Greetings!
Thank you for your interest in learning more about collaborating with me. I hope you will find the information below to be helpful in better understanding my style and approach to therapy. I am keenly aware of how challenging it can be to find the right therapist; I offer a reduced-rate initial session to give us both the opportunity to ask questions and determine whether working together feels like the right fit. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. Alternatively, you can book your initial session using the button below. I hope to connect with you soon. In the meantime, sending well wishes your way!
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My Approach
I work together with individuals who are curious; curious about their patterns, curious about the possibility of relief, the possibility of healing, the possibility of strengthening, and the possibility of social connectedness. Life is full of overwhelming experiences that can translate to distressing levels of sadness, anxiety, anger, regret, shame, disappointment, indecision and confusion. Together, we will explore the unique features and drivers of such challenges, and in doing so, cultivate capacity for long-lasting change.
I approach my clients from a Strengths-Based lens, and use a variety of techniques informed by Polyvagal Theory and the Adaptive Information Processing Model (AIP). I specialize in trauma recovery, and use the technique of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) to address a wide variety of overwhelming life experiences.
My Approach
I work together with individuals who are curious; curious about their patterns, curious about the possibility of relief, the possibility of healing, the possibility of strengthening, and the possibility of social connectedness. Life is full of overwhelming experiences that can translate to distressing levels of sadness, anxiety, anger, regret, shame, disappointment, indecision and confusion. Together, we will explore the unique features and drivers of such challenges, and in doing so, cultivate capacity for long-lasting change.
I approach my clients from a Strengths-Based lens, and use a variety of techniques informed by Polyvagal Theory and the Adaptive Information Processing Model (AIP). I specialize in trauma recovery, and use the technique of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) to address a wide variety of overwhelming life experiences.
Theoretical Orientation / Techniques
Services Provided
Clientele
Specialties & Expertise
General Expertise
Education/Credentials
- polyvagal theory
- adaptive information processing model
- eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR)
- body-centered / sensorimotor
- experiential
- person-centered / rogerian
- mindfulness
Services Provided
- individual therapy & counseling (currently remote-only due to COVID-19)
- group therapy
- clinical supervision
Clientele
- young adults (18-24)
- adults (24+)
- older adults (65+)
Specialties & Expertise
- trauma
- post traumatic stress disorder (ptsd)
- complex trauma (c-ptsd)
- grief, loss & bereavement
- transitions
General Expertise
- adjustment difficulties
- anxiety
- artist mental health
- caregiver stress and support
- college and graduate student support
- creative blocks
- depression
- divorce and separation
- first responders experiences
- lgbtqia+ experiences
- medical professionals’ experiences
- racial trauma
- relationships
- stress management
Education/Credentials
- MA John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- BA Duke University
- New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- New Jersey Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- EMDR Certified Therapist
- EMDR International Association Member (EMDRIA)
Anti-Racism Statement
I explicitly and publicly affirm my identity as an anti-racist mental health provider.
I am committed to anti-racism being reflected in the experiences between me and my clients.
I am committed to the continuous examination of my privilege, and to identifying, owning and correcting my personal biases.
I am committed to strategies that dismantle racism within all aspects of my professional and personal life.
I am committed to anti-racism being reflected in the experiences between me and my clients.
I am committed to the continuous examination of my privilege, and to identifying, owning and correcting my personal biases.
I am committed to strategies that dismantle racism within all aspects of my professional and personal life.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an interactive, evidenced-based psychotherapy technique, originally developed in 1989 by Francine Shapiro, to treat distress associated with traumatic experiences. Since then, the scope of use has broadened beyond severe trauma, to include a wide variety of overwhelming life experiences. While there are many therapeutic approaches that compare to the effectiveness of EMDR, research has shown that EMDR therapy can exhibit improvement in symptoms in less sessions than other treatment modalities.
Who can benefit from EMDR?
EMDR has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of PTSD. However, experiencing severe trauma (i.e, active combat in war or childhood physical abuse) is not a prerequisite to benefit from EMDR. Painful or overwhelming experiences, such as being teased in elementary school, experiencing the death of a pet, or severe anxiety with public speaking, can also be addressed through this treatment modality.
How does EMDR work?
Using an 8-phase protocol, EMDR integrates elements of many effective psychotherapies including psychodynamic, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral (MBCBT), interpersonal, experiential, and body-centered. It is the bilateral stimulation (BLS) core component of EMDR, however, that distinguishes it from any other method.
BLS is visual, tactile or auditory stimuli occurring in a rhythmic pattern from the left hemisphere of the brain to the right. For example, visual BLS could involve watching a hand (as demonstrated in above), or a moving light alternating from left to right and back again. Tactile BLS could involve experiencing alternating taps on each hand. Auditory BLS could involve hearing alternating tones.
What does bilateral stimulation (BLS) do?
While there is still a lot to learn about BLS, it can be said that it produces four main effects:
These effects are first experienced in the lower areas of the brain as a physiological response (i.e, decreased heart rate, tension), progressing ‘up’ the brain leading to changes in thoughts (e.g, shift from previously held self-blame to “It’s not my fault”).
