Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Despite therapists being everywhere it seems, therapy can still seem like a mystery. The media doesn't help as it promotes the vision of someone laying on the couch, whining, while some man or woman nods their head, legs crossed, pen and paper in hand, saying very little. This can be very off putting for survivors of sexual abuse and other traumas, as it feels deeply impersonal.
Therapy is not one size fit all. In my practice I see clients online, from the comfort and safety of their homes (and sometimes in their cars if they are running late). The point of therapy is to meet you where you and create a safe space for you as we begin to unpack everything that you've buried deep inside that is keeping you stuck in life. Not only that but I like to incorporate a lot of sensory and somatic techniques, which focus on movement and the mind body connection.
Therapy works by getting to know you the individual and your story, and also for you to get to know me and my skill set. In the beginning there is a lot of talking as we ask each other questions to learn more and feel more comfortable. As your therapist I don't just listen to the words you say or stories you share, but I look at your face and your body. I notice those slight shifts in your tone of voice or facial expressions that signal emotional distress. Often times these signs are so subtle that you don't even notice them, but I do.
When I notice these shifts I might stop you and have you attune (pay attention) to what's going on in that moment. This is the power of therapy. You see often times we just go on automatic all the time. Never really taking the time to notice whats going on inside unless its really big and by then it can often feel overwhelming. When you're overwhelmed you feel powerless and out of control, unsure of what to do. But by paying attention to those subtle signs you can often stop a trauma reaction (fight-flight-freeze) before it becomes full blown. You can also better identify your triggers and take the steps necessary to either avoid them or work through them if they are unavoidable.
Finally, therapy is about getting you unstuck from unhealthy patterns of behaviors that leave you feeling like crap. Whether this be dating the wrong person, an inability to speak up for yourself, or anger outbursts towards people you care about, therapy helps get to the root of the problem and gives you the tools you need to stop these behaviors, and new skills to replace them with.
Therapy is powerful and life changing, so get started today. Schedule your 90 minute intake session.
Helping you find success on the road to healing and recovery from your past trauma is my highest priority, which is why I provide top notch services. These services include online sessions at a time and place that works best for you, email using a secure and confidential platform so that you can share what comes up for you in between sessions, and text messages to confirm or cancel appointments easily.
During each session we talk about what's going on for you, review the homework assignments given (yes you get homework-skills you learn in session to practice outside of session to increase your progress), and we may utilize movement such as yoga, grounding exercises, or whatever else fits your needs that day. You will typically leave each session with homework.
I know that seeking help can be scary but I hope that by making things easier for you, starting out with scheduling your assessment online, the process feels a little less scary for you.