Alisha Adebayo

EMDR

EMDR helps my clients move beyond insight and helps with understanding oneself through thoughtful psychoeducation, explanations of how the nervous system works, to help people connect patterns across their lives. Many of my clients leave with greater understanding. "I know why I do this..." "I understand it intellectually..." "...but my body still reacts." EMDR is designed for that gap between cognitive understanding and emotional/physiological change. It can help process experiences that continue to trigger the nervous system even after someone "knows better." EMDR supports: workplace trauma and burnout complicated grief perfectionism panic chronic anxiety adult neurodivergent individuals discovering lifelong patterns people carrying shame for decades People often have experiences that continue to influence present-day reactions. EMDR offers another avenue for working with those memories and associated beliefs when appropriate.

Psychodynamic

Psychodynamic Therapy Sometimes the challenges we experience today are rooted in patterns that began long ago. Psychodynamic therapy helps us gently explore how past experiences, important relationships, and unconscious beliefs may continue to influence your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and behaviors today. Together, we'll look beyond the immediate problem to better understand the deeper patterns that may be keeping you stuck. You may begin to notice recurring themes in your relationships, the way you respond to stress, or beliefs you've carried about yourself for years without realizing it. This isn't about blaming your past or dwelling on it. It's about understanding how your life experiences have shaped you so that you can make intentional choices moving forward. In our work together, I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can safely explore your experiences, increase self-awareness, and develop greater compassion for yourself. As we uncover these patterns, we'll work to strengthen your emotional resilience, improve relationships, and create lasting change that extends beyond simply managing symptoms. I often integrate psychodynamic therapy with evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and other therapeutic techniques to create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. My goal is not only to help you feel better, but to help you better understand yourself—because lasting healing often begins with insight, self-compassion, and meaningful change.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are closely connected. Sometimes, after difficult life experiences or periods of prolonged stress, our minds develop patterns of thinking that no longer serve us. These patterns can contribute to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, perfectionism, procrastination, and feeling stuck. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns while developing healthier ways of responding to life's challenges. Together, we'll explore how your thoughts influence your emotions and behaviors and learn practical strategies to create meaningful, lasting change. In our work, you won't simply be told to "think positive." Instead, we'll examine the evidence behind your thoughts, identify cognitive distortions, and develop more balanced, realistic perspectives. We'll also focus on building new habits and behaviors that align with your goals and values, helping you gain confidence through action rather than perfection. CBT is collaborative, goal-oriented, and practical. Between sessions, you may practice new skills, complete exercises, or experiment with small changes that reinforce what we're working on together. These tools are designed to help you continue making progress outside of therapy and become your own therapist over time. I often integrate CBT with other evidence-based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, and EMDR when appropriate. This allows us to address not only the symptoms you're experiencing today but also the deeper experiences and patterns that may be contributing to them, creating a personalized approach that supports lasting growth and healing.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP) If you're struggling with thoughts of suicide, feeling hopeless, or wondering if things can ever get better, you don't have to face those thoughts alone. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP) is a specialized, evidence-based approach designed to help people reduce suicidal thoughts and build a life worth living. Rather than focusing only on the crisis itself, CBT-SP helps us understand the unique situations, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that contribute to suicidal thinking. Together, we'll identify the patterns that increase your distress and develop practical strategies to navigate difficult moments more safely and effectively. Our work may include creating a personalized safety plan, strengthening coping skills, identifying warning signs, building emotional regulation strategies, addressing unhelpful thinking patterns, and reconnecting with the people, values, and goals that give your life meaning. We'll also explore the factors that have helped you survive difficult times in the past and build on those strengths. Therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and paced according to your needs. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can speak openly about your thoughts and experiences without fear of shame or criticism. Together, we'll focus on increasing hope, improving your ability to manage overwhelming emotions, and developing practical tools that support your safety and long-term recovery. If at any point your safety requires a higher level of care, we'll work together to determine the most appropriate supports and resources to help keep you safe while continuing your path toward healing.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT-Informed) Life can feel overwhelming when emotions become intense, relationships are difficult, or it seems like you're constantly trying to keep your head above water. A DBT-informed approach teaches practical skills to help you manage overwhelming emotions, cope with distress, improve relationships, and create a life that feels more balanced and meaningful. In our work together, you may learn skills in four key areas: * **Mindfulness** to increase awareness of the present moment without judgment. * **Emotion Regulation** to better understand and manage intense emotions. * **Distress Tolerance** to navigate crises and difficult moments without making the situation worse. * **Interpersonal Effectiveness** to communicate your needs, establish healthy boundaries, and strengthen relationships. These skills are especially helpful for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic stress, trauma-related symptoms, emotional overwhelm, or difficulties managing life's challenges. I integrate DBT-informed skills with other evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, and EMDR when appropriate. This allows us to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique goals, strengths, and experiences. My focus is on helping you develop practical tools you can use in everyday life while fostering self-compassion, resilience, and lasting emotional well-being.