Areas of Clinical Proficiency, An Integrative Model
Integrative Theoretical Model
In her work with individuals, couples and families, Dr. Anna McQuinn uses an integrative theoretical approach drawing on family systems theory along with intergenerational, structural, psychodynamic, existential, cognitive behavioral and the expressive therapies. Along with alleviating pain and symptom removal, Dr. Anna McQuinn strives to facilitate personal growth, resiliency, and self efficacy. Her clinical work includes a psycho-educational component based on current research. Cultural diversity issues along with spirituality are integrated into the process of therapy. Dr. Anna McQuinn recognizes the influence of family of origin dynamics that shape our lives as individuals and couples, along with the stressors of living in a technologically complex, and disconnected society.
Individual Therapy:
Dr. McQuinn works from an in depth psychoanalytical theoretical formulation. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy has a strong and ever expanding research evidence base. The efficacy of in-depth psychoanalytic therapy is of particular note since it is effective for many mental disorders including PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, addiction, eating disorders, personality disorders and couples conflicted relationships. A combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and psychoanalytic techniques enhance the outcome of the analytical process. Research demonstrates that long-term therapy can help one achieve better control over unbearable emotions, get ones needs met in a healthy way, and have more successful relationships and a satisfying professional life. This increases our sense of well-being. The goal of psychoanalytic therapy is to help the patient better understand the unconscious forces that can play a role in redundant patterns, thoughts, feelings and behaviors. And one also develops a more powerful sense of meaning and purpose in life. The aim of psychoanalytic psychotherapy is to go beyond symptom relief and to instill psychological strengths in the client, thereby creating a resiliency to better face difficulties and challenges and the capacity to live a full life that is rich in positive experience.
Diversity:
Dr. Anna McQuinn works with individuals across diverse cultural backgrounds; straight, gay, transgender, ethnic differences, etc.
Family Therapy:
Her goal is to build resiliency and help families flourish despite conflicts, crises and living in a high stress, fast paced, consumer driven society here in Silicon Valley.
Couples Therapy:
Communication skills, conflict resolution, financial/ time stress, developmental nodal points e.g. birth of a child, empty nest syndrome, care giving, menopause, parental stress, sexuality problems. Relationship dynamics of a resilient couple. Emphasis is on the development of a power couple and the creation of emotionally intelligent relationships. Dr. Anna McQuinn has taught a couples psychotherapy class at Graduate level for the past twenty years. Dr. Anna McQuinn works with couples across diverse cultural backgrounds; straight, gay, transgender, ethnic differences, etc.
The Neurobiology of Human Relationships and Stress Adaptation:
Dr. Anna McQuinn focuses on the neurobiology of relationships as they relate to stress adaptation and physical health. Secure attachment is antithetical to high stress and psychotherapy can reduce health risks through repair of attachment injuries. In adapting to life's stressful experiences we pay a high price over time. Physical problems including cardiovascular, obesity, and diabetes are often major players in stress related disorders. Our modern day stressful living takes its toll on the body. Our western lifestyle of autonomy, avoidance and isolation is also contributing to stress. External stressors such as our fast paced lifestyle, complex technology, increasing work and financial demands and the breakdown of family and community are to blame. We are becoming an isolated society that is loosing the health benefits of interdependence and interrelatedness. Therapy focuses on the reduction of stress and the building of strong interpersonal relationships. Emotionally focused therapy focuses on helping individuals become more empathic, attuned and responsive to each other.
Premarital Counseling:
A psycho-educational model designed to enhance and enrich growing relationships is employed so that couples can develop satisfactory and stable relationships thereby preventing divorce. There is an emphasis on preventative premarital education with a focus on communication about a number of issues along with the development of a marital contract.
Postpartum Depression:
Dr. Anna McQuinn has clinical expertise in working with postpartum women experiencing depression, anxiety, attachment issues, physical exhaustion, increased responsibility of child rearing and hormonal shifts. A systemic supportive, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral model is employed.
Addiction and Recovery:
Alcohol/ drug dependencies, gambling, cybersex, virtual addiction, cyber addiction, workaholism, consumerism. A developmental model of recovery and relapse prevention is employed.
Trauma Therapy:
Related to abuse, incest, rape and PTSD A Systemic/ Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapeutic approach is used.
Divorce Psychotherapy:
Dr. Anna McQuinn provides couples mediation and co-parenting counseling. The impact of divorce on children's developmental stages, remarriage, blended family dynamics, step parenting issues are all areas of which therapeutic services are provided.
Career Conflicts:
Harassment on the job, workaholism, job stress impacting family, the neurobiology of stress.
Life Transitions/ Developmental Transitions:
Menopause, aging parents, death, divorce, empty nest syndrome, career transitions, retirement and aging.
The Wholistic Approach to Life:
Finding meaning to our lives. Optimal physical, mental and spiritual health through the use of the "life map" plan along with an integrative model of living combining mind, body and spirit.
Adolescent Issues:
Trauma, depression, self abuse, addiction, identity issues, bullying, stress, self esteem issues, eating disorders, dating, cyber addiction, etc.
Children:
ADHD/ academic/ developmental problems, self esteem, trauma, depression, divorce using a variety of expressive techniques including behavioral management, sand-tray art therapy, play therapy, parenting education.
Resilience Training:
Tools to create resilient families, children and adults. A Psycho educational model is employed.
Ericksonian Hypnotherapy:
Guided imagery/ visualization using problem focused treatment especially in the areas of addictions, weight loss, habit control, anxiety, phobias, stress, assertiveness training, preparation and recovery from surgery, trauma recovery and other hypnosis scripts that deal with peak performance.
Anxiety and Depression disorders:
A cognitive behavioral and mindfulness based psychodynamic approach is used.
Stress management :
Dr. Anna McQuinn focuses on dynamics of wellness for individuals, couples and families using hypnotherapy, visualization techniques and Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Integrative Spiritually Orientated Psychotherapy:
The psychological and spiritual dimensions of human experience are explored if warranted. A wholistic approach is used blending the biological, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions. The goal of this approach is to promote self healing and interpersonal transformation. Meditation, mindfulness based techniques, positive affirmations are taught.