THERAPY MODALITIES
Listed below are some of the therapies you might experience in your work with Dr. Loi.
(Note that she uses an integrative approach, unique to each client.)
Somatic Therapy
Soma(t) is a Greek word meaning body. Somatic therapists believe, and research shows that our bodies are affected by our thoughts and emotions (and vice versa). We may store experiences of trauma, pain or memories in areas of our body even if we aren’t consciously aware of them. Because some of this is unconscious and/or preverbal, traditional talk therapies sometimes have difficulty resolving these issues. Somatic therapy is an experiential process of accessing what the body is holding in a way that focuses on the inter-relation of mind/body/spirit and brings about a more fully embodied self. Bringing awareness to these areas; the sensations there, the thoughts and emotions that arise, and to the patterns we have when we react can allow for greater understanding and eventual healing as we change those dysfunctional patterns.
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Parts Therapy
Based on IFS (Internal Family Systems), parts therapy is a non-pathologizing model incorporating the idea that we have different internal “parts” that often run the show when we are triggered or acting unconsciously. These parts arise to protect us (defenses) but usually end up getting in the way of optimal functioning. Once you become aware of which part (for example, the wounded child, inner critic, etc) is hijacking your thoughts or behaviors, you can learn to work with it (and have it work with you). Welcoming all of your parts helps you to become more fully integrated, feel more clear and have increased energy.
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Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a holistic modality in which ketamine is used as a complement to psychotherapy to help eligible patients experience more frequent breakthroughs and sustained improvement in symptoms. Ketamine is a legal, safe and effective medicine used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. Ketamine has rapidly-acting antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, which can begin to take effect within 1-2 hrs. after treatment and last for up to 2 weeks. It works by blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors as well as by stimulating AMPA receptors, which are thought to help form new synaptic connections and boost neural circuits that regulate stress and mood. Ketamine has also been shown to enhance overall neuroplasticity for lasting symptom improvement. This work is done in partnership with an organization called Journey Clinical, using the sublingual lozenge form instead of IV or IM administration.
©Journey Clinical Inc 2023
Mindfulness Therapy
Mindfulness is being in a state of awareness of each present moment – noticing our feelings, thoughts, physical body sensations and our environment and allowing them to be without judgment. It’s a practice of paying attention, accepting and being without getting caught up in it.
Research has documented the amazing benefits of this practice – it actually changes brain physiology, boosts our immune system, increases focus and memory, as well as changing mood and behavior, and has been used with success in a variety of places from the corporate world to prisons to schools.
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Emotional Freedom Technique
EFT (Tapping) is a simple process where we stimulate specific acupuncture points by using the fingertips to tap on them while concentrating on the memory and feelings in the body around specific issues. It is a way of accessing the body’s energy systems and this process send messages to the amygdala (where emotion is attached to memory) that it’s okay to relax and let go of the stresses/emotion/pain. There have been incredible results with PTSD, phobias, pain, allergies and emotional issues, even when the client is skeptical of the process.
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Brainspotting
“Where you look affects how you feel.” Brainspotting is a powerful and rapid way to resolve trauma, anxiety, “negative” emotions and pain by utilizing visual channels to access the sub-cortical regions, down the brainstem into the body. This is a body-based, bottom-up approach that allows us to trust the process and the body (and brain) naturally unwind to a point of homeostasis.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT – a therapeutic process where we can recognize our cognitions (thoughts) and attitudes, understand how they are shaped by our perception and how they influence our feelings, motivations and behavior. This therapy gives you tools to become aware of stressful situations and your patterns of response and consciously change them. This form of treatment has the highest empirically based success ratings and is one of the most used to address a variety of mental health issues.
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