Client as expert of their own life, client has answers within them, therapist is guide and resource not 'expert', removing any blocks to client's own healing potential.
Strengths: Active listening, thoughtful questioning and observation, humor.
At the end of a treatment cycle, her clients report:
Healthier relationship with their own anger/self-protection/boundary setting.
Improvement of self-image.
Self-care improved and prioritized
Viewing new sides of events and circumstances through a 'trauma informed' lens.
Overall better understanding and acceptance of self.
Example of Samantha's therapy process (this process is unique to each person)
Consultation (15 minute phone call or video chat)
This is an opportunity for clients to ask questions, get a feel for the therapist and to share what they wish to gain from therapy and for the therapist to discuss how their skills relate to helping client.
Intake (1st Appointment)
We will go over your personal history of impactful events as much as you are comfortable sharing at that time, relevant medical/medication history, reasons for starting therapy/goals and administrative details. We will discuss informed consent as well as limits to confidentiality and my approach to at-risk thoughts/behaviors. We may engage in a quick skill building activity if there are acute issues to address at the time of intake.
Introduction Phase
In this phase, the therapist is intentional about gaining a deeper understanding of your inner world and how you are experiencing every-day life as well as traumas. Addressing any immediate concerns through skill building and practice in sessions, ex. deep breathing techniques, role modeling/practicing boundary setting, lifestyle choices effecting mental health, relationship health. Along with the client, assessing pace at which therapy should progress so as to not induce secondary trauma or allow enough time for integration of new skills and thought patterns. CBT techniques are used to 'map' thought cycles. Recommending options for supplemental therapies that may improve mental health, ex group therapy, medication management, yoga ect. We may start or end sessions with an individualized guided meditation or mind/body exercise relating to current stressors.
Depth Phase
Allow client to explore new ways of processing traumas including new insights, memories or information. IFS techniques are used to become familiar with different 'parts' of self and how they interact. Therapist is more active in sessions, providing observations and feedback as appropriate. If asked for, therapist will share limited personal experiences if it is beneficial to the client. Addressing relationship patterns and codependency. Addressing distorted thinking patterns from CBT map from past trauma including self-view. Working through resistance to treatment and or/discussing what therapist can do to improve outcomes.
Integration Phase
Repressed traumas may emerge at this time and events that feel like 'relapses' are expected. This is a time to practice using new skills/aspects of self as challenges emerge. Therapist is less active and serves as a 'cheerleader' and observer.
'Farewell for now Phase'
Appointments are spread out further to allow for a gradual discharge and address any relapses or attachment triggers at this time.
Discuss discharge plan and goals met. Allow for a 'farewell for now' that honors both the client and therapist's experience of 'positive endings.'
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