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What would your clients and colleagues say is your therapist superpower?
My clients and colleagues would probably identify my compassion, insight, and ability to synthesize challenging situations as my therapist superpowers. I’ve been told from supervisors, clients, and my colleagues alike that I am able to remain present and empathic amidst the most challenging conversations, creating precious space for my clients’ most difficult emotional experiences. They have also shared that I am able to identify parallels in the stories that have been shared, carefully exploring themes and finding ways to untangle the most confusing and incomprehensible parts of their stories, all while instilling hope in a path forward.
What is one thing that you have learned through your own therapy?
There is SO much I’ve learned in my own therapy. First and foremost, language is powerful. The way our story is being authored requires attention to the questions we ask, the connotation of the words we use, and the meaning we associate with those words. Where are those messages coming from? Who in my life or in my past is influencing the way my story is told? So often we receive messages (from family/values/society/media/etc.) that make it challenging to carry our traumas and move forward in life. While we cannot change the facts of our past, I find great hope that we will always be able to explore ways to re-story, re-position, and make meaning from all that has happened. Most importantly, I’ve learned that this work is not something that you or I have to do alone – that’s the beauty of therapy.
What does a typical session with you look like?
I use a blend of unconditional acceptance, empathy, curiosity, humor, and gentleness in my sessions. I will always go where you need and want to go each session. There will be times where therapy feels heavy, challenging, uncomfortable as we dip into a tougher part of your story. It is my goal and priority to ensure that throughout our time together, you feel supported, seen, and guided. Each of our sessions will end with a short plan for things to consider, notice, practice, or think about until we meet again.
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For more information, please visit www.amandaherreratherapy.com
Short Term (Solution-focused, etc.)
Ideal for those who are coming in with a specific problem they’d like to address and gain clarity on. Typically, short term therapies are present focused and do not dive deep into your past.
Structured
Structured therapies are goal and progress oriented. Therapists may incorporate psychoeducation and a specific “curriculum.” In order to stay on track, therapists may provide worksheets and homework.
Insight-oriented (Psychodynamic, Existential, etc.)
Exploring the past and making connections to present issues can help clients gain insight. Getting to the root of the issue and finding deeper self-awareness can help with long-term change.
Non-directive (Humanistic, Person-centered, etc.)
Going with the flow and seeing where it leads.
Behavioral (CBT, DBT, etc.)
Focuses on changing potentially unhealthy or self-destructive behaviors by addressing problematic thought patterns and specific providing coping skills.
Trauma Focused (EMDR, TF-CBT, etc.)
Recognizing the connection between trauma experiences and your emotional and behavioral responses, trauma focused therapy seeks to help you heal from traumas.
