Trauma Informed Care (TIC)

Acknowledging the pervasive harm of traumatic events in a person’s life. Trauma Informed Care (TIC) takes into consideration the physical environment and relational aspect of therapy to increase a sense of safety through transparency, choice, predictability, and empowering the client. It shifts the focus from “what’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

Focuses on helping clients to take action more consistent with their own values and apply mindfulness and acceptance skills to their responses to uncontrollable experiences.

Brainspotting

Uses the positioning of the eyes to access parts of the brain that hold traumatic memories. Access to this part of the brain leads to deeper work that is often limited when using talk therapy on its own.

Buddhist principles/philosophies/practices

A practice of meditation and the study of Theravada and Tibetan Buddhist teachings that has made significant improvements in my own life. In my therapeutic approach, I enthusiastically utilize elements of these philosophies and practices that work to increase:

• Acceptance of the realities of existence including: Anicca (impermanence), Anatta (not-self or lack of lasting essence), and Dukkha (unsatisfactoriness or suffering)
• Access to Karuna (Compassion), Metta (Loving Kindness), and Upekkha (Equanimity)

Polyvagal Theory

The understanding that our bodies respond to perceived threats by activating one of three branches of the Autonomic Nervous System: the Ventral Vagal complex (allows you to feel safe and social), the Sympathetic Nervous System (your fight or flight instincts), and the Dorsal Vagal complex (which causes shut down). It focuses on fostering a sense of safety and connection. Techniques employed in Polyvagal Therapy include mindfulness practices, breathwork, somatic experiencing, and interventions aimed at enhancing social engagement and relational safety.

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

A therapeutic approach that aims to help those who struggle with shame and self-criticism, often resulting from early experiences of abuse or neglect. CFT teaches clients to cultivate the skills of self-compassion and other-oriented compassion, which are thought to help regulate mood and lead to feelings of safety, self-acceptance, and comfort.