Approach

I use an integrative approach to psychotherapy, combining the many treatments and practices I've studied over the years and found to be helpful. These include:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):

This is a psychotherapy that is based on the newest findings in the field of neuroscience about how information is stored in the brain. This integrative approach helps to identify memories of life experiences that underlie people's clinical complaints and uses rapid eye movements and other procedures to process these memories to resolution. EMDR is used to treat a wide array of psychological difficulties, including PTSD, phobias, depression and anxiety. This therapy has been recognized as effective by numerous organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and the Department of Defense For more information, please go to www.emdr.com.

Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP):

AEDP is a therapeutic approach based on the idea that accessing very deeply felt emotionally experiences has the power to transform self. Facilitated through the relationship with a highly engaged therapist, people can be guided through emotions that were too overwhelming to face. This experience often activates an internal shift in the self and an increased capacity to connect and accept the self and others.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy:

This treatment directly addresses the effects of trauma and difficult life experiences on the nervous system and body. Utilizing mindfulness techniques, clients become aware of the way their bodies react to thoughts, feelings, and situations to better understand both how habitual certain reactions can be as well as how this can directly impact mood states.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR):

MBSR is a program developed by Jon Kabat Zinn over 30 years ago using meditation, yoga and inquiry as a way of training people to relate differently to stresses in their lives. It was originally developed for patients in chronic pain and those facing serious illness, but has since expanded and been incorporated into the daily lives of ten of thousands of people, ranging from the seriously ill to those who experience the day to day stress of their lives to be too much to handle. Practice of this type of mindfulness mediation has been shown to increase the capacity to relax, improved mental clarity and been helpful with emotional regulation. Dr. Gibbs offer clients these techniques and practices as part of the ongoing psychotherapy.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness. It helps people to notice uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, rather than to be overtaken by them. The treatment also focuses on identifying one's values and life goals and the way our fears and avoidance behaviors can lead us away rather than towards what we want for ourselves.