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My Therapeutic Approaches

Explore the possibilities of how I can support you in your healing journey.

Therapy comes in many different forms depending on each person's unique needs.  While I utilize an integrative and holistic approach to therapy, which incorporates many types of therapy, below are the primary therapeutic approaches I incorporate into my practice.  I invite you to explore each and what potential benefits they can bring in your healing journey.

Hands holding a pink flower

Somatic Experiencing is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the relationship between the mind and body to address trauma and stress-related issues. It acknowledges that trauma and other overwhelming experiences can disrupt the body's natural nervous system responses and leave behind unresolved physical and emotional reactions.

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When we encounter trauma, our body's autonomic nervous system (ANS) can become dysregulated. This dysregulation can manifest as symptoms such as hypervigilance, anxiety, or physical tension. Somatic Experiencing works with the body's nervous system to restore balance and promote healing.

 

During Somatic Experiencing sessions, I will help you tune into your body's sensations, movements, and physiological responses. By gently guiding you through these experiences, I will help you access your body's innate wisdom and self-regulation mechanisms.

 

Through this process, you will learn to recognize and release the trapped energy associated with traumatic and overwhelming memories. I will help you navigate these sensations in a safe and supportive environment, allowing you to gradually discharge the stored energy and complete the body's natural response to the traumatic event.

 

Somatic Experiencing techniques focus on regulating the autonomic nervous system by facilitating a gentle renegotiation of the trauma. This may involve techniques such as pendulation, which helps you switch between sensations of safety and activation, or titration, which involves exploring small increments of sensation at a time to avoid overwhelming the nervous system.  I will help you track sensations, movements, and changes in your body, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of your body's wisdom and restore a sense of safety and balance throughout our sessions. Ultimately, you will be able to gradually release the stored energy and resolve the incomplete physical and emotional responses associated with the trauma. 

 

 

By working with the body's nervous system in this way, Somatic Experiencing helps you integrate the fragmented aspects of the traumatic experience and restore a sense of wholeness and resilience. It's an empowering approach that honors the body's innate capacity for healing and recovery.

Humanistic Therapy

 

Humanistic therapy, also known as humanist therapy, is a type of therapy that focuses on your individuality, personal growth, and your ability to make positive changes in your life. It believes that you have the power to understand yourself, make choices, and live a fulfilling life.

Tree in sunset being reflected in water

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In humanistic therapy, I will work with you to creates  safe and non-judgmental space where you can freely express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. The therapist listens attentively and shows empathy, which means they try to understand your experiences from your point of view without imposing their own beliefs or judgments.

 

One of the core ideas in humanistic therapy is self-actualization, which means becoming the best version of yourself. Throughout this work, I will encourage you to explore your values, goals, and aspirations, helping you gain insight into your strengths and weaknesses.

 

Humanistic therapy also emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and accountability. It encourages you to take ownership of your choices, actions, and emotions. In sessions, I will help you develop self-awareness and self-acceptance, so you can learn from your experiences and make positive changes in your life.

 

Another key aspect of humanistic therapy is the focus on the "here and now." Rather than dwelling on the past or worrying excessively about the future, in sessions I will assist in guiding you to stay present and explore your current thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This can help you develop a better understanding of yourself and how you relate to others.

 

Overall, humanistic therapy aims to empower you and support your personal growth. It encourages you to embrace your own unique qualities, develop a sense of self-worth, and live a more fulfilling and authentic life.

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Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a therapeutic approach that views the mind as a complex system made up of different parts. These parts have various roles and functions, and they often have their own feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. The goal of IFS therapy is to help you understand and harmonize these different parts, leading to greater self-awareness, healing, and personal growth.

In IFS therapy, you'll work closely with me as I assist in  guiding you through a process of exploration and understanding of your inner world. You'll identify different parts of yourself and learn to recognize their unique qualities, needs, and intentions. Through guided exercises and conversations, you'll develop a compassionate and curious attitude toward these parts, rather than judging or suppressing them.

 

In IFS, there are several key concepts which assist in processing difficulties in an integrative, healing manner:

Parts: In IFS therapy, parts are the different aspects of your personality or inner world. They may represent emotions, beliefs, memories, or behaviors. Examples of parts might include an anxious part, a critical part, a wounded child part, or a protective part.

Self: The Self is considered the core or essence of who you are. It's the part of you that is compassionate, wise, and calm. In IFS therapy, the goal is to access and strengthen your connection with the Self, allowing it to lead and guide the healing process.

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Inner Dialogue: IFS therapy often involves engaging in a dialogue between different parts of yourself. This dialogue can help you understand the underlying dynamics and conflicts within your inner system, leading to greater harmony and integration.

