Clinical Orientation

Theoretical Orientation and Treatment Modalities

Psychodynamic

I work primarily from a psychodynamic/psychoanalytic lens. This means my attention leans towards:

  • the world of inner experience
  • developmental experience and its enduring emotional impact
  • patterns in relating to self, to pain and to need
  • patterns in relating to others
  • the patient-therapist relationship itself as a learning lab
  • unconscious processes (e.g. dreams, fantasy, language, unconscious dynamics)

Within this orientation my thinking is most informed by the British Object Relations school of thought.

Brainspotting

An adjunct therapeutic modality when suitable and desired, I offer a neuro-experiential intervention called Brainspotting. Like EMDR therapy (Eye-Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), Brainspotting is rooted in neurobiological theory pointing to a resonance between our visual field and emotionally-activating material held in the mid-brain and brain stem (the limbic system). In a Brainspotting session I use attunement and simple focusing techniques to offer your brain and nervous system a framework that may help you access this ‘encapsulated’ emotional material so that you may feel and digest it in a supportive setting. In Brainspotting we follow the lead of your brain, nothing is forced.

Brainspotting can be used to work with activation and develop resources around nearly any issue, for example traumatic events, painful memories, negative self-beliefs, fears, phobias, stress, overwhelm, insomnia and other somatic symptoms. It can be particularly effective in treating trauma symptoms.

Links to more information about Brainspotting: