I was forced to enter the basement of my soul and look directly at what was hidden there, and to choose, in the face of it all, not death but life. -Henri Nouwen I am extensively trained in the full spectrum of trauma disorders, grief, and eating disorders. I also work with executives and individuals in the workforce who need coaching on stress management and career development. Within the scope of my expertise, I have had the pleasure and honor to help people of all cultures, races, sexualities, and religions “HEAL or make oneself whole again". My therapeutic approach is to provide support, nurturing, and practical feedback to help patients effectively address personal life challenges and facilitate the healing process to "move on" in one's life. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each patient. I provide an effective and healthy outlet for an individual to address issues which are preventing them from adaptively coping in their world. I foster an atmosphere in which an individual's mind, body, and soul can heal allowing the individual to reach resolution on issues that are interfering with feeling "whole and connected" in the world around them. With compassion and a nonjudgmental atmosphere I work with each individual to help one heal the underlying wounds that keep getting in the way of living one's life to the fullest. I am a designated certified trauma treatment specialist, board certified expert in traumatic stress, board certified professional counselor, certified first responder counselor, and a licensed mental health counselor. I hold the status of diplomate for both The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and The National Center for Crisis Management. I specialize and am certified in the state of the art therapy called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I always compare a "first session" in therapy much like to test driving a new vehicle. The first session is for the client to see if the therapist is a "good fit" for them. The relationship is the most important ingredient in therapy. Many variables go into the equilibrium between client and therapist. The energy match, emotional match, goal setting match, and overall vibe. It's "OK" if you find I'm not the best therapist for you. There is no judgement here. The goal is for you to get better whether that's with me or another professional. You should NEVER feel like you are stuck.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I believe a great strength I possess in the area of my work is in "cracking the code." I have made trauma therapy and everything that falls under that "umbrella" , whether it be, dysfunctional relationships, addictions, parenting, low self-esteem, procrastination, etc. my life's study. In doing so, I have learned each individual has their own unique trauma code that plays out based on genetics, environment, temperament, resilience, etc. Unlocking the code in union with the patient and helping to create new neural pathways to health is what I love to do. It is more of a blessing than a strength to be part of that transition with each individual.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I have additional expertise in health issues (cancers, congenital diseases, infertility). I worked with survivors/rescue workers of the September 11th 2001 attacks and currently continue to work with military, law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders in the field. My services are open and offered to Adult, Women, Men, Elders, LGBTQ Community, Young Adults, Fire Rescue, Law Enforcement, Pilots, Lawyers, Physicians, Military, and Veterans
About Heidi M. Salonia
Identifies as
Specializes in
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
EMDR
This is the treatment lens I conceptualize my patients from. We all have an Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) system we operate from to navigate our world. This AIP system helps us interpret and make sense of the world and people around us. When we are traumatized, going through a difficult adjustment in life, stricken with grief, depressed, and/or anxious our AIP system can become hijacked or malfunction. I utilize EMDR to help digest the "stuck yucky" stuff in life so we can get the AIP system back up and functioning and become more resilient despite our circumstances.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
This is a great treatment method that can be utilized in all sessions. This method bridges a balance between challenging our distortions while acknowledging our authentic feelings, healing from pain, frustration, anger, abandonment, and validating them. Once we feel heard and can realistically identify our distortions we can then start to invite replacement beliefs and behaviors to test out in the world we live in. This therapy pairs as a complement therapy at times to EMDR or can be used alone.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Traditional talk therapy is challenging our thought distortions and automatic thoughts and replacing the behaviors and unwanted patterns in life with more adaptable desired ones. It is a great option for those wanting to look at blocks in motivation, issues with procrastination, career counseling, goal setting, performance enhancement, simple anxieties, and daily frustrations. CBT can be combined with many other therapies and is often considered the "standard talk therapy" for most.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is utilized in my practice for clients ages 5-95! It is valuable skill set therpat that helps us all regulate our emotions better and find ways to get the things we want without deregulating in the world. The skills build on each other. I usually combine DBT with CBT and CPT therapy.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
This is a very powerful "parts-work" type therapy. I use IFS with individuals who have undergone complex traumas, addictions, eating disorders, childhood abuse/abandonment or where clinically indicated.