ClearWater Psychotherapy

Our Services

Individual Therapy

We see clients of all ages in individual (one-on-one) therapy for a variety of issues. We occasionally work individually with children but, typically find it most helpful to work with parents and/or the whole family, for the best results.

Relationship Therapy

Sometimes when people are having relationship or marital issues, engaging in couples therapy can be helpful. We provide assistance in resolving conflicts and improving communication skills in order to help people achieve more intimate and fulfilling relationships. We have experience working with, and are respectful of, all types of relationships including (but not limited to): gay, straight, bi, and queer; polyamory, kink, fetish, and bdsm. We are sex positive and also work with non sexual individuals.

Family Therapy

When families are experiencing difficulties, it is often not just one family member who is the "problem" but the interaction between family members. Family members can often get stuck in negative patterns that perpetuate conflict or disharmony within the family. Family Therapy, in which all family members meet together with the therapist, is often a powerful and healing form of treatment ---for each person and for the family as a whole. Family therapy is often an important component of work with children who are having difficulties as well. ClearWater Psychotherapy supports defining "family" however a particular family group chooses to define it.

Group Therapy

Some people are initially intimdated by the idea of group therapy, however, it is often an empowering experience for participants. Group therapy can offer a unique type of support, understanding, and motivation for growth. ClearWater Psychotherapy offers groups on various topics. Group size ranges from 7-10 people and groups may be short or long-term. No groups are currently being offered but we encourage you to check our site frequently to learn about new offerings. We also encourage you to contact us to let us know if their is a particuar type of group from which you think you could benefit.

Therapeutic Modalities

EMDR

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of psychotherapy that research has proven to be effective in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition to helping people recover from traumatic or stressful events, EMDR has been found to be effective in treating anxiety, guilt, anger, problems with self-esteem, and performance enhancement.

EMDR is based on the idea that each person has an intrinsic capacity to heal but, when a person experiences a traumatic or painful experience, it seems to get "frozen" in the mind and body. When this happens and the person's system has not "processed" the experience, aspects of the trauma or painful experience can resurface or cause us to get "stuck" in our lives. Intrusive thoughts and/or memories, nightmares, and panic attacks are examples of the ways in which trauma can resurface.

Other painful experiences, such as being teased in 3rd grade or the loss of a relationship (not always perceived as "traumas") can affect individuals as well. We may just seem to find ourselves falling into the same old negative patterns that are somehow linked to painful experiences from the past. These "stuck" patterns can prevent us from moving forward and acheiving our goals in life.

Participating in EMDR seems to help people face and "desensitize" these experiences in a safe setting, learn from it ("reprocessing"), and move on. ClearWater therapists are fully trained in EMDR.

More information on EMDR can be found at:

EMDR Institute: http://www.emdr.com

PsychCentral: http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/eye-movement-desensitization-and-reprocessing-emdr/

Therapy Advisor (NIMH funded site): http://www.therapyadvisor.com

DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of psychotherapy developed for people whose emotions create major problems in their lives (and often in the lives of people around them). Emotions may be expressed in destructive ways such as angry outbursts and even violence, self-harming behaviors or depression. Emotions may also be avoided by behaviors such as suicide attempts, substance abuse, eating disorders, or impulsive actions. People who struggle with these issues are often diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder.

DBT teaches individuals healthier ways to regulate their emotions, deal with the distressing situations in their lives, and improve relationships. These skills are taught in caring treatment relationships that appreciate the clients' strengths, acknowledge their emotional sensitivity, and offer practical methods for creating a "life worth living".

ClearWater therapists are trained in DBT and offer individual DBT treatment but are not currently offering skills groups.

More information on DBT can be found at: