Specialties
Finding the right therapist to embark on the journey towards self-discovery and healing can be an intimidating process. If we cannot truly feel safe and held in the presence of someone that is meant to guide us, how are we meant to share the most intimate details of our lives? Through my years of experience, I have come to realize that the foundation of a therapeutic relationship lies in trust, safety, empathy, and attunement.
With that in mind, my question to you is: What are your goals for therapy? The answer to this question will depend on your unique needs, wants, and values. Many individuals seek therapy to manage addiction, alleviate symptoms, release emotional burdens, shift trauma narratives, or to cultivate healthy relationships. It is important to remember that change is a non-linear process, intricately intertwined with the evolution of our souls.
If you are prepared to embrace change from a holistic mind-body-spirt approach, I am here to provide support. Together, we can work towards restoring your self-worth, improving mood regulation, establishing healthy boundaries, fostering meaningful connections, and enhancing communication. It would be my honor to accompany you through the depths of your fears, pains, and hopes.
Below, you will find my areas of specialization, where I can provide guidance and expertise tailored to your specific needs:
Addiction & Substance Abuse
Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Love Addiction/Love Avoidance
Eating Disorders and Body Dysmorphia
Unresolved Grief/Loss/Transitions
Personality Disorders (borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, dependent personality disorder)
Stress
Mental Health (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, anger, impulsivity)
Codependency and Relational Issues (communication problems, infidelity & trust issues, family conflict, divorce, emotional or physical intimacy concerns, etc.)
Perfectionism
Spirituality
Self-Development (self-esteem, purpose, boundary setting, work/life balance, coping skills, etc.)
TRAININGs
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Certification: EMDRIA
Advanced EMDR with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) & Phobias Training: EMDRIA
Pia Melody’s Post Induction Therapy (PIT) Certification: The Meadows
Pia Melody’s Advanced Inner Child/Feeling Reduction Certification: The Meadows
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy: Harmony Place Monterey
Introduction to Motivational Interviewing: Massachusetts General Hospital & Partners HealthCare System
Knowledgeable in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Expressive Therapy.
Treatment Modalities
Post Induction Therapy (PIT)
A therapeutic approach developed by Pia Melody, a senior fellow at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare in Wickenburg, AZ. PIT defines childhood trauma as any form of abuse or neglect experienced from birth to eighteen, including emotional, physical, sexual, spiritual, intellectual abuse. During their formative years, children require nurturing, support, and direction from their parents and caregivers. When children have experiences that are anything “less than nurturing,” it can result in developmental immaturity issues as they adapt and survive in challenging circumstances. Although these coping mechanisms serve a purpose in childhood, they can later impact individuals by interfering with their life and relationships.
Unresolved childhood trauma can manifest in adulthood as codependency, feelings of rage, pain, depression, worthlessness, shame, addictions, and physical symptoms. During sessions, the therapist works closely with the individual to explore their trauma history, address carried emotions related to the childhood trauma, navigate codependent traits, and manage maladaptive behaviors. A primary objective of PIT is reparenting the wounded inner child through nurturing, affirmation, and limit setting. The goal of PIT is to support individuals in developing healthier patterns of self-esteem, boundaries, and intimacy so that they can receive relief from their suffering.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
A therapeutic approach founded by Dr. Francine Shapiro. EMDR is used to treat trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder, chronic pain, and addictions.
EMDR involves a structured eight-phase protocol that incorporates elements from other therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy. The core component of EMDR is bilateral stimulation, which can be achieved through eye movements, tapping, or sounds. During a session, the therapist assists the individual in recalling distressing memories while using bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation allows the individual to reprocess the traumatic memories along with the original thoughts, images, sounds, beliefs, and sensations associated with the traumatic experiences.
The goal of EMDR is to help individuals reprocess and heal from the traumatic experiences by rewiring their thought patterns. Overtime, individuals report reduced emotional intensity, improved relationships, positive self-esteem, and healthier coping mechanisms.
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Internal Family Systems (IFS)
A type of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. It is used to treat a range of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and self-esteem issues. IFS assumes the human mind is made up of different “parts” or subpersonalities, each with its own thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and memories. These parts get wounded by traumatic events which cause polarization between them, resulting in internal conflicts and emotional distress within the individual.
In IFS therapy, the therapist works with the individual to identify and understand the origins and roles of different parts, as well as their protective functions. The therapist also helps individuals release burdens and negative beliefs associated with these parts. The unburdening and integration of these experiences is achieved by creating a sense of self-leadership with one’s “self.” The self represents the true essence of a person, one that is calm, compassionate, curious, connected, and confident. The self restores balance by leading the parts to coexist harmoniously, resulting in healing and resolution.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
A therapeutic modality created by Dr. Marsha Linehan. DBT is used to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.
DBT combines elements of CBT, mindfulness, and dialectics, which encourages individuals to consider opposing perspectives. The core components of DBT include: 1) mindfulness (non-judgmental awareness of the present moment), 2) emotional regulation (identifying and regulating emotions effectively), 3) distress tolerance (skills to tolerate distressing situations and emotions), and 4) interpersonal effectiveness (improving communication and relationship skills). The therapist helps the individual apply therapeutic skills into their daily life, leading to personal growth, conflict resolution, and effective coping skills.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A therapeutic approach founded by Dr. Aaron T. Beck and Dr. Judith S. Beck. CBT is used to treat depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and trauma. CBT focuses on the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The goal of CBT is to help individuals identify and replace unhelpful patterns of thinking so that they can positively impact our emotional well-being and behavior.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
A brief counseling approach that was developed by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick. MI is aimed to elicit and strengthen an individual’s intrinsic motivation to make behavioral changes. It is commonly used in the field of addiction treatment, but it can also be applied to evoke “change talk” about physical health, mental health, and lifestyle modifications.
MI recognizes that individuals may experience mixed feelings or ambivalence about changing their behavior. The therapist fosters a collaborative and non-judgmental environment that allows the individual to express their values, desires, and reasons for change. The goal of MI is to help individuals find the confidence to start taking steps toward positive behavioral change.
Expressive Therapy
Combines various therapeutic interventions, including art, music, movement, drama, and poetry. The goal of expressive arts therapy is to integrate creative and expressive arts as a means of promoting emotional healing, self-expression, and personal growth. It can be particularly powerful for those individuals who find it challenging to express themselves verbally or who prefer alternative forms of communication. When used in conjunction with other forms of therapy such as psychodynamic, CBT and EMDR, expressive therapy allows individuals to explore their inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a non-verbal and symbolic way. The therapist assists the individual in utilizing artistic forms to gain insight, process trauma, enhance sensory experiences, and communicate effectively.
