Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful and effective therapy for the treatment of trauma. Symptoms of trauma can occur after an emotional or physical event that overtaxes our nervous system, causing high levels of distress. Left untreated, trauma can manifest in symptoms such as depression, anxiety, addictive behaviors, creativity blocks, and relationship difficulties.
EMDR is an integrative approach that provides healing from disturbing images, debilitating emotions, and restrictive beliefs by directly impacting the way the brain processes information. Similar to what occurs naturally during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, EMDR activates the REM processing system in the brain to access memory networks and release the emotional charge associated with distressing thoughts and memories. Treatment consists of bilateral stimulation, through sound or touch, which activates alternate sides of the brain. This process allows for the release of distressing emotional experiences held in the body and mind.
As EMDR treatment addresses the source of distress, it is extremely effective in treating even the most problematic issues in a relatively short amount of time, often resulting in fewer sessions than talk therapy. As a fully trained and certified EMDR therapist, I have used this technique to treat the psychological effects of both large and small-scale traumas. My expertise allows me to safely direct you through the entire process until you are feeling less troubled and ultimately at peace.
Many seek therapy for help with issues that are hard to face alone, out of a desire to improve the quality of their life. Therapy can help people overcome obstacles to their well-being by learning strategies to express themselves, heal from painful experiences, and gain practical skills to manage difficult feelings and situations.
I draw upon multiple theoretical perspectives to provide integrative person-centered and strengths-based treatment. I have worked with individuals with a wide range of presenting concerns and focus on treating anxiety, depression, phobias, relationship issues, addictive behaviors, and trauma. My goal is to create a safe environment to work through overwhelming feelings, find freedom from ongoing struggles, grow in your true self, and thrive in your life and relationships.
Couples therapy can help to resolve a current problem or serve as support for a happy couple experiencing a period of stress or transition. Common areas of concern addressed in couples therapy include frequent conflict, money, sex, infidelity, parenting, chronic health issues, infertility, substance use, trauma, and emotional disconnection. Couples therapy can be beneficial for any kind of romantic relationship, whether partners are straight, gay, young, old, dating, engaged, or married.
I provide couples therapy for a wide variety of relational issues for couples who are looking to improve their relationship. I have clinical experience working relationally to help a couple gain insight into their relationship and improve their emotional connection utilizing a variety of techniques. I provide a supportive environment that helps both partners explore their problems from a new perspective, while also incorporating practical tools to recognize and resolve conflicts, resulting in improved communication and connection. Based on the belief that trust is built through genuine authenticity, my counseling style is collaborative, active, and empathic.
I’m Allison Nelson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, EMDR and trauma therapist, couples therapy specialist, and certified addictions counselor. With a graduate degree from NYU Silver School of Social Work, I cultivated my skills and garnered invaluable experience with a wide variety of populations and issues. I specialize in treating all degrees of trauma, and provide individual and couples therapy to assist my clients to live a more integrated and satisfying life.
I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) by the EMDR International Association and trained in the technique at the Parnell Institute. I have completed a five-year postgraduate program at the Ackerman Institute for the Family and have extensive training in the Ackerman Relational Approach, a relational-systematic approach for working with couples. I am also well versed in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT). In addition to my private practice, I am currently a clinician at the Weill Cornell Medicine, Midtown Center for Treatment and Research, an outpatient substance abuse clinic, where I work with clients and their families dealing with chemical addictions. I also serve as an adjunct clinician for the nonprofit Headstrong Project, providing both individual and couples therapy to post-9/11 veterans and their families.
Please contact me to discuss my rates. They vary depending on session length and whether you are interested in couples therapy or individual therapy.
I am an out-of-network provider and offer a sliding scale fee. Services may be covered in full or in part by your out-of-network health insurance.
Appointments must be canceled or rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled therapy appointment or you will be responsible for the full session fee.
Please contact me to discuss my rates. Payment is accepted in the form of cash or check. Ask your employer about a health savings account that may assist you with payments.
I invite you to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to talk about how I can help you.
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