Janice Cuaresma

Through a trauma-informed lens, I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with light somatic work to help individuals who have experienced trauma. EMDR allows individuals to listen to their bodies since trauma is stored within the nervous system and needs to be released.

I equip individuals who have anxiety with tools to manage their symptoms. I draw upon Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy techniques and informal mindfulness activities. I find that my clients who have anxiety learn what works best for them and can cope with anxious moments in healthier ways.

I support individuals who experience death or non-death related losses. The latter includes ending of friendships or a relationship, pet loss, and ambiguous loss, such as losing a loved one experiencing dementia. I incorporate techniques that make best fit the client's needs and abilities. Also, I remind individuals that there is no one right way to navigate grief. They can make meaning or not after the loss. The choice is up to them.

I am in the process of completing my basic EMDR training. I have delivered EMDR online to clients, who have experienced decreases in their PTSD symptoms. I am also in the process of learning about somatic approaches to integrate within my delivery of EMDR.

I have completed my level 1 training in the Gottman Method. Whether as an individual or as a couple, this approach helps people manage concerns that they have in their relationship in a clear and easy way.

I use CBT with the majority of my clients as this approach allows them to learn techniques that they can employ on their own. From reframing thoughts to questioning the validity of ideas, I find that clients find relief with these tools.

I work with clients who have experienced a death- and non-death related loss, including friendships, relationships, ambiguous (e.g. loved one with dementia), and pets. I educate individuals on the various views of grief to demonstrate that you can work through your grief in a way that makes sense to you. My clients know that they do not need to make meaning from a loss; that's their decision. Also, they understand that closure sometimes can be a myth.

I offer a variety of techniques that decrease anxious thoughts and feelings. Using feedback from clients, I help them figure out methods, like informal mindfulness or grounding techniques, that work best for their needs. My clients learn about the types of anxious thoughts we have so they have an awareness of them. I am confident that we can find a way to make life a bit more manageable and not overtaken by your anxiety.