Caroline Russell Smith, LCSW - Psychotherapist
Caroline specializes in work with sexual minorities, abuse survivors, as well as clients with food and body image disorders. Caroline is trained in EMDR, a brief and highly effective method of therapy used to help decrease the emotional distress that often follows traumatic events. Caroline is also a co-founder of the Saratoga Stress Reduction Program.
"My approach to psychotherapy is rather eclectic.
From mindful breath-work to Freudian interpretations to deep belly
laughing about the ironies of life I opt for what feels right in the moment.
One of the many tools I use is EMDR (eye movement desensitization
reprocessing). Often patients come into therapy with clear histories of
trauma-- experiences like sexual and/or physical abuse, violent accidents,
devastating medical situations, sudden and profound losses. For some
patients talking about these experiences is enough. They release pent up
emotions, clarify distorted beliefs and find ways to integrate these
experiences into their lives in meaningful ways. For other patients talking
about traumatic experience is itself too traumatic and/or no amount of
discussion is enough to achieve any relief or release. For others there
are no clearly defined traumatic events but there are negative beliefs about
themselves or the world that just won't budge. EMDR is a well-researched
protocol developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro that offers patients a way to
metabolize traumatic experience and negative beliefs gently and effectively.
EMDR harnesses the mind-body connection so patients can release distorted
perceptions and deeply held sensations in the body that intrude upon the
ability to feel safe, competent and connected in day-to-day life. For
more detailed information about EMDR go to www.emdr.org."