Couples Counseling
My marriage counseling and couples therapy draws primarily from the Bader-Pearson Developmental Model developed by Drs. Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson. This approach integrates the best of Attachment Theory, Differentiation Theory and Neuroscience to help understand how couples’ relationships grow and develop over time.
The core of the Developmental Model is the concept of differentiation. This is defined as the ability of each partner to know what their truest thoughts, feelings, desires and dreams are and then being able to express them to each other.
For more information about the Developmental Model and an informative blog for couples ~ www.couplesinstitute.com
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is an eight-phase treatment that identifies and addresses experiences that have overwhelmed the brain’s natural resiliency or coping capacity. This evidenced-based therapy is used for trauma, anxiety, panic, disturbing memories, PTSD, desensitizing triggers for food and substance addictions and many other emotional problems.
EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation either with right/left eye movement or tactile stimulation that repeatedly activates the opposite sides of the brain, releasing emotional experiences that are “trapped” in the nervous system. This assists the neurophysiological system, the basis of the body mind connection to free itself of blockages and reconnect itself.
As the brain processes the troubling images and feelings, resolution of the issues and a more peaceful state are achieved as the brain files the challenging experience now as a memory that has no charge connected to it.
To learn more about EMDR therapy ~ www.EMDRIA.org
Depth Psychology
Depth Psychology is the study of processes and motives that operate outside of conscious awareness. People are often internally divided, with some thoughts, feelings, wishes, and memories accessible to awareness, and others hidden beneath the surface. Through the study of dreams, expressive arts, images, symptoms, meditations, slips of the tongue and meaningful coincidences, the parts of psyche that have been cast out, repressed, denied or ignored can come forward and with that the person gains understanding and can heal as they begin to integrate these parts into consciousness and reconnect with a deepened meaning in their lives.
Studies show that Depth Psychology has a longer lasting and more profound impact than cognitive or behavioral psychologies alone.
Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT)
This approach emphasizes validation – a powerful tool that encourages “acceptance” of uncomfortable thoughts, feelings and behaviors rather than resisting them. The goal is to find the delicate balance between acceptance and change. DBT also focuses on the development of coping skills with the emphasis first placed on mindfulness. This integrative approach has its roots in Eastern meditation practice. Connecting thoughts and feelings to bodily sensations, an individual develops the ability to accept distressing thoughts without self-criticism and to tolerate self-destructive urges without acting on them. Deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation are examples of specific mindfulness techniques. This evidence-based method is an excellent approach working with teenagers as well as with adults.
