APPROACH & INFLUENCES
OFFERING A HOLISTIC, EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH TO TRANSFORMATIVE RELATIONSHIP THERAPY.
Relate RI Practitioners draw inspiration from esteemed experts in the field of relationship counseling, including Aron Beck, John & Julie Gottman, Esther Perel, Harville Hendrix & Helen Hunt, Peggy J. Kleinplatz, Tristan Taormino, Tammy Nelson, and David Snarch. By integrating various evidence-based and experiential methodologies from influential figures, we strive to offer a holistic and comprehensive approach to therapy.
I am currently an Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Rhode Island practicing under supervision. As a former secondary public, private and international school educator, tutor, and college application essay consultant, I understand many of the systemic stressors impacting today’s teens. I also enjoy helping families, intimate partners, and young adults to develop healthy coping strategies and enhance communication skills. As a student, practitioner and teacher of yoga, yoga teachers, meditation and movement with a deep understanding of alternative relationship structures, I draw from a wide array of modalities to help clients achieve their goals.
My methodology incorporates elements of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused, somatic experiences, Gottman therapy, and other practices. My diverse range of influences and life experiences help me to cater to the individual needs of specific relationships and adapt therapeutic approaches accordingly. By utilizing evidence-based techniques and innovative strategies, I aim to empower clients toward lasting positive change.
Mary K. Hammerstein
(She/Her)
MAT, MS, E-RYT500, LMFT-A
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Bachelor of Arts, English Literature, (1995)
Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education, English/Language Arts, (2022)
Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, 500+ hours, (2009)
Master of Science, Human Development & Family Studies, Couple and Family Therapy, (2023)
Compassion and trust are key attributes to success in therapy. Listening to truly hear my clients helps me to understand their stories. This in turn, assists with healing, growth and the development of lifelong goals. As a systemic therapist, I observe, educate and guide clients toward the compassionate understanding of all of their relationships. Observing current patterns of behavior often opens the door to a legacy of symptoms that have been passed from one generation to the next. I truly believe that providing clients with strong positive coping skills can empower them to let go of negative beliefs about themselves and others.
I have over 20 years of experience with families, children, couples and addiction. I work from a trauma-informed perspective. I am transparent about diagnoses and the potential need for medication referrals should I believe it necessary.
The proven therapy models that I draw from include CBT, ACT, EMDR, Solution Focused, MI, Structural Family Therapy and others. I use the Gottman's work with couples. At present I only work with adults and couples.
Nancy L. Himmel
(She/Her)
MFA, MS, LMFT
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Master of Science (MS), Human Development & Family Studies, Couple and Family Therapy (1999)
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) Approved Clinical Supervisor
EDUCATION & TRAINING
