Right Track Counseling
Sarah E. Loughridge, MA, LPC
719-301-5800
What I Believe
What I Believe
I believe there is no single type of therapy that is right for every client. I take a Client-Centered approach, meaning that I may choose methods from multiple theoretical foundations to create a therapeutic experience that is custom tailored to fit your personal needs. When I listen to a client's story and discuss what they would like to gain from their experience in therapy, I like to use Systemic Theory to organize the information I learn. This means that I strive to understand your entire experience and what your world looks and feels like to you rather than focusing just on your symptoms. I am also a Trauma Informed Clinician, meaning that I have received specialized training in understanding the impact of traumatic experiences on your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as the role these experiences play in daily living, relationships, and even performance at work/school.
I believe there is no single type of therapy that is right for every client. I take a Client-Centered approach, meaning that I may choose methods from multiple theoretical foundations to create a therapeutic experience that is custom tailored to fit your personal needs. When I listen to a client's story and discuss what they would like to gain from their experience in therapy, I like to use Systemic Theory to organize the information I learn. This means that I strive to understand your entire experience and what your world looks and feels like to you rather than focusing just on your symptoms. I am also a Trauma Informed Clinician, meaning that I have received specialized training in understanding the impact of traumatic experiences on your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as the role these experiences play in daily living, relationships, and even performance at work/school.
Below is more detailed information about some of my areas of specialty...
Below is more detailed information about some of my areas of specialty...
Survivors
Survivors
Sometimes life throws a curve ball. Sometimes you find yourself in a horrible situation beyond your control. It's not your fault. You did nothing to deserve it, yet it happened. I hate the word 'victim'. It discounts the undying strength and fierce will to live that has gotten you through each day. You are a Survivor. You are a warrior. You deserve recognition for the battle you have fought. I see you. As a fellow Survivor, I can say with certainty that your past does not have to dictate your future. I have experience working with Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, divorce, child abuse and neglect, and developmental trauma (ongoing traumatic living conditions and adverse experiences in childhood). I am here to walk alongside you as you grow into a place where you can not only survive, but thrive.
Sometimes life throws a curve ball. Sometimes you find yourself in a horrible situation beyond your control. It's not your fault. You did nothing to deserve it, yet it happened. I hate the word 'victim'. It discounts the undying strength and fierce will to live that has gotten you through each day. You are a Survivor. You are a warrior. You deserve recognition for the battle you have fought. I see you. As a fellow Survivor, I can say with certainty that your past does not have to dictate your future. I have experience working with Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, divorce, child abuse and neglect, and developmental trauma (ongoing traumatic living conditions and adverse experiences in childhood). I am here to walk alongside you as you grow into a place where you can not only survive, but thrive.
Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity
Not all brains are created equal. Some of us look at the world from a different angle, and that is OKAY. The world needs all different types of brains. I welcome clients with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and other Sensory/Executive Functioning related issues. While all neurotypes should be celebrated for their unique strengths, living with neurodivergence can present its own set of struggles and sometimes it can feel lonely living in a world that doesn't always understand what you and/or your child are experiencing. As a neurodivergent adult myself, and the mother of three neurodivergent children, I have first-hand knowledge of how this lifestyle can impact an individual and their families. I have received specialized training in working with neurodiversity and trauma, for both adults and children. I am also an ally for parents/caregivers of neurodivergent children. I look forward to helping you find and harness your strengths and learn ways to make daily functioning easier in a world that isn't always built to fit each individual's unique needs.
Not all brains are created equal. Some of us look at the world from a different angle, and that is OKAY. The world needs all different types of brains. I welcome clients with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and other Sensory/Executive Functioning related issues. While all neurotypes should be celebrated for their unique strengths, living with neurodivergence can present its own set of struggles and sometimes it can feel lonely living in a world that doesn't always understand what you and/or your child are experiencing. As a neurodivergent adult myself, and the mother of three neurodivergent children, I have first-hand knowledge of how this lifestyle can impact an individual and their families. I have received specialized training in working with neurodiversity and trauma, for both adults and children. I am also an ally for parents/caregivers of neurodivergent children. I look forward to helping you find and harness your strengths and learn ways to make daily functioning easier in a world that isn't always built to fit each individual's unique needs.
**While I am not able to formally diagnose ASD, I can provide a referral to a trusted colleague for a formal assessment.
**While I am not able to formally diagnose ASD, I can provide a referral to a trusted colleague for a formal assessment.
Trauma Informed Therapy
Trauma Informed Therapy
When a person experiences trauma or extreme stress, the memories of those events are stored in the brain and body differently than other memories, resulting in flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks, or other symptoms that make daily life difficult. I have completed advanced training in modalities that are specifically designed to get the different parts of your brain and body that are holding on to those memories talking to each other so you can fully process those memories and be released from the strong emotional and physical responses associated with the trauma. The modalities that I draw from while helping clients navigate trauma work include: Interpersonal Neurobiology, Adaptive Information Processing Model (AIP Model), and Polyvagal Theory.
When a person experiences trauma or extreme stress, the memories of those events are stored in the brain and body differently than other memories, resulting in flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks, or other symptoms that make daily life difficult. I have completed advanced training in modalities that are specifically designed to get the different parts of your brain and body that are holding on to those memories talking to each other so you can fully process those memories and be released from the strong emotional and physical responses associated with the trauma. The modalities that I draw from while helping clients navigate trauma work include: Interpersonal Neurobiology, Adaptive Information Processing Model (AIP Model), and Polyvagal Theory.
**I am EMDR trained, however due to limitations of telehealth I am not conducting formal EMDR sessions at this time.
**I am EMDR trained, however due to limitations of telehealth I am not conducting formal EMDR sessions at this time.
Play Therapy
Play Therapy
"Play is the work of children." - J. Piaget
"Play is the work of children." - J. Piaget
Play therapy is very different from traditional talk therapy. Young children do not have words big enough to explain the big feelings they have inside. For this reason, play therapy focuses more on what the child does than what the child says. Play therapy allows children to express themselves in their own language; play. Play therapists are trained to interpret themes and metaphors in play to understand the child's inner world. This type of therapy uses play as a form of communication between child and Therapist to teach children positive skills to navigate their world, handle stress, and manage negative behaviors. I believe when a child goes to play therapy, it is also important for the adults in their life to be involved. In my experience, children who have the support of family members who are invested in the child's therapeutic journey have a more enriching and successful experience overall.
Play therapy is very different from traditional talk therapy. Young children do not have words big enough to explain the big feelings they have inside. For this reason, play therapy focuses more on what the child does than what the child says. Play therapy allows children to express themselves in their own language; play. Play therapists are trained to interpret themes and metaphors in play to understand the child's inner world. This type of therapy uses play as a form of communication between child and Therapist to teach children positive skills to navigate their world, handle stress, and manage negative behaviors. I believe when a child goes to play therapy, it is also important for the adults in their life to be involved. In my experience, children who have the support of family members who are invested in the child's therapeutic journey have a more enriching and successful experience overall.
**Due to limitations of telehealth young children may benefit more from in-person therapy. Children need to be able to use a computer or other wifi capable device independently without adult supervision to participate in virtual sessions.