Priscilla Torres, LCSW, CHT, CMDP, EMDR Certified Therapist™

WELCOME TO MY PRACTICE PAGE! I'm Priscilla Torres, a licensed psychotherapist and Clinical Sexology PhD Candidate. 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. KEY FEATURES OF MY APPROACH: Enhanced Support and Continuity of Care: Sometimes, clients may face challenges or have questions that arise between sessions. My therapy approach goes beyond the confines of traditional sessions. I offer ongoing support through secure messaging or scheduled check-ins. I aim to maintain a continuous connection, providing guidance, encouragement, and personalized resources to help you navigate and sustain progress. MOOD DISORDERS: Do you ever wonder if your depression is more than depression? As a Certified Mood Disorder Professional (CMDP), I have specialized training and experience in working with individuals who are struggling with mood disorders like depression, bipolar, and something else that is more than depression but without episodes of full mania called hypomania. Our sessions will empower you with effective coping strategies, emotional regulation techniques, and sustainable tools to manage symptoms and foster long-term emotional well-being. 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. SEXUAL WELLNESS THERAPY: Clinical sexology therapy is a specialized form of therapy focused on addressing and treating a wide range of sexual concerns and challenges. The main objective of clinical sexology therapy is to help individuals and couples achieve a healthier and more satisfying sexual life. This might entail addressing concerns such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low libido, sexual anxiety, orgasmic difficulties, sexual pain disorders, sexual orientation and identity, and relationship conflicts related to sex. Clinical sexology therapy draws from various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based practices, and education on sexual anatomy, physiology, and communication. The therapist may provide psychoeducation about sexual health and functioning, helping clients develop a better understanding of their own bodies and sexual responses. It is crucial to note that clinical sexology therapy is conducted within ethical guidelines, ensuring confidentiality and maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment. Sex therapists undergo specialized training to address sexual concerns effectively and sensitively, remaining impartial and non-judgmental towards their clients. 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. I’m looking forward to meeting you. Right-click or paste the link below on your browser to watch my brief introduction video. https://youtu.be/2lgDeBkBCuI