Individual Therapy
Individual therapy/Positive Psychology
There are many reasons to come to therapy. Therapy is not only used with ‘diagnosable’ conditions but also ‘life conditions’. One does not need to be diagnosed (pathologized) to try to get a better understanding of what they would like to bring into their lives. Positive Psychology is the enhancement of personal growth and is used with stable clients who seek insight and self-discovery.
Mood Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, Bi-Polar I, Bi-Polar II)
Mood disorders are the most common reasons people come to therapy. I have been successful in their treatment as there are multiple ways to address them. I often but not always use CBT and DBT, but I will tailor treatment to what will work best for the client. Medication is always an option for treatment, and is sometimes necessary, however, studies show simple talk therapy has brought relief quicker than trying to find the right medication.
C-PTSD/Attachment Disorders
Complex PTSD (CPTSD) unfortunately, is not yet recognized as a disorder in the DSM however, it is recognized internationally in the ICD-10 and ICD-11. The disorder is based on the results of the seminal and groundbreaking Adverse Childhood Experiences study (ACEs) in the late ’90’s. Although the study generally focused on childhood trauma, it also incorporated adverse experiences that were not considered ‘traditional’ trauma. Experiences such as having parents that were not emotionally present due to a sickness in the family, a special needs sibling or financial stress. So, even though they were not abusive per se, emotional/attachment needs were not met. This deficiency results in nervous system and neural connections not developing optimally. Complex PTSD has been linked to a plethora of mental health disorders and physical health diseases; from depression, to diabetes and heart disease. Research is now being conducted on the impact of Complex Trauma on auto-immune disorders and other severe health issues. CPTSD has a lot of similarities with PTSD however, Complex Trauma has additional characteristics (symptoms) that PTSD does not, most prominent amongst them-emotional disregulation and reactivity, pervasive lifelong issues with interpersonal relationships, and feelings of loneliness.
I have had great success with clients that come in with previous severe diagnoses such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), by using a Complex PTSD approach. As this is a relatively new field in neuropsychology I stay up to date by going to seminars, reading the latest research and belonging to several professional groups specializing in the research and treatment of trauma, generally by using neuroplasticity to rewire the brain. There are several forms of treatment for CPTSD. I draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness, CBT and DBT as the most successful and enduring modalities research has shown to address the underlying issues. The research show that, yes childhood experiences impact the developing brain, but we can change our brain by changing our thoughts!
Co-dependency
is an emotional disorder where one’s happiness is sacrificed for the other. Oftentimes, codependency stems from unmet needs from childhood that are still unsatisfied in adulthood. The negative effects that this disorder has on one’s self esteem can result in inappropriate—and more importantly, ineffective—coping mechanisms usually resulting in interpersonal relationship issues.