As a clinical psychologist who is a trauma survivor herself, I am passionate about assisting others on their healing journey after experiencing trauma and other major life events. I understand the lasting impacts that trauma can have on your emotional, physiological, and physical health. Whether your experiences are mild or severe, my aim is to help you learn to manage overwhelming emotions and behaviors, process your trauma, build better relationships, and create a life you can truly enjoy. Healing is hard work but it makes a world of difference having the right people in your corner. I am honored to help you along your journey.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, I'll begin by briefly reviewing some policies with you including limits to confidentiality, what to do in a crisis, late fee policies, and best ways to communicate with each other outside of session. Then we will move into our intake which consists of me asking several questions about your experiences and how you're functioning right now. We will explore any diagnoses that may fit your case, mainly just to guide the treatment options we choose from. I will always discuss my treatment ideas with you and get your input on things before moving forward. I truly value your honesty and feedback because I want therapy to be as helpful for you as possible, so you are always welcome to let me know if you feel like we won't be a good fit.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My style of therapy is very laid back and nonjudgmental which I think helps clients feel more comfortable about opening up, especially when discussing things that have created a lot of shame or guilt or even feel too taboo to say. I use a pretty direct approach as well which tends to work great with neurodivergent folks or people that like to be challenged. I enjoy including humor and creativity in my work, especially when talking about heavier topics and I believe this adds to a truly individualized and unique clinical experience.
About Dr. Aaliyah Gibbons
Dr. Aaliyah Gibbons offers therapy covered by Kaiser Permanente - Medicaid and UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Virginia.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I enjoy using DBT to teach clients skills to help them manage intense emotional experiences and crises. Depending on the clients needs, learning skills can look more structured including assigning homework or worksheets, or it can be incorporated as needed in a less structure way.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I find IFS exceptionally helpful for those who have extensive trauma backgrounds. Its a very nonjudgmental approach to understanding all of our thoughts and behaviors, even the ones we wish we could change.
Existential
Existential therapy can be very useful for exploring some of life's bigger questions. If you ever find yourself asking questions about death and the afterlife, finding your purpose, matters of fairness or justice, or even religious and spiritual matters, I am happy to explore those with you!
Trauma Informed Care
I am a life long student of trauma care and am continuously learning the latest evidenced based practices. I approach trauma in the broadest sense of the term. Many people view traumatic experiences as going to war or witnessing death, but honestly any life changing thing that you weren't prepared to cope with can be traumatic and have lasting impacts on you! I look forward to helping you learn more about your trauma and how to move forward.