Allie Acquaviva
I am dedicated to helping clients achieve positive change and emotional well-being. With expertise in evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
With expertise in evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
My goal is to create a supportive and empowering therapeutic environment where clients can explore their challenges, tap into their strengths, and work towards achieving their goals for personal growth and healing.
First session
In the first session with me, clients can expect a collaborative and comprehensive assessment process aimed at understanding their presenting concerns, goals for therapy, and background information.
Strengths
As a provider, I believe my greatest strengths lie in empathy and compassion, a collaborative approach, resilience-building and empowerment, and continuous learning and growth.
Ideal clients
I work best with individuals who are ready to better understand themselves and begin healing from experiences that continue to impact their daily lives. Many of my clients experience anxiety, depression, or distress that feels connected to past experiences, even if they are not always fully aware of how those experiences are showing up in the present. My ideal clients are open to growth, even if they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to begin. They may notice patterns such as overthinking, self-doubt, emotional reactivity, or difficulty feeling safe, confident, or at ease. Together, we focus on identifying and processing the root experiences contributing to these patterns through EMDR, while also building insight and developing more adaptive ways of thinking, feeling, and responding. This work supports clients in moving beyond symptom management and toward deeper, lasting healing and a stronger sense of self.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I use CBT as a primary treatment method for clients with various mental health concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma-related issues, substance use disorders, and more. We work together to identify and challenge cognitive distortions or "thinking errors" that contribute to negative emotions and maladaptive behaviors. Common distortions include all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization, catastrophizing, and personalization. Once cognitive distortions are identified, we engage in cognitive restructuring exercises. This involves challenging and modifying irrational or unhelpful thoughts to develop more balanced and adaptive thinking patterns. Techniques may include examining evidence for and against negative thoughts, creating alternative interpretations, and developing coping statements.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach primarily used to treat trauma-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it can also be beneficial for other mental health issues. Together with the client, we identify specific traumatic memories or distressing experiences to target during EMDR sessions. These targets are typically memories that contribute to the client's symptoms and emotional distress. As EMDR processing unfolds, clients often experience shifts in their emotional responses, beliefs, and perceptions related to the targeted memories. We work together to integrate these changes, reinforce positive cognitions, and achieve a sense of closure and resolution regarding the traumatic experiences.
Supportive
I prioritize active and empathetic listening during therapy sessions. This involves fully engaging with clients, validating their experiences, and demonstrating genuine care and concern for their well-being. I create a space where clients feel heard, understood, and accepted without judgment. Overall, my experience with being supportive in treatment has shown its effectiveness in building trust, enhancing therapeutic rapport, promoting emotional healing, and facilitating positive change in clients. I integrate supportive techniques into my therapeutic approach to create a nurturing and empowering space where clients can explore, heal, and thrive.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Woman
Top specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Other specialties
Coping Skills
First Responders/Healthcare Workers
Men's Issues
Military/Veterans
Mood Disorders
Self Esteem
Sexual Abuse
Women's Issues
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Individual Therapy
Doesn't specialize in
Couples Counseling
Family Therapy