Relational Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is an evidence-based approach that facilitates transformational growth by combining traditional psychoanalytic theory with an engaged style. The therapeutic relationship is used to explore old ways of being and test out new ones. It rejects the idea of a “blank screen” and understands that the therapist brings their own personality, social position, and experience into the room which impacts the treatment. This approach is highly effective at healing developmental and relational trauma, as well as supporting the development of a more flexible attachment style.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) uses bilateral stimulation of the brain (tapping, eye movements, and/or sounds) to desensitize traumatic memories and process beliefs about oneself or the world that became stuck due to trauma. It is particularly helpful for past traumas that still feel very real and present, as well as for memories and experiences that can be difficult to articulate. I use EMDR techniques to support patients in developing resources to draw on in difficult moments and to integrate more accurate, compassionate, and balanced ways of seeing themselves.

Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) is an experiential approach that combines talk therapy and somatic therapy. I believe that while feeling shame, fear, sadness, and anger are difficult, feeling them alone is torturous. I use AEDP technique to undo the aloneness of those feelings and support patients to find themselves on the other side, which often brings powerful feelings of relief, peace, connection to the self and others, and gratitude for one’s resilience.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a model that understands humans as made up of different component personalities that are often operating outside of our awareness. It seeks to understand the motivations of these parts and bring them into present awareness so that they may be unburdened of their conflicts and so that more vulnerable parts can be supported and attended to.

While I don’t treat children, I enjoy working with parents of children and teenagers. Parent guidance is typically targeted around particular issues (supporting a child through sexual and gender identity development, strategizing around boundary setting and discipline, figuring out how to avoid replaying old patterns developed in the parent’s early life). Parent guidance sessions can be scheduled as one-offs, to address an isolated issue, or it can be ongoing, to support parents and guardians as they address longer-term challenges and target their own growth in parenting.

Relationship therapy is focused on improving the functioning in any relationship. Together, we learn to track how unmet needs and unresolved traumas get activated in relationship conflict. While this therapy is often undertaken by two partners in a romantic and/or sexual relationship, it can be used in relationships that involve more than two people(throuples, quads, etc), as well as between siblings, parents and adult children, and friends. I draw on training in Emotionally Focused Couples Treatment, as well as the other modalities in my practice, in this work.