Approach

 

Client-centered

Dr. Duda’s practice is largely influenced by a client-centered approach, which emphasizes looking at the whole individual, and their potential for personal growth and self-actualization. Humanistic psychology postulates that people have an innate sense of agency to lead rich and fulfilling lives; however, many variables both within and outside one’s control can derail this process. Dr. Duda utilizes a non-judgmental stance to meet her clients where they are in their process, help them interact more successfully with these barriers to fulfill their potential, and maximize their well being. Every client-therapist relationship is unique, and Dr. Duda works to tailor how she approaches therapy for her clients’ individual needs.

 
 

Interpersonal/Psychodynamic

Dr. Duda believes that the way we relate and attach to others has a strong impact on our perceptions of ourselves and our ability to develop healthy/secure relationships. This can be largely affected by our early childhood relationships/experiences, as well as consequent intimate relationships later in life that may reinforce these dynamics. Dr. Duda assists her clients in exploring these relationships in more depth to better understand how they are playing a role in their distress, enhance self-awareness, as well as develop strategies to be more effective and feel increasingly connected with others. The interpersonal process between therapist and client can be a unique way of identifying what might be going wrong in our relationships or shine a light on how we treat ourselves, actively addressing these issues as they arise in session.

 
 

Cognitive-Behavioral/Dialectical-Behavioral

Dr. Duda also believes that understanding the relationship between one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors is a very important tool to assist in developing strategies to tolerate/alleviate distress, and promote change. Dr. Duda does not practice traditional models of CBT/DBT, but rather draws various interventions from each to supplement treatment as appropriate.

  • COgnitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

    • Identifying and restructuring maladaptive thought patterns (i.e., thoughts often influenced by one’s emotional state vs. objective reality).

    • Develop skills/strategies to assist in this process to perform outside of session (i.e., thought logs, cognitive restructuring, etc.).

  • Dialectical behavior Therapy (DBT)

    • Develop skills/strategies to better regulate one’s emotional experience in four main areas:

      • Emotion regulation (manage and change intense emotions)

      • Mindfulness (accept and be present in the moment)

      • Interpersonal Effectiveness (improving communication in relationships)

      • Distress Tolerance (tolerating vs. escaping emotion)

 
 

Cultural Humility

Dr. Duda believes that it is very important to consider one’s own identity, particularly how various aspects can intersect, and the impact this can have on the therapeutic relationship. Aspects of identity may include age, race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, socioeconomic status, nationality, religion, ability, etc. Dr. Duda has worked toward developing a comprehensive understanding and enhanced awareness of how her own aspects of identity intersect and effect her areas of privilege, and is frequently seeking training and supervision, as well as engaging in continued self-reflection/evaluation.