Eileen Harley Garrigan
I am a licensed professional therapist and provider for adults, adolescents, couples, and families. I am familiar with working with patients who have experienced anxiety, stress, grief, depression, relationship conflict and employment conflict. I have a post -graduate degree in Family Systems Therapy towards my PhD. My initial employment experiences included working for federal programs providing mental health services in homeless shelters and with pre, and post partum, women overcoming substance abuse and addiction to various substances.
First session
During the first session, I want clients to feel heard and respected in a safe environment. The initial session can be emotionally challenging and I often refer to it as a "walk down memory lane" which often can bring up forgotten memories. More importantly this is the beginning of building a trusting therapeutic relationship while learning about a clients history, experiences and identifying strengths and goals for treatment. I want clients to feel that they are genuinely seen, understood and supported.
Strengths
As a provider I strive to remain sensitive and respectful of each patient's individual belief system, values, cultures and personal experiences. Therapy can provide clients with the tools and support needed to develop healthier perspectives, improve work-life balance, strengthen thought and communication patterns, and build healthy relationships. I believe therapy provides a safe, non -judgemental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their past, present and future. It gives clients the opportunity to feel seen, heard accepted, and understood. Sincerity, empathy, compassion, authenticity, and genuineness are essential components of a strong therapeutic relationship and help create an environment in which clients can feel supported throughout their therapeutic journey.
Ideal clients
An ideal client would be someone who is motivated to change and understandably has experienced and need to over come a major life experience. Being open to the therapeutic process can be challenging and helping a client decrease fear of this process is most rewarding. I enjoy working with individuals from diverse backrounds and with a variety of mental health concerns. I am particularly interested in supporting clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, or difficulties with coping and communication.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps to manage and increase a sense of control with changing patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors and with a sense of self empowerment. Increased awareness of self talk is intertwined with a more balanced and realistic perspective and increased control of how we react to our circumstances.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I believe Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a paradoxical approach to difficult thoughts and emotions with self compassion. ACT is focused on changing our reactions to our issues and problems by accepting symptoms as messengers to learn and grow from them. I often use the metaphor of sculpting or pottery; for example if we perceive acceptance as water being added to the clay, we can mold and change the shape of the clay giving power to manage the emotion and reform it into another energy shape which in essence decreases the fears of symptoms.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Licensed in
- ConnecticutLicense 46.003205
- MassachusettsLicense LMHC4813