Christianne Porta

Attachment refers to how we relate to others. These patterns, of both behavior & thought were needed for us to adapt to our family, to connect & feel safe with our parents. Although these patterns were helpful growing up, as we get older, these very same patterns may be creating unhealthy relationships with others. This is why we feel the same thing keeps happening in our relationships. The good news is that creating new patterns fosters the healthy relationships we want and deserve.

Abuse takes on many forms. Emotional, sexual, physical, and psychological abuse has devastating effects. Leaving someone feeling confused and isolated. Healing from these traumatic experiences is possible. My support and guidance through the healing journey will empower you with the ability regulate your emotions, gaining awareness of your triggers, and control of how you choose to respond, rather than react.

Relationships seem complicated. The unknown is scary, understanding where you lost connection is a daunting task. Fortunately, the Gottman Method is a model of therapy that fosters a deeper understanding of each other, strengthening the friendship, and constructing a collective vision of a couple's future together will be, taking into account each individual's goals and dreams.

The Gottman Method is a highly effective model that defines specific areas a couple needs to develop. This model provides me with the tools needed to enhance the understanding and connection partners seek. I have witness the Gottman Method's success in couples' as they gain understanding of each other's internal worlds, the strengthening of mutual empathy, & their positive perspective towards each other. Organically strengthening their trust & stability.

I will help you understand how disturbing experiences became stuck your system and created patterns that become the way we see the world. When similar events happen or have elements that remind us of that disturbing event, the brain reacts as if the original disturbing event is happening. EMDR will help move that memory to a more functional part of the brain that can experience the event as actually being in the past; allowing you to respond in the present, not as if its happening again.

Helps with gaining an awareness of the mind-body connection. It helps a person identify their strengths and builds on them so that they can feel better about themselves and their life. DBT helps identify thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions that make life harder, like "I have to be perfect" and fosters different ways of thinking that will make life more bearable.