FAQ
ask away!
Have a question? Want to know a bit more about me or my style of work? To help you get your answers quickly, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular questions I’ve received from clients, accompanied by thorough answers. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch and I’ll be happy to assist you.
What conditions and diagnoses can your approach work for?
Here is a list provided by the PPDA of all the conditions that have benefited from a mindbody approach. I do not have experience in working with all of them, and I am cautious about offering promises of full recovery. However, mindbody therapy will certainly reduce the stress, fear and emotional turmoil that amplify your condition, paving the way for much better outcomes.
First, a disclaimer.
TMS/NEUROPLASTIC PAIN DOES NOT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
Cancers
Rheumatoid conditions
Infections (such as COVID-19*)
* The cause of “Long-Haul” COVID-19 is still being studied, therefore it is currently unknown whether or not this could be PPD
Since structural damage or organ disease processes can also cause the symptoms on this list, it is important to first rule out serious medical conditions with your doctor. Ask your doctor if it’s safe for you to pursue emotional therapy-based treatment for your symptoms in conjunction with medical treatment.
TMS/NEUROPLASTIC PAIN CAN INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
CHRONIC PAIN SYMPTOMS
Fibromyalgia
Tension headaches
Back pain
Neck pain
Whiplash
Knee pain
Patellofemoral syndrome
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome
Chronic abdominal and pelvic pain syndromes
Chronic tendonitis (in any joint)
Vulvodynia
Piriformis syndrome
Repetitive strain injury
Foot pain syndromes
Myofascial pain syndrome
Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS)
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS
Irritable bowel syndrome
Interstitial cystitis (Irritable bladder syndrome)
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
Inappropriate sinus tachycardia
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (Complex regional pain syndrome)
OTHER PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
Migraine attacks
Insomnia
Some patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), (aka myalgic encephalitis or systemic exertion intolerance disease*)
Paresthesias (numbness, tingling, burning)
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Dizziness
Pseudoseizures
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Globus sensation
Burning chest pain (resembles acid reflux)
Difficulty breathing
Chronic cough
Spastic dysphonia
Chronic hives
Hypersensitivity syndromes (to touch, sound, smells, foods, medications)
* Systemic exertion intolerance disease has been identified by the Institutes of Medicine as an organic disorder. There remains controversy about this disorder and its relation to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS
Anxiety
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Eating disorders
Substance use disorders
What is Embodied Processing?
Embodied Processing is a bottom up approach to working with trauma, low self-esteem, anxiety, addiction, depression and a myriad of other stress related issues.
This process was created by two trauma therapists, Matt Nettleton and Ryan Hassan, based on years of lived experience, research, training and client sessions.
In their words: "Within survival physiology lies the survival drive, located below the intellect. It is part of our body’s autonomic nervous system ... This survival drive has its roots deep within our unconscious and our body. To get to it requires us to move beyond the common psychological practices of the west and move downward, into our body, our nervous system and into the unprocessed pain that exists within our physicality."
I use EP in most of my sessions to support your exploration of your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, memories and sensations in a safe way. It is a body-based, present moment focused approach. It does not require physical touch; it is a facilitated somatic and imaginative exploration that expands our capacity to hold whatever arises within us. Most people find it works very well for them via Zoom – sometimes even better than in person, because many find being in their own space supportive.
Why do you require a longer intake session?
If you are coming to see me for a physical pain condition, it's important we go through your history of medical care, diagnoses and treatments to rule out serious pathological conditions before embarking on this form of treatment. I will send you an intake form prior to our first meeting. Disclosure is completely up to you, but it will give us the fullest picture of whether your issue will likely respond to mindbody therapy.
Do I have to pay via the website? What if I have to miss a session I've paid for?
Payments and scheduling
I take website bookings on Calendly and upfront payment via Stripe for short-term therapy to cut down on administrative tasks and scheduling mishaps! For anyone who wants ongoing regular sessions, however, I can arrange different booking and payment methods. Get in touch via email if you want to discuss this.
Cancellation policy
Since the scheduling of an appointment involves the reservation of time set aside especially for you, a minimum of 24 hours notice is required for rescheduling or cancellation of an appointment. If you have paid upfront, you can reschedule from your end as long as it is more than 24 hours out. If you cancel, I will arrange for a refund from Stripe to be issued. Please note that this can take some time.
If for any reason a session is cancelled less than 24 hours prior, the full fee will be charged. I will make exceptions for extraordinary circumstances. Again, please be in touch.