Therapeutic Approches

Expressive Arts Therapy is a multimodal approach to therapy that draws on the creative arts. It encapsulates both the therapeutic act of engaging in creativity as well as the use of arts as psychotherapy. The creative arts can be a non-verbal form of expression that can aide in our understating of our experiences and the world around us. Expressive arts can be utilized as both a form of expression and healing. Expressive arts therapy utilizes and blends a number of techniques including painting, clay work, dancing and movement, journal writing, sculpture, psychodrama, listening to or making music, collage, drawing, photography, film making, poetry, and more.

Expressive Arts Therapy can be blended with other modalities such as psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, or mindful-based approaches. It is a form of therapy for both children and adults and can be used to treat a number of mental health related conditions. No prior background, skill or experience in art is needed to engage in expressive art therapy.

I am trained in both the use of Expressive Art Therapy and Art Therapy and utilize elements of both as the best suit the needs for a particular client. Art Therapy provides a deeper understanding of the clinical and prescriptive uses of specific visual arts media. The American Art Therapy Association describes, “Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.”

EMDR is an evidence-based therapy intervention that is most effective when used in conjunction with other traditional methods of therapy. EMDR therapy can help clients replace their anxieties and fears with positive images, emotions, and thoughts. EMDR therapy helps children and adults of all ages and can be used to address a wide range of challenges. 

How is EMDR therapy different from other therapies?

EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. EMDR therapy allows the brain to resume its natural healing process. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies. (EMDRIA.org) 

The Daring Way™ is a highly experiential methodology based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown. The method was designed for work with individuals, couples, families, work teams, and organizational leaders. It can be facilitated in clinical, educational, and professional settings. 

During the process we explore topics such as vulnerability, courage, shame, and worthiness. We examine the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are holding us back and we identify the new choices and practices that will move us toward more authentic and wholehearted living. The primary focus is on developing shame resilience skills and developing daily practices that transform the way we live, love, parent, and lead.

Further information is available at www.thedaringway.com

Tele-medicine is the newest frontier of modern healthcare. Today’s digital technology allows clinicians to videoconference with patients from the comforts of their own home or office. 

I currently provide tele-sessions to people in the following states: Arizona. Contact my office today if you’d like to explore the benefits of tele-therapy.