Renee Zavislak, MS, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

As an integrative therapist, I draw from different psychotherapy orientations. This allows me to tailor therapy to your needs and to create a truly collaborative process as we decide where we''ll go and how we''ll get there. Since successful therapy depends on a strong relationship between client and therapist, my first priority is nurturing that bond by creating a safe and supportive environment. I believe therapy is most effective when it is flexible, demystified, and client-centered, so you can expect me to be transparent about my ideas and approaches. My style is at times infused with humor and is always warm and direct. You are already the expert on you. As your guide and advocate, I''ll help you develop the insight, curiosity, and courage to create the life you want, whether you are looking to reduce anxiety, feel more joy, or release the past. If you are facing sadness, anxiety, trauma, or dependence, finding and contacting a therapist is likely a daunting process and a huge leap of faith. Congratulations on taking the first steps -- you''re already closer to your fullest life and your truest self.

I am also a Parnell Institute-trained EMDR practitioner. Whether or not we integrate EMDR into your treatment depends on many factors, including the issue(s) on which you want to work, your history, your specific therapeutic goals, and whether the approach is a good match for you. Ultimately, like all good therapy, EMDR is most likely to be successful when the relationship between the therapist and client is strong and characterized by trust and respect; as such, once we have reached a place where you feel these traits are strong between us and want to go deeper into resolving issues in the past, we decide collaboratively if and when to incorporate EMDR or AF-EMDR. I use the latter protocol more frequently but employ and am experienced with both. If you are unfamiliar with EMDR, you can read more about it at the Parnell Institute website (I have provided the site address after my practice website address).

My work is highly relational. Together, we form a therapeutic relationship that is characterized by the trust, fortitude, enthusiasm and support that are at the foundation of all healthy relationships. By creating an environment in which you feel fully heard and seen, I aim to engage deeply with your internal and interpersonal experiences. Ultimately, the strength of our relationship serves as a model for healthier and happier relationships with yourself and others outside of therapy, while also providing the support you may seek as you endeavor to make positive changes in your life.