Relationship problems are often the result of trauma that we may not recognize. Trauma and attachment problems impact our ability to relate in a positive and healthy manner to ourselves and others. Addiction, anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and chronic pain are a few diagnoses resulting from emotional/physical trauma or attachment issues. Anne, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Philadelphia PA, specializes in working with trauma, attachment problems, relationship issues, and related diagnoses and symptoms. Anne has successfully helped adults, couples, adolescents, children and families recover from many symptoms of trauma. Please refer to her page on Trauma. Here is Anne’s Therapeutic Philosophy:
Experience has led me to conclude that psychological health is vital for a healthy, happy life. Through experience I’ve learned that people can and do heal from trauma as they create the emotional health they need for the life they want. Therapy helps people change emotional trauma into emotional intelligence. Good therapy helps people mature. It is vital to continue to grow throughout our lives. Becoming mature takes ongoing work, beyond any particular age.
Finding a therapist one feels safe with is vital. It is important to interview a prospective therapist carefully (www.goodtherapy.org). In my approach the client leads. I know that people are resilient and have the solutions to their problems within them. A therapist must have deep respect for people, to trust in and facilitate an individual’s process. Facilitating client’s process is my primary objective. I respect the power of the therapeutic relationship and work collaboratively with clients. My preferred style of working is humanistic and based in the science of interpersonal neurobiology. I am deeply aware of the function of emotions in the integrative process of healing. Helping clients empower and motivate themselves is my greatest joy.
Throughout my life in all my work, with people of all ages from different cultures I have learned, many times over, that people are stronger, more intelligent and capable than they know. All it takes is someone who believes in them, to help them recognize their abilities. My naturally optimistic nature, tempered by real experience, continues to be renewed as I experience the positive characteristics of people I work with. I often feel sad that emotional trauma results in people losing awareness of the strengths they were born with, or that life difficulties have left them feeling negative about themselves. I enjoy coaching clients as they discover the positive qualities I see.
Verbal therapy is central to the therapeutic process and as a Licensed Professional Counselor I use verbal therapy more than art therapy. (Please refer to my page “Art Therapy”) When I use art therapy I do not interpret the artwork unless the client requests it. My ability to be deeply attuned with my clients is vital to this process. This ability to be attuned with others is a personality characteristic I have been fine tuning throughout my life.
