See below to learn more about the treatment and modalities I offer.
Most frequently used/offered modalities of treatment:
Combined Mindfulness practices with cognitive behavioral therapy such as MBCT, DBT, Polyvagal, and Somatic help individuals manage mental health conditions, such as anxiety, excessive worry and panic, and depression prevent relapse, improve emotional regulation, and enhance self-awareness and acceptance.
Mindfulness is: Paying non-judgmental attention to thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in the present moment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is: Identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. Acceptance and Self compassion is: Accepting thoughts and emotions without trying to suppress or avoid them. Some experiences in the session might include Mindfulness techniques , such as guided meditation and body scans, mindfulness of thoughts and actions practices, awareness of one’s body and mind connection, and their role in present challenges.
Cognitive strategies are used for identifying and changing negative thoughts, and beliefs and challenging and replacing them with helpful ones, and Practical tools and tips on how to apply mindfulness in daily life, are being prescribed and offered by Joanna.
When it comes to the expressive art therapies, narrative therapy or existential therapy, they are based in Using multiple art forms: A key feature is the integration of various creative disciplines like visual arts, dance/movement, music, drama/theater, and writing/poetry, Focusing on process over product: The emphasis is on the act of creation and the feelings, thoughts, and insights it inspires, rather than on producing a "good" piece of art, Promoting self-discovery: The creative process can help individuals discover themselves, express motions they may not be able to verbalize, and gain new perspectives on their challenges, And inducing physiological changes: Engaging in expressive arts can lead to physical changes like reduced heart rate and breathing, which can help calm the body and decrease anxiety and worry.
Exposure therapy techniques include in vivo (real-life), imaginal (mental imagery), virtual reality (simulations), and interoceptive (inducing feared physical sensations) exposure, often organized from the least to most intense experience. A key principle is prolonged, repetitive exposure to the fear to reduce anxiety via a number of techniques including increasing distress tolerance and increasing ability to self regulate and ground and to prevent behaviors impeding individuals in their daily life.
EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation as its core technique to help process traumatic memories. This involves recalling a disturbing memory while simultaneously engaging in a back-and-forth sensory experience, such as following a therapist's moving finger with your eyes, tapping on your knees or hands, or listening to alternating sounds, these techniques can reduce and heal anxiety and panic rooted in particular adverse experiences.
Feminist therapy is an integrative approach that views psychological distress as influenced by social, cultural, and political factors like bias and oppression. Therapists and clients work together in a relationship of equal people to challenge these external stressors, promote empowerment, and encourage social change. The goal is to empower individuals by helping them understand the impact of social and political factors on their lives. Feminist therapy believes that individual wellness is linked to social and political environments and encourages clients to become agents of change. It considers how various aspects of identity, such as gender, race, class, and sexual orientation, intersect to create unique experiences of privilege and oppression. Typically, this type of therapy is being experienced as a deep reflective, solution oriented exchange, primarily based in mindful and supportive dialog.
The attachment based therapy is rooted in attachment theory, which posits that early bonds with primary caregivers are crucial for a person's emotional and psychological well-being in adulthood, and especially healthy relational dynamics. Knowing anxieties and limitations stemming from the caregiving style can create a healthy bonding with romantic partners and friends. The therapist-client relationship is central to the process. It aims to build or rebuild trust, allowing the client to express emotions and work through past trauma or attachment wounds.