Heal, Grow, and Thrive
WELCOME TO MY PRACTICE PAGE!
As a Certified Shame-Informed Treatment Specialist (CSTS), I understand that seeking therapy requires courage, and I commend you for taking the first step toward personal growth and healing. I believe in the power of therapy to bring about transformation, and I am dedicated to tailoring my approach to meet your needs.
I use only evidence-based therapy models such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) combined with Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help individuals and couples struggling with various issues.
EMDR:
The foundation of EMDR is based on the understanding that traumatic experiences can become "stuck" in the brain's memory network, causing ongoing emotional and psychological distress. This therapy aims to facilitate reprocessing these traumatic memories, enabling individuals to integrate them healthier and more adaptive.
During reprocessing, the therapist guides the individual to focus on the targeted memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral brain stimulation. This can be achieved through eye movements, auditory tones, or taps. The back-and-forth movement or stimulation facilitates the brain's natural processing mechanisms. As the bilateral stimulation continues, the individual is encouraged to explore any shifts or changes in their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations related to the targeted memory. Once the distress associated with the targeted memory decreases, the therapist helps the individual reinforce positive beliefs and strengthen the new adaptive associations. This step aims to enhance resilience and promote lasting healing.
EMDR INTENSIVES:
During an EMDR intensive, individuals engage in concentrated 3-hour sessions of EMDR therapy over a shorter period, typically ranging from several consecutive days to a week or more. The intensity of the treatment allows individuals to delve deeper into their traumatic experiences and work through them in a more focused and efficient manner.
The goal of an EMDR intensive is to facilitate healing and resolution of traumatic experiences and their related symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. Individuals may experience more rapid progress and significant improvements in their overall well-being by engaging in concentrated sessions within a short period.
INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS:
As an IFS-informed psychotherapist, I utilize this transformative therapeutic approach to help you understand different parts of yourself. IFS focuses on understanding and harmonizing the different aspects, sub-personalities, or "parts" of an individual's internal world. It explores the idea that we all have various "parts" within us, each with its own unique thoughts, feelings, and motivations imposing its influence on a subconscious level. Through mindful inquiry and dialogue, you are encouraged to develop a deep sense of curiosity and compassion towards your parts. By understanding their origins, intentions, and roles, you can cultivate greater self-awareness, self-leadership, and self-acceptance.
Together, we will explore your unique path and determine the most suitable therapy models for your journey. As a psychotherapist experienced in treating individuals and couples recovering from deep wounds or struggling with intimacy, I know there is a path to healing and feeling more connected than before. If you trust my process, I can guide you there.
Text me to schedule a brief introduction call (305 ) 440-8506
I’m looking forward to meeting you.
Priscilliana (Priscilla) Torres-Mendoza
LCSW, CMDP, CSTS, EMDR-IFS Psychotherapist