Your first session with a trauma-informed therapist marks the beginning of a journey toward self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Initial Assessment: The therapist will ask you about your symptoms, what led you to seek therapy, and any challenges you’re facing in your life. They may inquire about your history, including childhood experiences, education, relationships (family, romantic, friends), current living situation, and career.
2. Creating a Safe Space: Trauma therapists are trained to create a safe and supportive environment. They understand that discussing traumatic events can be emotionally intense. You won’t be pressured to delve into the details of your trauma right away. Instead, the focus will be on building trust and ensuring you have coping skills to manage any feelings that arise.
3. Prioritizing Self-Care: Throughout the session, the therapist will emphasize self-care. You’ll be encouraged to be patient with yourself as you are guided toward finding moments of joy and enjoyment again. This process is about healing and growth, and you are taking a courageous step toward prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being.
At our practice, we tailor our therapeutic techniques to meet your unique needs. Drawing from evidence-based methods, our skilled therapists blend various approaches to support your well-being. Here’s a glimpse into the toolbox we use:
1. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): EMDR is primarily used for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it has also shown promise in addressing other conditions such as anxiety disorders, panic attacks, phobias, depression, and complicated grief. The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR helps individuals process distressing memories and alleviate their emotional impact.
2. Ketamine Therapy: Ketamine therapy, also known as ketamine-assisted therapy, is a mental health treatment that utilizes low doses of ketamine for conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This therapy may be combined with sessions with a psychotherapist.
3. CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors. It aims to help individuals develop healthier coping strategies and improve their emotional well-being .
4. Internal Family Systems: Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a psychotherapy approach that identifies and addresses multiple sub-personalities or “families” within an individual’s mental system. These sub-personalities consist of wounded parts and painful emotions, often in conflict with each other and with the person’s core Self. IFS focuses on healing these wounded parts and restoring mental balance by changing the dynamics among the sub-personalities and the Self.
5. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that emphasizes acceptance of negative thoughts and emotions as part of normal psychological functioning. It encourages individuals to commit to actions aligned with their own values and goals, helping them move forward through difficult emotions without judgment.
6. Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic practice that uses guided hypnosis to help clients reach a trance-like state of focus and concentration. In this state, individuals are more open to suggestions aimed at addressing various concerns, such as stress, anxiety, or behavioral issues.
Private Pay:
55 Minute Session: $120
Insurance:
Currently accepting Medicaid/Aetna/Signa/Friday Health
You will receive text reminders for appointments. You are welcome to cancel up to 24 hours in advance of your appointment. Under 24 hours, you will be responsible for a cancellation fee of $50. A credit card is kept on file for payments.