FAQ
Welcome to the FAQ section. Here, you'll find answers to common questions about my psychotherapy practice. I'm dedicated to providing clarity and support, so feel free to explore and learn more about how I can help you on your journey to healing.
Art Therapy is a creative and non-verbal approach to emotional expression and healing. Using tools like paints, clay, and sand-tray work, clients of all ages can safely explore their feelings, resolve inner conflicts, and regain control over challenging emotions and experiences.
The process of creating an art-object and the relationship build up with the therapist can assist to communicate varied feelings and thoughts that they were previously unable to put into words, so acquiring a new understanding of themselves.
Whether a person creates a "beautiful" or "ugly" piece is not important in art therapy; rather, the process of making the object is. It is not necessary to "know" how to draw or use art supplies and tools because there is no right or incorrect way to go about the process. Instead, what counts is the process which provides relief from tension and meaning that the person allocates to the piece of art, and the art therapist then assists the person in exploring their thoughts.
Many mental disorders and psychological issues can be treated using art therapy. It may frequently be used with different therapy approaches.
The client and art therapist's interactions are subject to confidentiality.
Clients who have experienced emotional trauma, physical violence, domestic abuse, anxiety, depression, under a lot of stress and other psychological issues can benefit from expressing themselves creatively.
Art Therapy can help people with a wide range of mental health conditions. All ages can benefit from this treatment.
I'm only willing to work with adults here online
EMDR therapy is a structured psychotherapy that primarily focuses on treating individuals who have experienced distressing, traumatic events.
The technique of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is used to address mental health issues. This technique entails processing painful memories by shifting your eyes in a particular way. The purpose of EMDR is to aid in your recovery from traumatic events or other upsetting life circumstances. EMDR treatment is relatively young in comparison to other therapy approaches. Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., the creator and developer of EMDR, conducted the first clinical trial examining the technology in 1989. Since its creation, EMDR has been the subject of dozens of clinical research, demonstrating its effectiveness and ability to assist patients more quickly than many other approaches.
EMDR therapy focuses on changing emotions, thoughts, or behaviours resulting from distressing experiences, allowing the brain to resume a natural healing process. The brain's structure involves networks of communicating cells across various areas, including memories and senses. The senses, such as sight, sound, smell, tastes, and feels, can bring back strong memories.
These unresolved memories can manifest in the form of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other trauma-related conditions.
EMDR uses the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, developed by F. Shapiro, PhD, to understand how the brain stores memories. Normal events store memories smoothly and connect to other memories, while disturbing events cause the brain to go offline, disconnecting from experiences. Trauma memories are often stored in a way that prevents healthy healing, reinforcing negative experiences and acting as an injury to the mind. This occurs not only with events remembered but also with suppressed memories, causing negative symptoms, emotions, and behaviours.
Trauma-related stimuli trigger improperly stored memories, causing overwhelming feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, or panic. PTSD flashbacks, for example, cause uncontrolled, distorted access to these memories, causing the past to become the present.
EMDR involves accessing trauma memories through eye movements and guided instructions, reprocessing them to repair mental injury, making memories less painful and related feelings more manageable.
EMDR therapy is a treatment for trauma that consists of eight phases.
The first phase involves gathering patient history and information, which helps determine if EMDR is likely to help.
The next phase involves preparation and education, where the healthcare provider helps identify themes and memories to work on during reprocessing.
The third phase involves desensitisation and reprocessing, where the healthcare provider activates the memory by identifying negative images, thoughts, feelings, and body sensations.
The fourth phase involves installation, where the patient focuses on the positive belief they want to build in as they process a memory.
The fifth phase is closure and stabilisation, where the healthcare provider discusses expectations between sessions and how to stabilise oneself.
The final phase is reevaluation and continuing care, where the healthcare provider reviews the patient's progress and helps them determine if additional sessions are needed or adjust their goals and expectations.
EMDR methods now incorporate vision, sound, and touch, using specialized light devices, sound speakers, or tapping on hands, arms, or thighs. Healthcare providers may also use a device that pulses in the hands.
In order to access and activate the disturbances episode and the intended adaptive resolution, you will be asked a series of questions during the EMDR session:
• Bilateral stimulation in the form of rapid eye movement sets will be used.
• You will be encouraged to simply "free associate" and let your mind process the situation.
• Short summaries of your experiences will be interwoven with sets of eye motions.
• Until the past experience is modified to a malleable existing view, EMDR processing will go on.
• This procedure could require multiple sessions if the problem has been present for a long time.
EMDR can help people with a wide range of mental health conditions. All ages can benefit from this treatment.
I'm only willing to work with adults here online
Our goal is to provide quality care to all our clients in a timely manner. Please be aware of our policy regarding missed / cancelled appointments. No-shows, late arrivals, and cancellations inconvenience not only our therapist, but our other clients as well.
Appointment Cancellation
When you book your appointment, you are holding a space on our calendar that is no longer available to our other clients. In order to be respectful of your fellow clients. If you need to cancel your appointment, please email info@emdrandartherapysilvia.net
as soon as you know you will not be able to make your appointment. We will return your email as soon as possible.
If cancellation is necessary, we require that you contact us at least 48 hours in advance. Appointments are in high demand, and your advanced notice will allow another person access to that appointment time.
