Our Favorite Things
Welcome to Our “Favorite Things” Page
The ‘fit’ between a client and therapist is so important in the work we will do together and we want you to get a feel for who we are so you can start to figure out if we are the right fit for you and your family. Here are some of our favorite things.
Polyvagal Theory and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
Polyvagal Theory, authored by Dr. Stephen Porges, focuses on what is happening in the body and the nervous system, and explains how our sense of safety, danger or life threat can impact our behavior. Polyvagal Theory gives us a scientific framework that supports the integration of physiological (“bottom-up”) therapies with cognitive (“top-down”) approaches to help change and improve how we feel, think and connect with others.
The Safe and Sound Protocol is an evidence-based therapeutic tool designed to reset the nervous system and return it to safety. Designed to work with other therapeutic approaches and modalities, the SSP features specially filtered music that stimulates the vagus nerve. Suitable for children and adults, the SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences, and much more.
Selma Fraiberg
The guru of infant-parent psychotherapy. This incredible essay by Selma Fraiberg, “Ghosts in the Nursery: A Psychoanalytic Approach to the Problems of Impaired Infant-Mother Relationships.” Is about how we carry our own ‘ghosts’ from our nursery into the nursery of our own children Here’s a link to the PDF:
EMDR
EMDR is a fabulous, evidence-based therapy for trauma and other mental health conditions. EMDR allows a person to heal past traumas that continue to have a hold on them today, creating uncomfortable symptoms that play out in our daily lives. You can read more about EMDR here (What is Trauma?) and on the EMDRIA website –
PCIT and Incredible years
PCIT and the Incredible Years are two evidence-based programs designed to enhance child-parent attachment, increase enjoyment in the parent-child relationship and help parents learn positive parenting skills that lead to more pro-social and desired behaviors.
Incredible Years Parenting Programs
Child-Parent Psychotherapy
Child-parent Psychotherapy is a highly effective intervention for children birth to 5yo and their caregivers. CPP helps children who have been exposed to violence or stressful events, who have had impairment in their most sacred relationships, those with their parents or caregivers, and help children heal within the context of the parent-child relationship. This intervention is delivered to the child and parent together. It is powerful, healing, and loving. Learn more about CPP here:
ISLAND HOPPER – children’s book for kids growing up with high-conflict/pathological parent(s)
This wonderful children’s book, written by our own, Cara Fairfax is intended to support children and parents alike when dealing with a parent who seems to have personality qualities that are consistent with a personality disorder such as Narcissistic Personality Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder. It includes a parent guide and helpful tips for supporting kids.
Dr. Daniel Seigel – Brain and Neurodevelopment
Dan Siegel is amazing! His focus is on the development of a healthy mind and brain. He has extensive research in brain development, trauma and healing, parenting, and the mind and well-being. If you have a child you need to read (or listen) to his books. They are easy to read, have pictures to illustrate the key points, and will change how you think about and interact with your children.
The parenting education we provide is based on Dan Siegel’s work as well as the other interventions listed above.
Here’s a Webinar our President, Cara Fairfax, did on brain development.
If you think that we would be a good fit contact us now at 619-248-2016 [email protected]