“Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be; embrace who you are.”
Brené Brown
What therapy is right for me?
Although the type of therapy utilized is an important part of treatment, I believe an integral foundation of positive therapy outcomes, is the strength of the relationship between the client and therapist. My therapist style is "client centered", a therapy model which cultivates acceptance, embodying a stance of empathy, validation, and support. It also operates under the principle that therapy can aide in being the vehicle for change, help you gain insight, and learn new techniques to manage your emotions, but at the end of the day you are in the driver seat.
Making the decision to start therapy is not often easy. Whether your new to therapy or returning, deciding which therapy approach is best can be confusing. I decided to get trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR Therapy, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and Mindfulness because they have all undergone extensive research studies which indicate significant symptom reduction. Although each of these therapies has its nuances, they all focus on building awareness to the connection between an individual's feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
Cognitive Behaviorial Therapy (CBT) helps you become aware of underlying thought patterns you engage in, determining how you think and behave. In CBT, I work with clients to help discover and investigate how consistent unhealthy thought patterns contribute to feeling stuck and/or preventing life goals to be reached.
Unhelpful thinking patterns
It's a busy world. Do you ever find yourself watching TV, eating, and texting all at the same time? In the process of multitasking, you may find yourself losing your connection with the present moment—missing out on what you’re doing and how you’re feeling. Did you notice the aroma of the food you were eating? Did you savor every bite of your meal appreciating the taste?
Taking a mindfulness approach to psychotherapy involves bringing your focus and attention to your emotions and physical body sensations and without judgement. This allows the mind to be more present.
Mindful Practices
Trauma leaves its own imprint on a survivors brain. In EMDR therapy, I work at the comfort level of my clients, guiding them through rapid eye movements to digest difficult memories in the past which may be triggering present symptoms.
EMDR is unique from "talk therapy" because it does not involve detailed descriptions of a negative or traumatic event. EMDR works similarly to hypnosis, capturing elements of meditation and mindfulness.
Brain on Trauma
Contact Ami Sharma-Desai
1315 Walnut St. Suite 1520 Philadelphia, PA 19107