My name is Ayanna and i'm a licensed psychotherapist based in Brooklyn, New York. My clients often come to me with a history of trauma or adversity, and a strong desire to process and understand how their past has shaped them to be the person they are today. They’re motivated, insightful, eager to grow, and have a strong desire to learn the skills necessary to have healthier relationships, better communication, and improved confidence. Through our work together, we begin to understand and develop the tools necessary to manage anxiety and depressive symptoms that can at times be a barrier for further growth. I aim to provide an empathetic and compassionate space where clients feel safe to open up and supported in their process. Utilizing a non-pathologizing and trauma-informed lens, I help clients put together a cohesive narrative of their life experiences to empower them to begin building a life that feels aligned with their goals and values. At the core of my work is the belief that a strong therapeutic connection is the foundation for successful treatment allowing for personal growth, insight, and healing. Beginning therapy is not always an easy process, but we will always go at your pace as we work toward better days.
Our first session is the intake appointment. The intake is a semi-structured interview where we will gather background information and discuss the reasons you are seeking therapy at this time. This helps to lay the foundation for therapy going forward. It’s a perfect opportunity to ask questions about the process of therapy, discuss goals, and determine a good fit.
I believe in building a strong therapeutic relationship from the very beginning. My goal is to help clients feel safe, supported, and most importantly, seen for who they truly are.
I work well with clients who are often misunderstood or feel like they don't fit in. The black sheep, the highly sensitives, and the over thinkers are all welcomed here :)
Trauma-informed care is a strengths-based approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma on individuals and communities. It shifts the focus from "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?" This approach emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. In practice, trauma-informed care involves creating a safe and supportive environment, building trust with clients, and empowering them to make choices about their care. It also involves recognizing the potential impact of trauma on client behavior and providing appropriate support.
Attachment-based therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the importance of early childhood attachment experiences in shaping adult relationships and mental health. It is based on the theory that secure attachment in early childhood provides a foundation for healthy emotional development and social relationships later in life. In practice, attachment-based therapy helps clients to understand how their early attachment experiences have influenced their current relationships and behaviors. Attachment-based therapy also help clients to develop more secure attachment patterns in their adult relationships.
Psychodynamic therapy is a type of psychotherapy that delves into the unconscious mind to understand the root causes of mental health issues. It explores past experiences, relationships, and unresolved conflicts that may be influencing current behaviors and emotions. In practice, this involves uncovering unconscious patterns and exploring early relationships. Psychodynamic therapy is a long-term approach that can be helpful for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and other mental health challenges. It can be particularly beneficial for those seeking deeper self-understanding and personal growth.
Supportive therapy is a broad term encompassing various approaches that prioritize creating a safe and understanding environment for individuals to explore their challenges and develop coping mechanisms. It's like having a trusted guide who offers encouragement, empathy, and practical guidance along the way.