My Approach to Helping
Dr. Farina has 12 years of experience in the mental health field. She earned her MSW and PhD at Saint Louis University. She has been involved with community-based research and intervention research projects. Dr. Farina has experience working with adults, children and adolescents from a variety of backgrounds. Her main areas of practice include trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, chronic stress, attachment, family therapy and perinatal mental health.
"I believe in a connection between mind and body and view mental health as a balance in this connection. My main approach for working with people impacted by trauma and developmental wounds is Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. This approach helps clients reconnect with their bodies and find balance with the connection between mind and body, restoring a somatic sense of self. Clients also explore the ways that early life experiences and past relationships have shaped beliefs and how those beliefs cause challenges with current life and relationships. My work is guided by principles of anti-oppressive practice, acknowledging how complex issues such power, oppression, and powerlessness can impact our lives.
My work with families and children/adolescents focuses on self-regulation, relationship building, and attachment. The models used include Structured Sensory Interventions, Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, Theraplay, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment, Somatic Soothing and Play Therapy. I developed Somatic Soothing to help children regulate their bodies, thoughts, and emotions to function at home and at school." - Dr. Farina
