What I do Differently to Provide the Best Therapy

In over 20 years of practicing as a therapist since 2003, I have developed a unique approach that is different and more effective than the approaches of many therapists in order to provide you with the best therapy, in person in the Salt Lake area and via telehealth for residents throughout the state of Utah.

Longer sessions (also known as “double sessions”) at more effective frequency

First, I use a session length and frequency that is more effective. Specifically, I use 80 minute sessions because longer sessions like this have been shown to be best, as the gold standard, in helping people to really work though and heal trauma and relationship issues, and along with these longer sessions, I meet with my clients a minimum of once every 2 weeks which is the frequency that allows us to create the most change, progress and momentum, both during sessions and between sessions.

Intensive training in therapy models that address causes rather than just treating symptoms

Secondly, I have invested significant time, effort and money in completing advanced, specialized clinical training and certifications in therapy models that are the most effective at addressing the causes of issues rather than just treating symptoms. These models are what I have found to be the best therapy in helping people to heal, grow and thrive rather than just cope and survive. In order to get the very best training, I have completed that training personally with the developer of the therapeutic model. For example, I have found Modified-Protocol EMDR to be dramatically more effective, positively impactful, safe and centered on the needs of the client, than the Traditional Protocol of EMDR which is the model in which most EMDR therapists are trained and practice. The Modified Protocol is much more effective for people with childhood trauma, relational trauma or multiple traumas whereas the Traditional Protocol is most effective for a single incident trauma like a car accident. So, I invested the time and money into traveling to upstate New York and then the following year to a remote location in California in order to be trained personally by the developer of the Modified Protocol, Dr. Laurel Parnell. Then, to further increase my expertise and competence in using the Modified Protocol of EMDR, I completed EMDRIA certification in EMDR through an internationally renowned consultant and trainer on this model, Julie Probus-Schad, LCSW.

As another example, I completed intensive training in Polyvagal Theory from Dr. Stephen Porges himself who developed the model and from Deb Dana, LCSW, who has adapted the model for use in clinical psychotherapy. This model of how the autonomic nervous system works, what causes us to get triggered and how to work with the nervous system has informed and positively impacted all of the work I do with clients because it creates such powerful understanding, removes shame from your physiological and emotional responses, and empowers you by giving you much greater understanding of yourself as well as tools to work with your nervous system rather than against it.

Continuing to do my own work, healing and growth personally and professionally

Last, in an effort to be the best therapist that I can be, in the Salt Lake area and virtually throughout Utah, I'm a therapist who does and continues to do her own work, healing and growth—both personally and professionally—though my own personal therapy as a client myself, consultation with colleagues, good self-care to prevent burnout, completing trainings that far surpass the minimal requirements for continuing education for maintaining my professional license, continuing to research and educate myself regarding new research and neuroscience findings, and only taking on a manageable number of clients so that I can consistently provide the best and highest quality therapy.