I have 30 plus years of experience in the mental health field. I can function on an intellectual level but be very down-to-earth. I will meet you where you're at while helping you envision where you would like to go. I love the work of helping people reach their goals. I would love to partner with you on your journey.
We will talk about confidentiality. We will review your intake paperwork. There will be an opportunity to discuss anything else you would like for me to know. We will discuss your goals, needs, and preferences. We will start with coping skills, particularly if you are to be doing trauma work. You probably have more coping skills than you know, but maybe haven't thought of them this way.
I am an intent listener. I use my own curiosity to wonder "What would your life look like if..." I am not going to dictate to you what you should do, rather I will help you process your experiences and explore options. I have a mind that is good at connecting yesterday's trauma to today's thought patterns, emotions, and situations.
Flash is a quick-acting treatment for trauma which does not require delving into the traumatic memory or the related disturbing emotions. Developed as an adjunct to EMDR, this evidence-based practice is safe and effective at reducing distress. Follow-up studies show that its effects are long-lasting.
The core skills at the root of DBT are mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. Developed for use with people who have borderline personality disorder, this modality is actually effective for treating a variety of people. I began working with clients using DBT in the late 90s in an inpatient facility. I have taught these skills in various contexts since then. I am currently working toward a DBT certification.
My first concern when working with genderqueer, trans, or nonbinary clients, is safety. The client must feel safe, and in order to do that, I must create an environment where they can be authentically themselves. I have been working with genderqueer, trans, and nonbinary clients for five years as a therapist, and much longer in other contexts.