Josephine Ampaw (she.her)

To me, working with individuals on their self esteem means that I am using the strengths clients bring to provide an alternate perspective that holds true while affirming their lived experiences. Whether I am using Experiential Therapy, Narrative Therapy, or Psychodynamic Therapy, I think It is so important to meet clients where they are and explore what self esteem has looked like prior to our work together.

When I think of family conflict, I think about conflict with the individuals who are most important to them. Whether It be a partner, a biological family member, or a chosen family member, It is important for me to meet you where you are by understanding what family means to you. From there, I can utilize strategies from Bowenian, Structural Family Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy to guide you and your family member(s) to healing and happiness!

For me, understanding the ways that identity play a role is the cornerstone of my therapeutic practice! It is important that if racial identity or any identity issues arise, we are able to collaborate to determine what your goals are regarding your identities and find ways to celebrate them! In the process, I find It to be important to utilize modalities like Narrative Therapy,. However, It is also important that we explore the way that your culture and its wealth can support your healing!

Being culturally sensitive means that there is a focus on how the cultural backgrounds inform the way the person sees and understands the world around them. Working from this lens also allows for me to introduce ways of understanding the oppression many communities face. In therapy, I think It is so important to be culturally sensitive as It meets clients where they are!

Family Systems work, to me, identifies the different ways that an individual interacts with those who they identify as family. Whether they be biological or chosen family, grounding in these close relationships or lack thereof helps my clients recognize what is in their control and who they can lean on for support!

Using Gestalt Therapy helps my clients build a strong connection to the here and now. When utilizing this therapy, I work with clients to focus on approaching their inner self or a self they once new. I also utilize Gestalt's methods to help my client face present challenges and reflect on the person they hope to become!