We use a creative blend of holistic methods, primarily using an integrative model of trauma therapy called Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), which seeks to help clients make transformative change. Hillary Jacobs Hendel, LCSW, describes AEDP’s uniqueness this way:

 "Many psychotherapies focus on the content of the stories that people tell about themselves, looking for insights that can be used to fix what’s wrong. By contrast, AEDP focuses on fostering awareness of the emotional life of the client as it unfolds in real time in front of the therapist. The therapist is actively affirming, emotionally engaged and supportive. She encourages the client to attend not only to their thoughts and emotions but also to the physical experience of those thoughts and emotions.”

Because each person has different concerns and goals for therapy, what therapy looks like will look a bit different for each individual or couple. RISE therapists use a personalized approach to tailor therapy to your specific needs and goals, meeting you where you’re at and supporting you in making the changes that you seek. If you aren’t sure about your goals, we’ll take some time together to clarify the direction that you would like for us to go. Throughout the sessions, you will find us to be authentically human and engaged with you, warm and non-judgemental, and even a bit funny at times! 

During our first session together, we will begin by establishing safety and connection in our therapeutic relationship, as well as transparency about the process. Your therapist will be focused on getting to know who you are and what you want out of the process, as well as on exploring relevant past and present experiences that are impacting you. Then, we will work together on empowering you to heal from your past and grow in the present

Yes, your identity and everything we talk about in therapy is completely confidential, with a few exceptions as mandated by the law. The exceptions to confidentiality require therapists to involve others by making reports to the appropriate authorities or involving others to ensure client safety or the safety of others. Exceptions to confidentiality include:

• Suspected abuse of a child, a dependent adult, or an elderly person.

• When a client threatens serious bodily harm to another person/s. 

• When a client is dangerous to themselves or at risk of suicide.

• When there is a court order

Therapy can benefit you in many ways, including enhanced self-awareness, less anxiety and overwhelm, deeper and more fulfilling relationships, and more joy and satisfaction with life.

While most clients engage in therapy for at least 3-6 months, some clients need or desire significantly longer courses of therapy to meet their desired goals, and clients’ goals often change during the course of therapy as they grow and see what kind of change is possible. The length of therapy truly depends on the reason you are seeking therapy and what you are wanting to get out of your sessions.

You can reach out to us to schedule a free fifteen minute phone consultation by filling out the contact form here. We’ll answer any questions you might have and see if we’d be a good fit for your needs. After that, we have a simple and fully paperless process to get started. 

Once you and your therapist select a date and time to begin, your therapist will email you a link to your confidential client portal. There, you can read about our policies and procedures, fill out our intake forms, and answer some basic questions about yourself. This will help us to get to know you, and you to understand how we work.