 

Exiles, Managers, and Firefighters: These are three categories of parts commonly identified in IFS therapy. Exiles are parts that hold painful memories or emotions that you may have tried to avoid or suppress. Managers are parts that try to control and protect you from experiencing these painful emotions. Firefighters are parts that respond impulsively to distress, often through behaviors like addiction or self-harm.

 

Discover greater self-awareness as you delve into the depths of your inner world, gaining valuable insights along the way. Through acknowledging and addressing different aspects of yourself, embark on a journey of emotional healing, leaving past wounds behind and embracing greater well-being. Enhance your relationships both with yourself and others as you cultivate compassion and understanding towards your inner parts. With IFS therapy, you will equip yourself with the tools and strategies to navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence.

 

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers a unique and powerful approach to personal growth and healing. By exploring and understanding the different parts of your personality, you can develop greater self-awareness, heal emotional wounds, and lead a more fulfilling life.

EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a type of therapy that can help people who have experienced traumatic events or distressing life experiences. It is often used to treat conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and phobias.

 

During an EMDR session, I will work to guide you through a series of steps to assist in processing the traumatic events. During a standard EMDR session, l will ask you to think about the traumatic event or distressing memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This bilateral stimulation can be achieved through eye movements, tapping, or sounds, and it helps to activate both sides of the brain.

The goal of EMDR is to help you process the traumatic memory in a way that reduces its negative impact on your life. The bilateral stimulation is thought to stimulate the brain's natural healing mechanisms, allowing you to reprocess the memory and integrate it into your past experiences in a more adaptive way.

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During a session, you might experience different thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations. I will help you stay focused on the memory while providing support and guidance throughout the process. Over time, the intensity of the negative emotions associated with the memory tends to decrease, and you may gain new insights and perspectives.

 

EMDR is a structured therapy approach, but the exact course of treatment will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. The therapy can be effective in helping you heal from the impact of traumatic events, reduce distressing symptoms, and improve your overall well-being.

 

It's important to note that EMDR may not be suitable for everyone or every type of mental health concern. If you're considering EMDR or any other therapy, it's best to consult with a qualified mental health professional who can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach for you.

      Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy that can be helpful if you're struggling with managing intense emotions or finding it challenging to maintain healthy relationships. 

 

       DBT focuses on teaching you specific skills to cope with difficult emotions, improve your                           relationships, and enhance your overall well-being. It combines elements of mindfulness, acceptance, and behavior change strategies to help you create a more balanced and fulfilling life.

 

Here are some key components of DBT that you might find helpful:

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       Mindfulness: DBT emphasizes the importance of being present in the current moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. It helps you become aware of your experiences and develop a greater sense of control over your emotions.

 

       Emotion Regulation: This component focuses on understanding and managing intense emotions. You'll learn skills to identify and label your emotions, explore their causes, and develop effective strategies to regulate them. This can help you avoid impulsive behaviors or overwhelming emotional reactions.

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 Distress Tolerance: DBT teaches you how to cope with distressing situations when it's difficult to change them immediately. You'll learn techniques to tolerate and survive distress without resorting to harmful behaviors. These skills can be particularly useful during crisis situations.

  Interpersonal Effectiveness: This aspect of DBT helps you improve your relationships by developing effective communication skills and setting boundaries. You'll learn how to express your needs, assert yourself, and navigate conflicts in a healthy and respectful manner.

 

       Overall, DBT can be a valuable tool to help you navigate life's challenges, regulate your emotions, and build more satisfying relationships.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach that focuses on helping you find your own motivation and drive to make positive changes in your life. It's a collaborative process between you and I, as your therapist, where I will support and guide you in exploring your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

lotus flower floating in tranquil pond with sunlight above it

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The goal of motivational interviewing is to help you uncover and strengthen your own internal motivation for change. Rather than telling you what to do or giving you advice, the therapist listens carefully to your concerns, values, and goals. They ask open-ended questions and reflect on your responses, helping you gain a deeper understanding of your situation and the reasons behind your desire for change.

 

Motivational interviewing recognizes that change can be challenging, and it acknowledges the ambivalence or mixed feelings you may have about making changes. Throughout this process, I will respect your autonomy and choices while gently exploring the pros and cons of different options. I aim to provide a non-judgmental and supportive environment where you can freely express your thoughts and concerns.

 

In Motivational Interviewing, I will assist you in identifying and exploring your own motivations for change by highlighting your personal values, goals, and the positive aspects of change. I will also assist you in recognizing and addressing any potential obstacles or barriers that might be holding you back.

 

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered approach that empowers you to take ownership of your own change process. By building a trusting relationship and guiding you through self-reflection, I aim to help you become more motivated and confident in making the positive changes you desire.

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Transcendence Healing Therapy, Inc.

406-530-8484

307 1st Ave E

Suite 3

Kalispell, MT 59901

Questions?

Contact me here

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