Hello Everyone! I am extroverted artistic nerd, which is a great combination for a mental health therapist in my opinion! I love researching, in depth learning, being creative and am generally energized by engagement with people. I enjoy working with people to engage their whole brain in healing, hence engaging in interventions from cognitive behavioral therapy to EMDR and Brainspotting. I also believe in engaging the body throughout the therapeutic process as our minds are connected.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Our first session (intake) will be reviewing required tasks for the therapeutic process including informed consent, and getting to know you as a person! We will begin to explore your needs and potential treatment goals. If we have time, we may explore an intervention that can be helpful to you! Our first session after intake will also include continuing to build our relationship via check ins and reflections, and discussing methods to begin working on treatment, etc. I usually like to begin working on interventions, with our collaborative discussions, right away! Sometimes you may need to process a bit more, which is helpful as well as it provides better information on how I can help!
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strengths as a provider include my ability to foster healthy supportive relationships, being personable, self reflective and creative in how I approach problems. My creativity has been one of my greatest strengths as described by myself and other clinicians. I am flexible in how I approach my client's needs, which includes self reflection on what can be done differently when an intervention doesn't work well. I consistently collaborate with my clients on their knowledge and feedback as a means to provide the best care possible! As a creative individual, I am able to facilitate the therapeutic process in both standard and non standard ways, for instance engaging in EMDR interventions from recent trainings using poetry, art, and sandtray!
About Ardenna Downing
Ardenna Downing offers therapy covered by Medicaid - Superior HealthPlan, Superior HealthPlan (Managed Medicaid) and UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Texas.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
EMDR
I am a certified EMDR therapist and have been practicing this modality for 5 years. I primarily utilize this method for trauma, and also has specialized training in group therapy, critical incidents, etc. I have most recently been trained to integrate sandtray and poetry as a tool to facilitate healing. Engaging the right side of the brain (associated with creativity) has been correlated with enhanced processing as evidenced by research!
Brainspotting
I have been practicing Brainspotting for 2.5 years including specialized training in utilizing for group. I use this methodology in conjunction with EMDR to provide an integrative experience!
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been trained in and utilizing the CBT therapy methodology for approximately 12 years and utilize this methodology for exploring, evaluating, challenging thinking styles and behavior, along with exploring coping skills for a variety of life's issues.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I often utilize DBT skills training with clients in conjunction with other interventions as I find it helpful in providing insight into mental/emotional states and providing a variety of coping skills in mindfulness, interpersonal relationships, distress tolerance (when experiencing crisis), and emotional regulation. I have incorporated DBT skills into my practice for a little over 3 years.
Trauma Informed Care
I have integrated trauma informed care into my practice for approximately 12 years. As a great portion of my client's have experienced some form of trauma, I have extensive experience and training that has been integrated in all treatment interventions.