through the subcortical brain. This means we can process the trauma’s influence on daily functioning. Using bilateral stimulation, eye movement, and the mind-body connection, we work to process underlying memories and experiences to bring more inner peace to your day-to-day life.

What we think affects how we feel, and how we feel affects how we behave. With CBT we work to challenge your inner critic, and invite more positive actions and goals into your daily routines. CBT is one of the most widely-used and scientifically backed evidence-based therapeutic treatments, which is why it the foundation of my approach.

Effective as a stand alone treatment, and complimentary to any of the above modalities, AAT harnesses the power of the animal-human bond to facilitate deeper and more meaningful healing. I am the first to admit, my co-therapist Stevie (2-year-old, mini bernedoodle) brings a level of comfort and support that goes beyond what any human therapist can provide.