A theory of psychotherapy acts as a roadmap for clinicians: It guides them through the process of understanding clients and their problems and working with them in developing solutions. Polyvagal theory is a popular road map at Heart and Mind as well as Attachment Theory and others. Models of therapy are more specific tools used to navigate that roadmap. Different therapists like different types of vehicles (models of therapy) to use with their clients to navigate their roadmap. Most work well with most clients but not everyone or every roadmap so most clinicians have 2 or 3 they are trained well in and can use together based on the client's needs at different times.
Trauma
Some experiences or relationships can be so devastating and disruptive that we get stuck in survival mode and don’t have an internal sense of safety. Do you have difficulty sleeping, often irritable, experience panic or are fearful and distrusting of others? You may constantly be reminded of the incident and sent into fight or flight - and if that doesn’t work - freeze (hopeless, shutdown, unmotivated). Some obvious traumas like abuse, assault, car accidents are more recognized than common incidents like medical trauma or an extended absence of a caregiver. Our current struggles aren’t often associated with these events so we don’t get to the root of the issue. We have training in trauma and use different modalities like EMDR, play therapy, sand tray and other models of therapy helpful in getting the body and mind unstuck from survival mode. Meet our trauma therapists or explore the Safe and Sound Protocol
Families / Children / Teens
Is your child or teen struggling in school or at home? Are they acting out in school or refusing to listen and do work? Are they withdrawing from friends and normal activities? Have they experienced major changes or losses in their life? As a parent are you feeling like you’ve tried everything you know and nothing is working? We believe strongly in the power of connection and help families feel more connected, secure and trust in themselves to make life smoother and more successful in a way that works for each family. If connections are strengthened cooperation increases.
Adoption
Families formed through adoption can be challenging and rewarding for all traveling that path. We help all members of the adoption constellation - adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents, kinship placements and extended family.
We help families prepare for adoption, adjust to the new roles and relationships when a child enters a family, parents struggling with how to parent effectively and birth parents managing grief and loss. Adoptees of all ages may not even understand how their current feelings, behaviors and difficulties connect to their adoption. Heart & Mind was started because of adoption. Contact Amy to discuss your family's needs. Check out our groups for adoptees
Adults
Struggling with recent losses or changes/transitions? Feeling overwhelmed and stuck? Difficulty in your current relationships? Feeling like a failure at life in general? Individual or couples counseling can be helpful to feel more empowered to manage life’s stressors and obtain more harmony and connection in relationships. Connect to a therapist here, or other adults here
Groups
Ever feel like you are the only one that has gone through something? Or the only one struggling with it - everyone else that has gone through that seems to be handling it fine - why am I different? Why can’t I handle this? Coming together with others that have shared a similar journey can be helpful to not only feel less alone but also tackle the difficulty together. A boulder weighs a lot less when carried by many hands. Learn more here!