SERVICES
“I think sometimes there are wounds that do not heal well” - Rita Moreno
In a new documentary about her outstanding 70+ year career, pioneering Latinx actor, Rita Moreno, reveals how therapy was a critical part of her ability to overcome the psychological impact of multiple traumatic life events, including structural racism, sexual assault and attempted suicide. Watch it here.
PSYCHOTHERAPY (also known as counselling, talk therapy, therapy)
It is my top priority to work with you to create collaborative, culturally sensitive, trauma-focused, and personalized care to create goals and a plan uniquely yours. This is not a one-size fits all process. The therapeutic relationship itself is essential to the success a patient experiences. Some research indicates that it is the most important common factor in successful outcomes, and that the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist is what accounts for positive outcomes, independent of the specific type of therapy.
Our relationships and lives do not exist in a vacuum – how we communicate, and relate to others impacts our well-being. We discuss ways to improve relationships, form secure bonds and build stronger healthier communication. Therapy aims to relieve emotional distress as result of various stressors - examining and understanding life choices and difficulties.
EMDR (a simple explanation)
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. It is an entire therapy model that has been proven to be highly effective for those who have experienced trauma or very difficult experiences. The mind can often heal itself naturally, in the same way as the body does. Much of this natural coping mechanism occurs during sleep, particularly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in 1987, utilizing this natural process in order to successfully treat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Since then, EMDR has been used to effectively treat a wide range of problems.
EMDR therapy is founded on the basis that our emotional well-being is interwoven with our physical (somatic) state. Therefore, EMDR employs a body-based technique called bilateral simulation during which a therapist will guide a client through eye movements, tones, or tapping in order to move a memory that has been incorrectly stored to a more functional part of the brain.
During trauma our brain processes and stores memories incorrectly. This incorrect storage can lead to reactions. Related or unrelated stimuli in the present can lead to reactions that feel as they did at the time of trauma. The brain feels as if the past disturbing event is happening currently. EMDR therapy corrects this mis-storage so that the painful memories associated with the trauma lose their intense charge. You can then react to stimuli in the present without the past interfering. EMDR can accelerate therapy by resolving the impact of your past traumas and allowing you to live more fully in the present. Click here for more detailed explanations.
ART THERAPY
Art Therapy is the perfect tool to learn how to become the inner witness, because our artwork reflects our inner landscape. Through creative self-expression, we learn to observe ourselves, become empowered, take risks, play, embrace the mystery and open the doors to possibility.
Some may not have the language for explaining an experience. This is where art therapy gives access to it.
The art becomes a tangible visual record of the growth, experience, and progress in therapy.
It requires no artistic experience, just a willingness to engage in your own creative process. It is about the process and experience – and not a finished product.
For further information on the uses of art therapy, and how it may be of benefit, take a look at:
American Art Therapy Association
Online Arts Programming Improves Quality of Life for Isolated Seniors
Creativity is the Secret to a Healthy Brain
Therapy Isn't Self-Indulgent It's Evidence-Based Self-Care
INDIVIDUAL SUPERVISION
Supervision is a particular love of mine. I will support your specific professional goals through the cultivation of your personal strengths, abilities, and authentic creative voice. I reflect nuanced ways to look at the influence you may have on clients. My goal is to provide reflective place on your journey to become the therapist you want to be - a place to refine your clinical skills, explore new perspectives, and examine prejudices - I always approach our work together as collaborative and value ideas and questions as a curiosity mindset.
Services are for therapists accruing hours for the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential, Licensed Professional Art Therapist (LPAT) license, as well as for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPCC) and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMDFT) license, both in NM and CA. Weekly individual supervision and group supervision is offered. I also carry the California Association (CAMFT)of Marriage & Therapist’s designation of CAMFT Certified Supervisor, which gives me the ability to supervise supervisors as well.