Cherish Graff (she/they)

As a person who lives with OCD, who has used ACT and ERP, I felt something was missing from each modality that I couldn't seem to figure out until I discovered Inference Based CBT. While traditional CBT is often not helpful for Neurodivergent individuals, I-CBT is different in that it encourages us to seek the root of the obsessional thought patterns to help support the underlying need in order to keep these looping thoughts from occurring at the intensity they have been at their source.

As someone who lives with complex trauma (CPTSD), I have personally utilized EMDR in my own therapy and have been trained in it and using it professionally since 2019. I modify EMDR for different neurotypes and individual needs (ex: if an Autistic client needs deeper pressure they can do big stims for "tapping", instead). EMDR over telehealth is just as effective and it has worked even better for some since you control your environment.

As with the other modalities I practice, DBT is modified to fit specific needs. Instead of trying to make sure you use a skill every time you feel emotional dysregulation, we focus on utilizing the skills that are helpful for you when you can access them. It does take some time and trial to determine which are the best and how to modify to meet your needs, however it can be worth it once you know what works for you and can utilize it, as needed.

As an Autistic person I continue to learn more about the experience of Autistic people through reading lived experience accounts every day. I believe it is essential to understand Autism from those of us who live as Autistic humans. My experience is my own and while I cannot relate to every single Autistic experience, I have found connecting with Autistic clients is different from what I've been told their experience was with previous non-Autistic therapists.

Whether you recognize trauma as something you live with, or not, trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive therapy is for everyone. My understanding of trauma includes the neurological, physical, social and emotional aspects of having experienced events which causes our brain and body to rewire in order to better protect us going forward. I practice multiple types of trauma therapy so we can collaborate on which techniques may work best for you.

Whether you recognize trauma as something you live with, or not, trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive therapy is for everyone. My understanding of trauma includes the neurological, physical, social and emotional aspects of having experienced events which causes our brain and body to rewire in order to better protect us going forward. I practice multiple types of trauma therapy so we can collaborate on which techniques may work best for you.

Anxiety can be experienced in so many ways - all of which I am experienced in supporting. From social anxiety, to specific phobias to intense and distressing OCD, I have both training and experience to support the specific needs to decrease distress with anxiety and OCD.