TREATMENT APPROACHES
01
Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
IFS is a profoundly compassionate, evidence-based therapeutic approach that prioritizes the healing of distressing experiences and emotions by fostering restoration of mental balance and inner harmony. Within the framework of IFS, individuals can explore their inner workings, enhancing their capacity for self-compassion, clarity, calm, curiosity, confidence, creativity, courage, and connection. Increased access to these qualities often fosters a greater sense of balance and harmony, which can support individuals in confronting future challenges. Through fostering connection, profound transformative healing becomes possible.
02
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR, a highly researched therapy treatment, employs bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, auditory tones) along with brief client focus on a trauma memory. This combination can effectively diminish the intensity and emotional impact of the trauma, enabling clients to develop more adaptive and less distressing beliefs and emotions related to their traumatic experiences.
03
Strength-based Therapy
Strength-based therapy harnesses the power of resilience and resourcefulness, empowering clients to navigate their circumstances with renewed confidence and agency. By shifting the focus towards strengths, this therapeutic approach fosters a positive and empowering environment, enabling clients to tap into their inner reservoir of capabilities and unlock their full potential.
04
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on addressing patterns of thought and behavior to alleviate emotional distress and enhance overall well-being. By examining the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions, CBT can empower individuals to challenge negative thought patterns and develop more constructive coping strategies. Through collaborative efforts between therapist and client, CBT aims to foster practical skills and insights that promote lasting positive change.
More about an experiential approach
Experiential therapy presents a dynamic therapeutic approach centered on internal focus and attention, setting it apart from traditional talk therapy. Talking is still a part of the therapy session, but it's done in a different style compared to traditional talk therapy. What's really fascinating is how experiential therapy involves different brain areas compared to externally focused therapies.
While both experiential and traditional talk therapies involve the prefrontal cortex, experiential therapy delves deeper into regions associated with the limbic system, which regulates emotions, behaviors, motivation, and memory, along with the brainstem. In contrast, externally focused therapies may more frequently activate and involve the use of the prefrontal cortex (involved in governing executive functions like decision-making and impulse control). Although traditional talk therapies may engage with the limbic system, internally focused (experiential) therapy may foster greater access and connection with the limbic system.
Why is this important?
Many structures associated with the limbic system play a crucial role in trauma treatment. When we engage in internal focusing, we can tap into and engage with neural networks (akin to a web connecting and storing emotions, memories, and beliefs related to trauma or distress). This process enables individuals to form new beliefs, and gradually release or shift sensations and emotions tied to their trauma or distress.
Experiential therapy methods can be particularly beneficial for clients who struggle to connect with their bodies or feel uncertain about addressing emotions that manifest physically.
Curated with you, just for you.
I utilize an eclectic approach that embraces a range of evidence-based treatment modalities tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual client. Among my preferred methodologies are Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Strength-based therapy.
To provide a more personalized approach, I often integrate two or more treatment methods. The therapeutic relationship I build with my clients holds tremendous significance to me as a psychotherapist. Regardless of the technique employed, research consistently affirms that the therapist-client relationship plays a pivotal role in the client's progress (Norcoss, J. & Lambert, M., 2018).
Clients have often described me as an engaged and interactive therapist, as I take pride in being an active participant during our sessions. I prioritize the identification, clarification, and exploration of the challenges you may be facing. Perhaps you are feeling stuck and are not quite sure where to start - I believe a successful therapy experience begins with the creation of attainable and achievable goals developed collaboratively by the client and therapist. No matter what brought you to explore this process, I welcome you to take one step closer towards growth and self-exploration.
Now offering Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular Acupuncture can be a wonderful complimentary treatment. Also known as 5NP (ear acupuncture, NADA, etc.), auricular acupuncture has many potential benefits including increased calm, improved sleep, and may also help to alleviate symptoms related to depression, substance use, anxiety, anger, and impaired concentration.
Auricular acupuncture can be offered as an additional service during in-person sessions. Therapy by Allison, LLC is also exploring offering drop-in community sessions. If you are interested in attending a community drop-in session please reach out for more information.
FAQ's about Auricular Acupuncture
1 / What am I supposed to feel during a treatment?
If and when possible, it's great if people can keep an open mind to what their experience may be like. Openness and curiosity may help you to have fewer "should" expectations and allow you to feel more relaxed about the experience. People generally report a sense of calm and sleepiness once needles are placed.
2 / Do the needles hurt?
Some people feel a slight pinch when the needle is inserted whereas others may not even notice it being inserted. Acupuncture needles are solid and very thin. In fact, acupuncture needles are so thin that about a dozen of them would fit into an average-sized hypodermic needle.
3 / How does it work?
Excellent question! We don't know exactly how. There isn't one definitive answer. Some research suggests auricular acupuncture may help to elicit the parasympathetic nervous system's response of "rest and digest" rather than "flight and flight" which can provide a calming and softening experience.
4 / Will I bleed?
It's possible, but not a cause for concern. A pin drop or two of blood is nothing to worry about. Cotton balls are typically on hand when removing needles just in case.
5 / Do you sterilize the needles?
Only one-time use, sterilized, disposable needles are used. Needles are never reused.
6 / Will I have my own room during my treatment?
Auricular acupuncture will be offered during in-person sessions as an additional service and will soon be offered in a group setting. Drop-in community sessions will be offered on a certain day for a few hours and will be held in a group room. Soft music will be played and lights will be dimly lit. We ask that talking and phone use are kept to a minimum to allow for a calm and peaceful environment.
Thank you to Andy Wegman from Manchester Acupuncture Studio in Manchester, NH for many of these questions and answers above.