Methods
An effective therapist is a compassionate and attentive helper, adaptable to your particular needs. But a good therapist is not only a good listener but a resourceful guide. Influenced by wise teachers like Francine Shapiro (EMDR), Ron Kurtz (Hakomi), Steven C. Hayes (ACT), Richard Schwartz (Internal Family Systems) and Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche (Buddhadharma), I am passionate about exploring this human journey with you.
I also believe that psychotherapy combined with non-ordinary states of consciousness can be a rapid and powerful agent of change. I currently offer Ketamine and Cannabis Assisted Psychotherapy. I am prepared to offer MDMA and Psilocybin assisted therapy as those substances become legal for psychotherapy in the future.
"Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing "is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference..."
"...The brain’s information processing system naturally moves toward mental health. If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering. Once the block is removed, healing resumes. Using the detailed protocols and procedures learned in EMDR therapy training sessions, clinicians help clients activate their natural healing processes."
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
This method is a practical approach that allows us to live a meaningful and vibrant life, regardless of what our challenges are or where they came from. Together we explore what you want most from life, and what thoughts and feelings are standing in the way. We then notice these thoughts and feelings from the stance of "the observing self", which helps us see them for what they really are - passing phenomena.
Rather than simply talking about issues you are already aware of, I will help you uncover the "core material" that shapes your styles, behaviors, perceptions and attitudes. In the Hakomi Method, most of the exploration is done in a state of mindfulness. Using nonjudgmental curiosity, we explore how emotional energy is expressed in the body (e.g. a tightness in the throat or slumping shoulders). We find that these physical sensations are often linked to formative memories and the unconscious beliefs derived from them (e.g. "I have to do everything myself" or "I never get anything right").
Internal Family Systems is a powerfully transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy. We believe the mind is naturally multiple and that is a good thing. Our inner parts contain valuable qualities and our core Self knows how to heal, allowing us to become integrated and whole. In IFS all parts are welcome. - IFS Institute.
Neuroscience, psychology and the ancient wisdom traditions agree that refining your awareness of the present moment is of great benefit. If mindfulness is already a part of your life, this practice will accelerate your self discovery. If you are wondering what this all means, opportunity awaits.
But mindfulness is only the very beginning of our exploration from a Buddhist perspective. Let me know if you'd like to know more about this path of discovery.