What BLS & EMDR is not:
EMDR and the use of BLS is not a form of hypnosis. EMDR requires a client to be awake and fully present in the room. When processing distressing memories using BLS, clients recall challenging memories as if they are watching a movie or looking out of the window of a moving train. EMDR therapy does not erase the memory or event. Rather, it desensitizes the emotional impact the memory has on our emotional well-being, and reprocesses it so when we recall the memory, it can be viewed as merely an event that occurred in our lives without the accompaniment of emotional and physiological disturbance.
Is BLS safe?
For most people, BLS is relaxing and perfectly safe. However, because it involves direct sensory stimulation of the nervous system, bilateral stimulation can trigger unexpected responses in people with conditions which involve hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli, e.g, people with acquired brain injury (where the condition involves sensitivity to complex visual or auditory stimuli), migraine sufferers (usually when they have the migraine), and/or people with Dissociative Identity Disorder (where different ego states may be activated by sensory changes). People with these kinds of conditions should only engage in BLS with the guidance of a trained EMDR therapist.
More information:
For more information on the history, use, and evaluation of EMDR, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions Section of the EMDR Institute™ website: www.emdr.com/frequent-questions
EMDR has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of PTSD. However, experiencing severe trauma (i.e, active combat in war or childhood physical abuse) is not a prerequisite to benefit from EMDR. Painful or overwhelming experiences, such as being teased in elementary school, experiencing the death of a pet, or severe anxiety with public speaking, can also be addressed through this treatment modality.
How does EMDR work?
Using an 8-phase protocol, EMDR integrates elements of many effective psychotherapies including psychodynamic, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral (MBCBT), interpersonal, experiential, and body-centered. It is the bilateral stimulation (BLS) core component of EMDR, however, that distinguishes it from any other method.
BLS is visual, tactile or auditory stimuli occurring in a rhythmic pattern from the left hemisphere of the brain to the right. For example, visual BLS could involve watching a hand (as demonstrated in above), or a moving light alternating from left to right and back again. Tactile BLS could involve experiencing alternating taps on each hand. Auditory BLS could involve hearing alternating tones.
What does bilateral stimulation (BLS) do?
While there is still a lot to learn about BLS, it can be said that it produces four main effects:
- Relaxation including decreased physiological disturbance
- Thoughts become less focused on what had been causing the distress
- The problem seems further away and less intense
- Decreased worry
These effects are first experienced in the lower areas of the brain as a physiological response (i.e, decreased heart rate, tension), progressing ‘up’ the brain leading to changes in thoughts (e.g, shift from previously held self-blame to “It’s not my fault”).
What BLS & EMDR is not:
EMDR and the use of BLS is not a form of hypnosis. EMDR requires a client to be awake and fully present in the room. When processing distressing memories using BLS, clients recall challenging memories as if they are watching a movie or looking out of the window of a moving train. EMDR therapy does not erase the memory or event. Rather, it desensitizes the emotional impact the memory has on our emotional well-being, and reprocesses it so when we recall the memory, it can be viewed as merely an event that occurred in our lives without the accompaniment of emotional and physiological disturbance.
Is BLS safe?
For most people, BLS is relaxing and perfectly safe. However, because it involves direct sensory stimulation of the nervous system, bilateral stimulation can trigger unexpected responses in people with conditions which involve hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli, e.g, people with acquired brain injury (where the condition involves sensitivity to complex visual or auditory stimuli), migraine sufferers (usually when they have the migraine), and/or people with Dissociative Identity Disorder (where different ego states may be activated by sensory changes). People with these kinds of conditions should only engage in BLS with the guidance of a trained EMDR therapist.
More information:
For more information on the history, use, and evaluation of EMDR, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions Section of the EMDR Institute™ website: www.emdr.com/frequent-questions
Group Therapy
The Thick of Loss
Grief is a universal human experience, yet it is often coupled with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Using the peer support model, this group provides a welcoming environment for managing the painful feelings that accompany loss. Participants learn new ways to build on their natural resilience to cultivate healing, strengthening, growth, and social connectedness.
The Thick of Loss is an 8-week, closed group. Please email or call.
Grief is a universal human experience, yet it is often coupled with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Using the peer support model, this group provides a welcoming environment for managing the painful feelings that accompany loss. Participants learn new ways to build on their natural resilience to cultivate healing, strengthening, growth, and social connectedness.
The Thick of Loss is an 8-week, closed group. Please email or call.
Testimonials
“My EMDR sessions with Ariana were unexpected and powerful... I had no idea what would come up, exactly how the process would go, but trusting Ariana came easy and before I knew it I was working through years of pain, grief, anger and feeling under constant threat. In just two sessions we had reprocessed a traumatic childhood memory which I now look on as an empowering moment that can help me in difficult times ahead. It was a fascinating, healing, and rewarding experience, and I only wish I had done it sooner.” – D.B.
“Ariana is a gifted, skilled, and intelligent clinician. She is adept in multiple therapeutic approaches, including EMDR, and caters to the unique needs of each patient. She provides a safe, warm, and non-judgmental environment, and has consistently demonstrated genuine care for patients. I have worked with Ariana for 1.5 years and I cannot think of a more genuine or talented therapist. I would highly recommend Ariana!” – F.E.
