Adrienne Sharma-Richardson PhD MEd RP OCT

The power combination of gestalt therapy and somatic experiencing is unmatched especially when working with couples in crisis. I am also trained in Gottman Couples Therapy trained Level 3. To give you a better idea about my practice I have provided you with some descriptions of gestalt therapy and SE. However, please note none of this will make any sense you just have to do the work as both modalities are highly experiential. Gestalt therapy began as a revision of psychoanalysis (F. Perls, 1942/1992) and quickly developed as a wholly independent, integrated system (F. Perls, Hefferline, & Goodman, 1951/1994). Since gestalt therapy is an experiential and humanistic approach, it works with patients’ awareness and awareness skills rather than using the classic psychoanalytic reliance on the analyst’s interpretation of the unconscious. Also, in gestalt therapy the therapist is actively and personally engaged with the patient, rather than fostering transference by remaining in the analytic role of neutrality. In gestalt therapy theory, a process-based postmodern field theory replaced the mechanistic, simplistic, Newtonian system of classical psychoanalysis. The gestalt therapist uses active methods that develop not only patients’ awareness but also their repertoires of awareness and behavioral tools. The active methods and active personal engagement of gestalt therapy are used to increase the awareness, freedom, and self-direction of the patient, rather than to direct patients toward preset goals as in behavior therapy and encounter groups. The gestalt therapy system is truly integrative and includes affective, sensory, cognitive, interpersonal, and behavioral components. In gestalt therapy, therapists and patients are encouraged to be creative in doing the awareness work. There are no prescribed or proscribed techniques in gestalt therapy. As an SE therapist- mental and emotional health follows the state of the nervous system- if the system is flowing seamlessly between sympathetic and parasympathetic; arousal and settling, within a “manageable range” there’s a deep, internal sense of well-being, emotional stability, confidence, clear thinking, aliveness, trust in myself and others, and mastery. What does this mean? SE is about: The experiences... in the body Track, observe, describe; open-ended questions Regulate internal arousal states, shift locked patterns into action, increase body awareness Encourage emotional engagement; attention on mindfulness, sensations, movements and impulses. I am interested in your response to the story not your story you keep playing over and over again in your head! Was your response a fight, flight, freeze, collapse, or dissociation? What impulses, emotions, and beliefs are also explored. Together we will search for strengths, what worked, resources your ”organic wisdom”. I will provide guidance for co-regulation (developmental age) to self-regulation. At this time I am continuing to train in trauma recovery out of California. For now I am trained to work with the following traumas... Global High Intensity Activation (GHIA) Pre- and Perinatal Trauma (Fetal distress, birth trauma, early surgeries) Anesthesia High fevers Suffocation, Choking, Drowning High Impact/Failure of Physical Defense Falls Acquired Brain Injury High Impact and Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA) (Presented in Intermediate Module 2) Inescapable Attack Animal Attack Escape Inhibited Rape/sexual abuse Physical Injury Surgery Poison Burns Emotional and developmental trauma. I have experienced trauma in my life, I understand what you are experiencing. I have ADHD, I understand what you are experiencing. I am a recovering addict, I understand what you are experiencing. I have been in narcissistic relationships, I understand what you are experiencing. I have worked with many veterans, and first responders, I don't completely understand what your experiencing, no one can... but I get close! I am currently writing a book called The Shitty Relationship Rescue which I hope to publish soon. I am passionate about helping couples keep their shit together so they can stay together! Call me today... and experience me supporting you experience healing! It's time you have suffered enough.