Hello and welcome! I'm so grateful you found your way here. In our work together, my approach centers around you and your needs. Research highlights the importance of a strong therapeutic connection, showing it can be just as impactful as any specific therapeutic method. In our initial sessions, we'll delve into the history and context of your experiences, define treatment goals, and ensure that our collaboration aligns well with your unique needs. As your therapist, my role will be to speed up your brain’s natural healing process by providing skills and interventions specific to your needs. I particularly enjoy incorporating EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy) and IFS (Internal Family Systems) into sessions. I believe that every part of ourselves and every emotion has a purpose, often trying to protect us, even if the outcomes aren’t always ideal. If you resonate with any of this, you've likely found a safe and supportive space to explore your path towards healing. I look forward to the opportunity to work together on your journey of self-discovery and well-being. Book recommendations: Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab The Body Is Not an Apology, Second Edition: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonia Renee Taylor Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be by Dr. Becky Kennedy Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy's Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love By Tori Dunlap _______________________________________________ Lydia identifies as a white-bodied, cisgender, queer, neurodivergent therapist who earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from UNCW and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a double minor in Sociology and Women’s Studies from East Tennessee State University. She is certified in EMDR and has completed level 1 training for IFS. Lydia has worked in a variety of community mental health outpatient therapy settings including in K-12 schools, a primary care office, and through Telehealth. In her free time, Lydia enjoys game nights, long walks, reading, and spending time with loved ones.