SAFETY PLANNING

I specialize in providing tailored therapy services for survivors of sexual assault (SA) and domestic violence (DV), with a primary focus on safety planning. My approach involves comprehensive assistance, ranging from identifying and securing placements in local shelters to facilitating connections with esteemed organizations such as Peace Over Violence for specialized case management services and additional resources. I am committed to supporting survivors as they navigate the legal and bureaucratic processes they may encounter, and work in a strength-based and empowerment-centered manner to highlight my clients’ resilience and resourcing.

UNPACKING HARMFUL NARRATIVES

Survivors are not immune to harmful sterotypes and ingrained biases around sexuality and violence that color our society. I often work with clients to unpack harmful myths surrounding human sexuality, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Together, we address societal misconceptions, fostering open and non-judgmental dialogue to challenge ingrained beliefs. I empower clients to redefine and reclaim their narratives, with the hope of helping them foster a deeper understanding of healthy sexuality and relationships.

STRENGTHENING FAMILY & COMMUNITY

Survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence often benefit from a holistic and systemic therapeutic approach. In my practice, I go beyond individual sessions, recognizing the importance of involving family, friends, and loved ones in select sessions to foster a supportive network for the survivor. By incorporating a systemic perspective, I aim to educate and guide the client’s close relationships on how to best support their loved one through the journey of survivorship. Our sessions often take a narrative approach, delving into personal stories and experiences to unpack harmful biases and dispel shame surrounding sensitive topics such as sex, violence, and assault. Through these discussions, we not only work towards healing the survivor but also strive to enhance the overall understanding and empathy within the client’s broader support system.

NERVOUS SYSTEM LENS

I place a strong emphasis on the foundational aspects of healing, addressing nervous system regulation and stabilization for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Understanding the profound impact of trauma on the autonomic nervous system, I integrate principles from Polyvagal Theory and “bottom-up” somatic-based modalities to guide clients through a process of self-regulation. This may include a range of experiential exercises including: grounding techniques, body scans, gentle movement, tracking sensations, music therapy techniques, havening, breath work, havening, and progressive muscle relaxation. Through tailored interventions and psychoeducation grounded in Polyvagal Theory and somatic modalities, clients gain a deeper understanding of their bodily responses, empowering them to navigate triggers and cultivate a more regulated and resilient nervous system.

ATTACHMENT-FOCUSED EMDR

I integrate attachment-focused EMDR as a powerful and specialized approach for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Recognizing the profound impact of trauma on attachment patterns, I employ EMDR techniques to address and reprocess distressing memories in the context of a secure therapeutic relationship. We normally front-load sessions with attachment resourcing and nervous system regulation prior to delving into the trauma itself. This attachment-focused approach enhances their sense of safety, internal resources, and connections before delving into activating work. Through carefully guided bilateral stimulation, we facilitate the adaptive processing of traumatic memories, fostering a more secure attachment style and promoting resilience in the face of past experiences. Finally, EMDR is combined in an integrative manner that respects the needs of each client. We tend to shy away from more standardized approaches, in favor of interweaving EMDR with other modalities, like Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy, Internal Family Systems informed “parts work,” and psychoanalytic talk therapy.