Binda Colebrook, LICSW (she,her)​
Psychotherapist
My approach
My approach
I like to work relationally, which means that we, together, work on whatever challenges present themselves for you at this time in your life. It is my belief that each of us holds the answers to our own life challenges within ourselves. Therapy can create a supportive framework that can help clear debris from life's path so that you can see your path more clearly.
My training as a psychotherapist leads me to meet the client where they are emotionally and to support them in facing their challenges in the present. When appropriate, it can also be useful to look at the challenge's possible roots to the past.
At times, I make use of mindfulness and meditation as part of the work. It is also often useful to make body-mind connections. In addition, I also have experience working with histories of trauma.
I work through a non pathologizing, trauma informed lens that considers the whole person. I am trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) level 1, Sensory Motor Psychotherapy (SP) level 1 and 2 and Polyvagal Theory. My primary way of working is with IFS. While I am also trained in Attachment focused EMDR, I only use EMDR for recent events and Flash EMDR to decreased distress as needed.
Working with new parents
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In the transition into the parenting phase of life, it is at times best to remain solution focused so as to make concrete plans that you and any other involved adult can access quickly. Together, we will create such a concrete plan that can be put into effect between sessions. At this time, you are welcome to come with your partner for some sessions to make sure the necessary steps can be put in place and to address any issues that emerge as you transition into becoming parenting partners. You are also always welcome to bring your baby to session.
Once those plans are in place, it may be useful to look back at your family history, the way you were raised, or your relationship to your partner so as to elucidate what might be contributing to your current symptoms. Therapy can at times be hard work, but it is valuable work that leads to better relationships, a stronger sense of self and increased self esteem. It can also have positive effects on your ability to parent your children in the way you would have wished to be parented.
Oftentimes, we believe that we should be able to tap into parenting instincts with no outside support. As a result, when this doesn't feel like it is happening, the new parent will feel shame and guilt which is compounded by lack of sleep and the belief that they have to continue to take care of all their usual duties and host the visiting family. This is a cultural set up which needs to change. Another approach recognizes that the postpartum requires communal support. Therapy is one place where you can begin to dismantle these cultural myths and figure out for yourself what it is that you need to transition into parenthood.
It is however, not the only way to gain support. Check out my resource page for information on support groups, baby and me groups, doulas, emotional self evaluation tools, postpartum plans and many other resources and articles.