Isabella Christodoulou
Treatment methods
Experiential Therapy
I graduated from Hudson Valley Psychodrama Institute where I learned the power of going even deeper than “ talk therapy” for healing. Action methods, such a role play, role reversal and doubling help individuals, groups, couples and families to access history of pain and struggle which continues to live in the body. This may or may mot involve trauma but I have found this work very helpful with those afflicted by all types of addictions, for blocked artists to find their voices and for teenagers who often do not have the words to put to how they feel. Central to this modality is the idea that we all have an autonomous healing center. The job of the therapist ( director) is to help the client (protagonist) access that healing and re-write the harmful script which no longer serves them. In this sense therapist and client co-create the therapy as clients find and speak their truth, thus aligning with their truest selves.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Culture and all the subcultures within that broad term shape our perceptions of ourselves and others. We are given implicit and explicit roles to play as we grow up with in these structures and the rules imposed. These can give meaning and purpose to our lives and alternately they may be confining and oppressive. I always explore these dynamics as they impact the therapy and life as a whole.
Grief Therapy
Grief is a part of life and it inevitably finds its way into therapy. We grieve not only those who have died, but stages of life, places we have left, people we have left, relationships, and importantly addictions which once comforted us but now have come to betray our well being. In life there can be a lot to grieve. My role is to help clients through the natural process and eventually make meaning enough to live life with the losses honored and accepted.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Carl Rogers was a luminary in his approach to therapy because his work was humanistic and person centered. I follow his example of unconditional positive regard for clients. This means that I have a great capacity for empathy with those I serve. My role as a therapist is to help clients improve their self-esteem and feel closer to the image of who they really want to be. I believe that person is indeed living within and sometimes needs help to emerge.