Any cancellations without 48 hours’ notice on will be charged the full consultation fee.
No-shows
A no-show is when a client misses an appointment without cancelling. We will charge the client full missed appointment fee.
Further appointments will only be possible upon settling unpaid fees.
Online therapy, also called e-therapy, teletherapy, or virtual therapy, is mental health counseling done online through video calls, phone calls, texts, or emails. At MySite, we offer online therapy that is just as supportive and confidential as in-person therapy but with more convenience and flexibility. Here’s how online therapy through My Site can help you:
1. Accessibility: Get therapy from home, which is great for people with mobility issues, those in remote areas, or anyone with a busy schedule.
2. Convenience: Schedule sessions outside of normal office hours, like evenings and weekends, to fit your lifestyle.
3. Anonymity: If you feel uncomfortable going to therapy in person, online therapy offers privacy and less stigma.
4. Continuity of Care: If you move or travel a lot, online therapy lets you keep having sessions without interruption. Choosing MySite for online therapy connects you with licensed and experienced therapists who are committed to helping you with personalized care and support.
Preparing for your online therapy session with MySite is crucial to ensuring a productive and comfortable experience. Here are some steps you can follow: 1. Choose a Quiet and Private Space: Select a location where you won't be interrupted and feel comfortable discussing personal matters. 2. Test Your Technology: Ensure that your computer, tablet, or smartphone is working properly. Check that your internet connection is strong and stable to avoid any disruptions during the session. Make sure you test the headphones and that they have a microphone piece if you plan to use them.
3. Familiarize Yourself with the Platform: MySite uses a secure and user-friendly platform for online therapy sessions. Login ahead of time to familiarize yourself with the interface and functionalities.
A "waiting room" has been created by Zoom, so you must wait for your therapist to grant you access to the live chat.
Keep your phone close at hand so I can call you to finish the session if the interned goes down.
4. Prepare Any Required Materials: Gather any documents or information you have been asked to bring to the session. This may include previous medical records, a list of current medications, or notes on your current concerns and goals. 5. Set Goals for the Session: Think about what you would like to achieve in this session. Writing down your thoughts and questions can help you stay focused and ensure that you cover all important topics. 6. Ensure Comfort: Wear comfortable clothes and have a glass of water nearby. Being physically comfortable can help you relax and open up during the session. By following these steps, you can make the most of your online therapy sessions with MySite. Our goal is to provide you with a safe, supportive, and effective therapy experience.
No, you don't need any special equipment for online Art and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy sessions with My Site.
For Art Therapy, basic art supplies like paper, pencils, markers, watercolour or paint can be helpful, but they are not essential. I can guide you to use whatever materials you have available.
For EMDR therapy, a stable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone (like a laptop, tablet, or smartphone) are sufficient. I will provide instructions and any necessary digital resources to ensure effective therapy sessions. MySite ensures that all sessions are user-friendly and accessible, aiming to deliver meaningful therapy experiences from the comfort of your own home.
During an initial consultation session with MySite, you can expect a comprehensive and personalized experience tailored to your unique needs.
I will first take the time to understand your specific goals and requirements. We'll discuss your project in detail, answer any questions you may have, and provide an overview of our services. This session also allows us to gather critical information that will help us develop a customised plan that aligns with your objectives.
Most likely, a sheet for you to read and sign will be supplied. In addition to requesting you to fill out personal information and sign a consulting agreement, this document may contain information about how the sessions will be run. The therapist could want you to scan or return the document by mail.
The aim is to ensure you leave the consultation with a clear understanding of how My Site can support you and what the next steps will be. This session is complimentary and designed to provide you with valuable insights into how we can help achieve your goals efficiently.
Why are you considering therapy now?
Have you already experienced counselling or therapy? How did that experience go?
In previous therapy sessions, what did you find to be effective or ineffective?
What do you hope to achieve in therapy?
Do you want to ask me any questions?
What concerns or difficulties led you to look for therapy? Or was something someone else who pushed or pressured you into doing it?
What is the history of your family? Does your family have a history with mental illness? How do you and your family get along?
How do you handle stressful circumstances?
Have you ever tried to hurt yourself?
How do you get along with the people around you?
Have you have any hobbies?
Do you have a network of support?
Which coping mechanisms do you employ to deal with and control your behavioural triggers?
What stressors do you find yourself dealing with? and how are you handling them?
What are the things you like about yourself? Explain why
Which strengths do you have?
What in life do you have to be grateful for, and why?
Talk about the objectives you wish to achieve in treatment.
Which negative behaviours would you prefer to replace with positive ones?
Which positive behaviours can you substitute for the negative ones?
What is your availability for appointment scheduling?
Although the following is a broad list of materials that would be helpful to have, not all of them are required.
-Paper, A4, A3 or larger
-Pencils HB or coloured pencils and a pencil sharpener
-Markers
-Paints blue, red, yellow, black and white. Other colours are a bonus. Preferencial washable paint (watercolours or acrylics).
-Paintbrushes , large, small, medium.
-Pastels, or oil pastels, or paint sticks. If not crayons, or chalk pastels
-Glue, masking tape, rubber, scissors, sponges
-Clay if possible; there are types of modelling clay that some varieties dry in the air.
-Folder for storing the work.