One of the advantages of working in the field for many years is having a treasure chest of tools to use in therapy to match individuals to the techniques that are most helpful to them. My work with individuals is informed by:
- Body: Learning to listen to and trust your gut by using Somatic Experiencing, Breathing Techniques, Tapping
- Mind: Learning about yourself psychodynamically by becoming conscious of old behavioral patterns, using psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral techniques and parts work
- Spirit: Feeling part of something larger, using mindfulness and concepts from yoga, developing personal creativity
- Community: Finding supports in family, friends, interest groups, twelve step programs
How do I become a whole, confident person, satisfied with myself and my life?
- Become aware of the limiting beliefs I learned as a child from my family, society, trauma
- Pay attention to the ever-present negative, critical voice now inside of me, beating me down
- Learn techniques to lessen the power of the critical voices
- Deal with past difficulties and traumas that are still locked in my memory and body
- Untangle the association with the past and the present
- Learn new skills and techniques to know my needs and to ask for them to be met in a constructive way
- Communicate in a way that I can be heard
- Find my joy, gratitude, playfulness and creativity
I have known and worked with Cheryl for many years. She has been invaluable in my personal growth, managing my anxiety and a fantastic support system. We have worked through quite different situations and Cheryl always has tools and ideas how to deal with them. Over the years she has adapted as I have learned to manage my stress and mental health allowing her to effectively deal with new or recurring issues. Lastly, Cheryl truly listens knowing when to interject, when to encourage and when to just listen. I cannot imagine my life without her kindness, support and guidance.
Deb C
Cheryl Dolinger Brown is my dream of what a therapist should be. She's superlatively smart and discerning, but it's her level of caring and thoughtfulness that I prize above all. She is someone who enters your life in order to understand it--and then guide you through it on your terms. She shares the hard truths with genuine tenderness and insight.
Jon B
About a decade ago, I experienced a deep personal crisis. I was in an unhealthy marriage, and I was growing increasingly frustrated and depressed by my inability to end the relationship and move forward on a new path. Enter Cheryl, who was referred to me by a trusted friend. Not only did Cheryl provide me with the support, tools, and strength to end the marriage, she has also helped me navigate a whole new phase in my life. I am a stronger, more confident, self-loving, and happier person than I was 10 years ago, and I have Cheryl to thank for that!
From my first session with her, I felt safe, supported, and HEARD. With a strong foundation of knowledge and experience, she brings her very authentic self, which makes her so easy to relate to. She is wise, direct, insightful, and kind. Always compassionate, never judgmental. Over the years, Cheryl has helped me recognize and understand the patterns in my behaviors and thoughts that were no longer serving me. She taught me to slow things down in times of stress so I can replace those old behaviors with healthier ones. Cheryl sees me as a whole person, which has in turn helped me to be more authentic and confident, especially in relationships and career. As a result, I am in a happy, loving relationship; I have excelled in my work; and I have let go of toxic thinking.
I am deeply grateful for Cheryl and for the growth I have achieved with her guidance and care. Cheryl has helped me to see my true potential. My years of working with her have been the most productive years of personal growth I have had in my lifetime. I cannot thank her enough.
Nicki L