A modality is the way the therapist "does" their job. It's the how to therapy.
When looking for a therapist typically modalities will be listed-
Leaving the reader wondering what does this mean?
What would that therapy look like?
Would that help me?
I'm going to breakdown my top modalities and give you a feel for what a session would look like.
Theraplay- For children 0-4 and their caregiver to foster attachment and relationship between the two. A session would look like a caregiver and child having therapeutic play with the guidance/teaching of a therapist + a blend of theraplay skills & games for the caregiver and child.
Play Therapy- For children 4-12, I offer Child Centered Play Therapy. A session would look like a brief check-in with caregiver and child and then the child playing as they choose for the remainder of the session. Children are able to resolve their problems through play + reflections from a Play Therapist.
Sandtray- For children 12+ (and adults of course!). A session starts with getting a feel for the sand and just noticing how your body feels. A client then gets to create a world with sand and miniatures (small toys). After a world is complete, we notice the tray together and process. This type of therapy is experiential, which means the change happens because of the experience.
EMDR- Stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This modality is a top choice when treating trauma in all ages. Together we build an EMDR treatment plan to resolve corrupted memory files. An EMDR session is very different than a typical therapy session. A session would look like us addressing a trauma target while you process by watching my lightbar go back and forth. I check in between a sequence of passes, asking you "what are you noticing now." At the end of the session, we discuss the processing that happened. This process allows you to feel differently, rather than just think differently.
Biofeedback- This modality focuses on Heart Rate Variability (HRV). I connect a sensor to your ear to monitor your heart rate and breathing. You have numerous game options that you are able to play to train your body how to breathe properly. Not breathing properly causing anxiety & panic attacks. A 5min session of biofeedback can reduce anxiety for 2 weeks. This modality is incorporated into a majority of sessions or can be standalone treatment as well.
Brainspotting- This is another top choice when treating trauma. Visually trauma gets stored in the brain stem and then can activate a client. A session would look like us discussing your trauma and then finding visual points that activate you- both the pain, but also a healing visual point as well. We then override the pain visual spot for the healing visual spot. This process allows you not to be visually triggered by trauma.
Somatic- This modality is focused on the body & movement. Trauma gets stored in the body and has to be addressed at a body level. A session looks like focusing on the body and the sensations that you feel. We explore and get curious about them. We then incorporate different movement and skills that can reset and/or override different feelings and sensations. I highly encourage this modality when clients are having lots of sensations within their body that they are struggling with.
Typically, my sessions are a blend of numerous modalities to help a client heal. Every session is tailored to that client and their situation. If you are curious about what modalities would help you and your situation, please reach out. This is also not a full comprehensive list of modalities that I offer- inquire for more information.