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Pregnancy, whether planned or unplanned, is often accompanied by a rollercoaster of emotions. In the midst of this emotional experience, comes a choice (i.e., parenting, adoption, or abortion). Here at Aligyned Counseling, I believe that the choice is yours, and I am with you. Having experienced abortion myself, equipped with a steadfast support system, I found that my most valuable interactions occurred in solidarity with others who had their own abortion experience(s).The decision to release a pregnancy (i.e., abortion) is rarely an easy one—nor is it always your preferred choice. Even if you are certain abortion is the best option for you, as with any significant life event, the thoughts and emotions that arise can be complex and contradictory. No matter what comes up for you, all of it is valid. Experiences, especially pivotal ones, are always unique, rarely linear, and eternally evolving. Because of this, seeking support to navigate what emerges with releasing pregnancy can be essential. Aligyned Counseling is grounded in healing, and utilizes both conventional and alternative therapeutic modalities to assist you before, during, and/or after this journey. I am honored to provide and a safe space to support folx in releasing pregnancy with dignity.
"When we stand together in sameness, while honoring, respecting, and sharing our own individual strengths, it's transformative, healing, and magical."
YOUR
PRIVACY
IS IMPORTANT
In a post-Roe World, privacy is more important than ever. Our interactions are protected under HIPAA (appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of protected health information). Additionally, my documentation process is reproductive justice informed (e.g., non-specific, "significant event," "pregnancy loss") and I utilize a strongly encrypted, secure email for abortion-specific support.
ACCELERATED RESOLUTION THERAPY (ART)
FOR ABORTION SPECIFIC SUPPORT
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a progressive approach to psychotherapy. By combining top-down (e.g., existing evidence-based therapies) and bottom-up (e.g., bilateral stimulation) techniques, ART is shown to provide relief for complex mental health concerns. Learn more about ART here.
WHY USE ART FOR ABORTION SUPPORT?
As mentioned in my blog (Abortion: A Common Experience), having an abortion does not increase the risk of psychological disorders (American Psychological Association); however, the presence of negative social support (e.g., criticism, silence, misunderstanding, stigma) are significant risk factors to overall well-being. Everyone’s response to abortion is different yet it’s almost impossible to avoid the many anti-abortion narratives out there (family, friends, neighbors, strangers, politicians, government). Because reproductive oppression has existed a long time in the United States, deep-rooted biases are often present and impacting us without conscious awareness. ART brings these unhelpful biases into awareness, allowing us to reexplore and form a more authentic relationship to your abortion experience.
ART CAN BE BRIEF AND USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER THERAPY
If you are currently engaged in therapy, you are welcome to utilize ART for abortion-specific support in conjunction with your ongoing therapy. If you are not currently engaged in therapy, you are also welcome to utilize ART for abortion-specific support. ART can take anywhere between 1 to 5 sessions per area of focus. If your experience with abortion is more complex, more sessions may be needed.