“Ariana first treated my teen son, whom I noticed positive results in right away. He would use methods of coping in conversation with me, and I found it impressive that she was able to relate to his age group in regards to knowing what he’s listening to, as well as situations he’s facing – I recall a very thoughtful conversation she had with me regarding his comfort and confidence in her and his response when I approached him with the question from a parental standpoint was: “She’s a great therapist” (he’d refused to attend with his previous therapist!). Ultimately, I became a patient with her as well and I can only say that she’s so valuable to the progress I’ve made mentally and emotionally over the past six months. I feel like she is coaching my life into a more positive experience, creating a life my family and I deserve – we’ve used a variety of methods, and I highly recommend EMDR, which I feel is strengthening me over and over as we approach various events/traumas. Ariana’s concern, care, attention to detail, skill and yet, professionalism is certainly evident, and that slice of humanity is priceless.” – L.L.
“Ariana is a gifted, skilled, and intelligent clinician. She is adept in multiple therapeutic approaches, including EMDR, and caters to the unique needs of each patient. She provides a safe, warm, and non-judgmental environment, and has consistently demonstrated genuine care for patients. I have worked with Ariana for 1.5 years and I cannot think of a more genuine or talented therapist. I would highly recommend Ariana!” – F.E.
“Ariana first treated my teen son, whom I noticed positive results in right away. He would use methods of coping in conversation with me, and I found it impressive that she was able to relate to his age group in regards to knowing what he’s listening to, as well as situations he’s facing – I recall a very thoughtful conversation she had with me regarding his comfort and confidence in her and his response when I approached him with the question from a parental standpoint was: “She’s a great therapist” (he’d refused to attend with his previous therapist!). Ultimately, I became a patient with her as well and I can only say that she’s so valuable to the progress I’ve made mentally and emotionally over the past six months. I feel like she is coaching my life into a more positive experience, creating a life my family and I deserve – we’ve used a variety of methods, and I highly recommend EMDR, which I feel is strengthening me over and over as we approach various events/traumas. Ariana’s concern, care, attention to detail, skill and yet, professionalism is certainly evident, and that slice of humanity is priceless.” – L.L.
"I saw Ariana every week for a year and a half. She was nothing short of fantastic. She listens, asks insightful and useful questions, and perhaps most importantly, is ready with practical suggestions. I found this to be most helpful; I’d done many years of strictly 'talk' therapy before, where I felt I was just treading water, never really making much progress. But Ariana’s attitude is geared much more towards what can be done NOW to begin enacting change. For me, it was yoga and meditation, reading specific literature, and EMDR (ask her – it’s incredible). Ariana is warm, generous, funny, and easy to talk to. Working with her has made a tremendous difference in my life. I cannot recommend her enough." – E.M.
"I have been working with Ariana for about two years, and her care and treatment have been extremely helpful. I was struggling with mild depression, some anxiety, and a variety of family and marital issues. Ariana is an excellent listener, and always made me feel accepted and heard, and not judged. She is very open-minded. Her guidance and treatment recommendations have helped me get to a much healthier space, develop new habits, and I think I've learned several new strategies and skills for dealing with challenges at home and in my life. My quality of life is much better now." – P.W.
“Ariana is the best therapist I have ever met. My daughter didn't want to get therapy and resisted a lot but once she met and started seeing Ariana, she basically flourished. Ariana is down to earth and understanding and she was able to connect to my daughter in such a great level and help her thrive and be the best person she can be. In less than one year, my daughter who has general anxiety and agoraphobia, is going out, trying to make friends, being excited about life and her future, and I really believe Ariana is such an important piece in my daughter's well-being.” – A.B.
“Ariana is an incredible therapist who is both thoughtful and insightful. She always made me feel comfortable and truly guided me in doing true introspection. Her professionalism and interpersonal skills make her an ideal therapist for people who want to truly do the work and find inner peace.“ – G.H.
"I have been working with Ariana for about two years, and her care and treatment have been extremely helpful. I was struggling with mild depression, some anxiety, and a variety of family and marital issues. Ariana is an excellent listener, and always made me feel accepted and heard, and not judged. She is very open-minded. Her guidance and treatment recommendations have helped me get to a much healthier space, develop new habits, and I think I've learned several new strategies and skills for dealing with challenges at home and in my life. My quality of life is much better now." – P.W.
“Ariana is the best therapist I have ever met. My daughter didn't want to get therapy and resisted a lot but once she met and started seeing Ariana, she basically flourished. Ariana is down to earth and understanding and she was able to connect to my daughter in such a great level and help her thrive and be the best person she can be. In less than one year, my daughter who has general anxiety and agoraphobia, is going out, trying to make friends, being excited about life and her future, and I really believe Ariana is such an important piece in my daughter's well-being.” – A.B.
“Ariana is an incredible therapist who is both thoughtful and insightful. She always made me feel comfortable and truly guided me in doing true introspection. Her professionalism and interpersonal skills make her an ideal therapist for people who want to truly do the work and find inner peace.“ – G.H.
