About
The Therapy Bardo is the psychotherapy practice of Steven Mahoney, LCSW and EMDR Certified therapist.
Do you have a core sense that you aren't good enough or that you don't quite feel whole? Maybe you have tried talk therapy, mindfulness, or read self-help books in the past. Nonetheless, you continue to feel anxious, tense, on edge, or worried as to how you can keep this up for another day, just barely holding it all together enough to get by. Maybe you have conflict in your relationships, problems at work, or a great sense of inner turmoil. The truth is, it doesn't have to be that way.
My Approach
I see therapy as a transformational holding space where an individual can achieve growth and mastery over those things which before only seemed painful, confusing, and disorienting.
I specialize in a type of therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). EMDR is a highly effective therapy for trauma, anxiety, depression and many other challenges and conditions. When you start EMDR you will learn a few skills to help you cope and feel some immediate relief, and then we will go deep below the surface to identify and work on the reasons why you feel this way in the first place.
I supplement EMDR therapy with insights from contemporary neuroscience. Parts work, which can help identify and clear internal conflicts that maybe have prevented therapy from working in the past. Imaginal nurturing, which helps individuals to heal early attachment wounds and provide an internal sense of security. Mindfulness skills, which help people shift out of the sea of thoughts, memory, and fantasy, into the world of direct experience so that they can show up for their lives with intention.
Why choose me?
You are growth oriented, need a change, but are not exactly sure where to go next. Maybe you have tried more traditional talk therapies, read a self-help book or even tried your hand at meditation, but nonetheless, you continue to feel like something is wrong. Maybe you don’t even know where to begin, but know that something is off and you want to feel better. You want things to make sense. You want to grow, to feel better.
In our work together, I can help you do that. We can assess what you have done so far, what has worked and what has not. I will use everything I have learned from thousands of hours of clinical practice and years of education to take an individualized approach to your treatment and help you get to the other side.
Why I became a therapist
My goal as a therapist is to help you get to the bottom of whatever is ailing you so that you can find lasting relief and personal growth. I feel honored to be trusted to bear witness and help people through some of the most difficult life circumstances imaginable. Privileged to see human potential, growth, and transformation on a daily basis.
I began to work in the mental health field shortly after leaving military service. After a short stint working in a factory, I had an experience which led me to believe I needed to work with people. I ended up working at a residential treatment center while going to school and realized psychotherapy was my calling.
Outside of the office I stay committed to my personal development by practicing meditation, martial arts, exercise, yoga, and further study. When I am relaxing, I enjoy photography, reading, watching movies, video games, and spending time with friends and family.
The Space
The therapy room design was incredibly important to me. My goal is to have a beautiful office that is warm, inviting, and comfortable. A space suitable for reflection, healing, and growth.
Professional Info
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who graduated from the UCONN School of Social Work. I have been working in mental health for the past ten years and providing psychotherapy for the past seven. I am EMDRIA Certified in EMDR therapy. I learned about EMDR therapy from the book, The Body Keeps the Score, got trained and have loved the therapy ever since. I have not found a more effective tool for truly helping people to resolve and transform their trauma and the problems it leads to, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and dissociation.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Connecticut.
Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Connecticut.
EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist.
Completed specialized additional training in attachment focused EMDR, dissociation, childhood trauma, complex trauma, the flash technique, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT).
Completed six mindfulness retreats up to two weeks in length.
Member of the National Association of Social Workers.