Individual counseling is typically done in 45 minute sessions that may address symptoms of mental illness, relationship issues, problems adjusting to life's challenges, or healing from trauma. It may involve active exercises to learn and practice skills, exploring issues from the past, or focusing on present moment coping. The therapist and client work collaboratively to establish goals for therapy and track progress throughout the process.
We currently work with children and adolescents ages 12 and over. These sessions may consist of individual meetings with the child, sessions with the parent or the parent and child together, or some combination of these. Family participation is an essential ingredient to successful counseling with children, and even adolescents. Much like with adults, these sessions may focus on learning skills or information, coping with stress or life transitions, or managing relationships. Counseling with children can often look like "play" because this is how children understand and relate to their world.
Families are essential resources and supports for individual and community wellness, but oftentimes individual and collective challenges strain our relationships and we end up feeling disconnected and frustrated. We work with individuals and families of all types to decrease family conflict, improve communication, and nurture healthy relationships. Each member of the family plays a vital role in the collective functioning of the whole, so having the opportunity to work with families together can help bring about the changes you're looking for in your home.
Teletherapy, or online therapy appointments using synchronous video software, have become the norm for many of us since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This method can be a great option for some people for a number of reasons. Telehealth sessions can be more convenient for clients who don't have the time or energy to commute to the therapy office, or don't have access to skilled therapists in their area. Some clients may prefer telehealth sessions because their home environment is more comfortable for them. Telehealth is also a great solution to transportation issues, compromised immune systems, or lack of childcare. Some challenges to telehealth can include confidentiality/privacy issues, poor connection, and some information that may be missed between therapist and client behind the screen. Nevertheless, these challenges can usually be resolved and may not outweigh the benefits that teletherapy presents.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. By using guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, EMDR allows the brain to reprocess distressing memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity. This approach can help decrease symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and negative self-beliefs while promoting a greater sense of resilience and emotional balance. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on changing how traumatic memories are stored in the brain, allowing clients to move forward without being overwhelmed by past experiences. Many clients find that EMDR helps them feel more empowered, present, and in control of their lives.