Trauma-Informed Care for Meaningful Change
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and informed in Internal Family Systems (IFS), enabling me to support you in navigating trauma and challenging life experiences. While EMDR targets specific traumatic memories, IFS explores the internal dynamics of the mind, identifying and healing various parts. Integrating them allows for a comprehensive approach, addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of trauma. Utilizing behavioral techniques alongside these modalities provides tangible coping mechanisms, empowering you to manage distressing symptoms and regulate emotions effectively, fostering a sense of control and agency in your healing journey.
In addition, I highly value the utilization of creative modalities such as art and sandtray therapy. These methods offer alternative channels of expression beyond verbal communication, tapping into the depths of the unconscious mind while transcending linguistic barriers. Such modalities activate diverse regions of the brain, facilitating profound exploration and comprehension of one's inner landscape, which can be particularly beneficial for clients encountering challenges in verbal expression or those navigating trauma.
I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming counselor dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and empathetic space for all. I also recognize how systems of oppression impact trauma, stress, and mental health, and I am committed to supporting clients in navigating these challenges with a lens of cultural humility and social justice.
In my spare time, I love exploring the outdoors with my husband and our two scruffy dogs, indulging in delicious food, and adding to my ever-growing reading list. These activities bring me joy and help me stay grounded, enriching both my personal and professional life.
I invite you to reach out for a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to see if I may be the right fit to support you in your healing journey.
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If I am not in-network with your insurance plan, please don't hesitate to ask about private-pay sliding scale options. I am committed to ensuring everyone has access to affordable counseling services, even if it’s not through me, and I will support you in finding the resources you need.
Kristen Connolly
Connolly Counseling LLC