Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)
Healing the injured heart
What Is Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)?
Often people think that if they can just “work through” their early trauma, they automatically won’t have emotional difficulties anymore. But this usually isn’t the case. Reducing the emotional pain associated with traumatic memories is one part of many people’s healing process. But learning that it’s safe to be open to your feelings in the presence of another person is the second part, and it’s just as vital.
AEDP is a therapy designed specifically to create that safe space.
When you’ve been hurt over and over as a child when you reached out for love, or when you needed safety, comfort or support, or when you expressed “unacceptable” feelings, you developed “calluses” over those needs and feelings. You learned not to feel them. You learned not even to realize that you didn’t feel them. You learned to avoid certain feelings and parts of yourself as if they were a hot stove.
Removing Blocks to Emotional Connection
Most of us have developed at least some blocks to the full range of our emotional experience. And then there are many of us who don’t feel safe to be our true self with anyone, so therefore we don’t feel safe to be our true self with ourselves.
But the injured heart, though tender and bruised, is resilient; it wants to heal. AEDP is an emotion-based, present-oriented therapy that believes in using the power of all emotions, but especially positive ones, to heal.
I am trained in AEDP and use it as part of my approach with many clients. With AEDP, I create the safe space for whatever feels injured within you to come out and be seen and heard, and to start living again.
AEDP can re-awaken long-submerged feelings and bring renewed courage (“courage” comes from the Latin word for “heart”) to live a more open and daring life.
About Teletherapy
At this time, my practice is completely virtual, seeing clients through Zoom.
I am a licensed psychologist in Maryland, and also hold the PSYPACT license, which grants me the ability to practice Teletherapy in Washington DC, Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Washington state, Minnesota and 26 other states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Teletherapy Effective?
I have worked virtually for over 20 years with clients throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. When the pandemic began in March 2020 I went fully virtual with my practice, seeing all my clients through Zoom, and I have remained virtual since. My clients and I have found that teletherapy is every bit as effective as therapy in the office, and much easier to fit into their busy lifestyle.
Is Teletherapy Recognized if I Live Out of State?
Teletherapy is becoming increasingly accepted by state licensing boards and health insurance companies throughout the United States. Through the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), I have attained authorization to practice telepsychology in the District of Columbia and 32 states, including Maryland, Virginia, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. More states are being added every year.