JEAN-MARIE RODDY

I have experience working with clients who have intrusive thoughts and memories. My trauma informed approach involves Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems )IFS, and polyvagal theories. These theories and their corresponding interventions help clients learn how to manage their memories as well as access and heal the parts of themselves that are wounded.

I have experience working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum that spans from my time as a therapist on the inpatient Neurobehavioral Unit at Kennedy Krieger Institute in the 1990s, a therapist on the inpatient Neurodevelopmental Unit at Sheppard Pratt Health Center, and through treating many individuals on the spectrum in family and individual therapy since the early 2000s. I utilize a strengths based approach, and provide compassionate support while utilizing a mindfulness approach.

As a person who has struggled with anxiety since childhood, I am able to provide compassionate support and understanding as well as teach techniques that I have learned to manage anxiety. Similar to trauma therapy, my approach uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems )IFS, and polyvagal theories. These theories and their corresponding interventions help clients learn how to manage anxiety and heal the anxious parts of themselves.

IFS takes the view that the mind is made up of relatively discrete subpersonalities or "parts", each with its own unique viewpoint and qualities. It helps the individual to understand and heal these individual parts.

EMDR is designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It involves focusing on traumatic memories while engaging in side-to-side eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation.

The objective of ACT is not elimination of difficult feelings; rather, it is to be present with what life brings and to "move toward valued behavior". Acceptance and commitment therapy invites people to change their relationship with unpleasant thoughts and feelings.