I have received therapy primarily through EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and IFS (Internal Family Systems) approaches, following several years of work with a psychodynamic therapist during my clinical training. It is strongly advised that therapists engage in their own personal development work upon entering the profession, as the insights and growth they achieve can directly enhance the support and guidance they offer to clients, which has been true for me. 

Because my post graduate training was a two-year certificate program in psychodynamic psychotherapy from the Newport Psychoanalytic Institute in Tustin, Ca., I implemented that early on in my practice with clients as an intern. That experience facilitated a more comprehensive understanding of therapeutic concepts, including transference, countertransference, and projective identification, as well as effective approaches for addressing these phenomena--which are key aspects of therapy that I found helpful to recognize and address when relevant.

Getting trained in EMDR allowed me to help clients delve into the subconscious more by identifying core beliefs about themselves and others. Addressing those negative beliefs resulted in a reduction in the strength of those beliefs, which was accompanied by a decrease in symptoms. At this stage in my therapeutic process, I was working with a practitioner trained in EMDR. Engaging in this approach concurrently with my ongoing work led to a notable transformation in my perceptions of myself, others, and the world as a whole.

That therapist then learned IFS, which was growing in popularity, and began using it with me; I found it helpful right away. I’ve taken classes, learned the approach, and worked with an IFS coach.

By utilizing guided visualizations in conjunction with established mindfulness techniques I have practiced for years, I have enhanced my ability to manage loss and significant life transitions with greater resilience. Additionally, by engaging in and training for group therapy, I am addressing traumatic experiences and experiencing what our field calls post-traumatic growth. I serve as an example that ongoing personal growth is achievable even when facing challenging life circumstances.  

That group therapy approach is called the Relational Recovery Process (RRP) model, developed by Amanda Curtin, LICSW and popularized by Patrick Teahan LICSW, who has an online monthly healing community, and a popular YouTube channel. You'll be able see I'm listed as an RRP therapist on LinkTree where all RRP therapists are listed.  

This RRP group therapy method offers an intensive, targeted healing strategy designed to expedite post-traumatic growth following specific forms of trauma. This method is particularly fitting for those who have previously engaged in individual therapy and are seeking to further advance their development, as group dynamics foster increased support and promote a greater sense of attachment security within the therapeutic process.