PeaceLove Expressive Arts

An expressive arts practice (not art therapy proper) developed by therapy-patient Jeff Sparr, and taught by PeaceLove Studios. He shares, “I painted; it made me feel better. I thought it would help others, that simple.” PeaceLove movement spreading across hte country since then. PeaceLove modules include guided mindfulness activities employing movement, sound, verbal interaction, texture, found objects, paper, line, color, and evaluations. I was certified in 2017.

Laughter Therapy

A trauma-informed practice developed by Dr. Steve Wilson, after decades of working in the Ohio Reformatory for Women. Laughter Therapy utilizes the human body’s natural pathways of physical laughter and humor, to improve mental and physical health. Taught by the World Laughter Tour. I was certified in 2016.

Dancing Mindfulness

A trauma-informed and spiritually-aware expressive arts practice developed by Dr. Jamie Marich, allows participants to use movement to process their painful or traumatic experiences. Verbalized words are not central to this process, and privileges the right-hemisphere of the brain. Recognized by the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association, and taught by the Institute for Creative Mindfulness. I was certified in 2016.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotional Behavioral Therapy (REBT)

Originally developed by Beck, who recognized the connection between the stories people tell themselves about their lives, with their behaviors. CBT is used for a variety of issues. REBT was developed by Ellis, with similar hypotheses but an added formation for irrational and rational thoughts. REBT is effective for patients with panic attacks, suicidality, and sexual violence victims. I was trained in 2015.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

A solution-focused trauma therapy, it features a 12-session module geared to work best for left-brain dominant individuals overcome traumatic experiences. I was trained by military-population focused Star Behavioral Health Providers in 2019.

Gestalt

Infamous for the “empty chair technique”, Gestalt therapy was developed by Holocaust-survivors Fritz and Laura Perls who first helped themselves heal from horrific trauma, then helped others. Gestalt therapy emphasizes personal responsibility, focusing on the individual’s experience in the present moment, and their relationship with the environmental field. I received specialty training in the original Cleveland office 2015-2019.

Structural & Strategic Family Therapies

Structural family therapy is one in which the therapist enters a family system as a catalyst for positive change; it was developed by Minuchin and requires heavy training for finesse and ethical implementation. Strategic family therapy is one in which the therapist develops techniques for solving problems specific to the family’s structure and interactions; it was developed by Haley. I was trained in this during clinical training in 2015.

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is an interactive technique used to relieve psychological stress. It was developed by Francine Shapiro, engaging the right and left hemispheres of the brain & body. I was trained by Roy Kiessling of EMDR Consulting, consulted with Sharon Howe LPCC-S, and became an EMDR full member in 2016.

Addictions Treatment

Addiction treatment features consistent and regular use of motivational interviewing, which was developed mostly by Miller and Rollnick. It is directive, client-centered, to elicit behavior change by helping patients & their family systems explore and resolve ambivalence. I was first trained in this during graduate school and my clinical internship placements, and pursued more specialized training from Star Behavioral Health Providers in 2020. Other therapies are often employed as well, because dual-/multiple-diagnoses are common in addiction treatment.

Multicultural Identity & Narrative Therapy

Narrative therapy explores individuals’ and groups’ interacting narratives impacting their sense of identity. It was developed by Epston and White. In 2014, I was taught about Narrative therapy and Positive Psychology (developed by Seligman) by Dr. Fulgence Nyengele during my clinical training period, and informed on how key it was for helping South Africans heal in the wake of de-institutionalizing apartheid.

Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT)

PCIT employs in vivo training techniques. Parents acquire more effective parenting skills and children’s behavioral problems improve while developing a mutually more positive relationship. I was oriented towards this therapy from my teaching & tutoring experience, and in 2018, I worked under the supervision of Myra Clark-Foster LPCC-S, who posited the utility of PCIT for quality clinical care.

Eating Disorders & Body Dysmorphia

Eating disorders and Body dysmorphia are familiar frenemies, but they do not always travel together. Eating disorders must be treated with a safety plan, and triadic work with medical providers who can manage medications, due to its physical capacity to kill a person. Body dysmorphia does not always require triadic work with medical providers, but in some cases may need it for meaningful outcomes. Correcting thought patterns is one starting point, and helping the patient peacefully reunite their mind with their body is key for lasting success in both cases. Trauma-informed care is essential to sensitively untangle the challenges involved.

A Note on Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative, depersonalized experiences come upon us in a spectrum: The mild forms of daydreaming are benign; the severe forms of forgetting who or where or when we are, and forming new identities can be threatening upon their realization. Dissociation is a traumatic response in how your mind handles information. (Trauma is experienced on a spectrum as well — I like to provide a simple explanation: Trauma is any experience that flips a person’s worldview upside down, and sometimes, rips it apart. Trauma challenges a person’s previously set expectations, core beliefs, and core values about self, others, the world, morality and life.) Of course, all of this can be really overwhelming. But therapy does not have to be. If this description of dissociation sounds familiar to you, and the dissociation is not naturally going away on its own, please do reach out for a consultation, and, let’s see how we can restore your peace of mind. It’s okay if the perfect fit isn’t with me, and it’s okay to look for someone else to help you; every therapist works a bit differently. The priority is that you get the help you need and deserve.

I went to therapy to finally grieve when I couldn’t pretend and perform anymore. Therapy definitely gave me steps to take, and allowed me to really grieve past traumas.

K. K.

It was helpful to be able to speak to someone openly, who I could trust with guidance on how to handle various situations. I would recommend Ellice to anyone needing a positive push in the right direction.

B. T.