Valerie Smith, LCSW, CFTG, with Sugar Maple Counseling and Ecotherapy, provides virtual services throughout New York State and in-person forest therapy in the Putnam, Dutchess and Upper Westchester areas. Her holistic approach, grounded in spiritual connection, is uniquely tailored to help you heal.
The History of After-Death Communication
In 1995, while working with veterans in Chicago, Dr. Allan Botkin developed IADC. Since then, there has been a multitude of research on the subject with studies in Italy and Australia demonstrating its ability to help lessen the weight of grief, as well as research conducted by the University of North Texas which found that IADC Therapy significantly helped clients manage their grief when compared to other standard treatments. If you would like to learn more about IADC Therapy and see what the process is like before making an appointment the award-winning documentary Living with Ghosts, offers a fascinating insight into IADC.
How IADC Works
For the best results, IADC Therapy should be held in two ninety-minute sessions on back-to-back days with an additional third session if needed. Valerie Smith, LCSW, CFTG, uses a modification of EMDR therapy which is designed to help the brain safely process emotional distress. We will begin by releasing your most intense feelings around grief such as guilt, fear, and pain. After this, we will move into an open, relaxed state where you will have the highest chance of experiencing an After-Death Communication.
People’s personal experiences can vary widely and clients have reported everything from feeling a presence, smelling a familiar scent, and even being able to hear or see their loved ones. What is most important to the experience is the deep feeling connection that people walk away with. Most people find that IADC Therapy helps them feel peace, closure, and a sense of connection with their loved ones.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
In order to create the best chance for an ADC (After-Death Communication) to occur, it is important to reach a state of relaxed openness without trying to force the experience. For the best results Valerie Smith, LCSW, CFTG, recommends scheduling appointments on consecutive days in the evening so that clients can process the experience without worrying about their responsibilities. It is also advised that clients should only participate in this therapy approximately a year after their loss. if you have experienced a loss recently, you may schedule with Valerie for other grief counseling services, and over time will be prepared for IADC.
Additionally, for this particular service clients must be located in New York, since it is classified as a psychotherapeutic service. A high number of clients do experience an ADC, but the primary goal of IADC Therapy is to provide clients with a relief from their grief. Even without an ADC, most clients report significant emotional healing after their sessions.
Finding Connection in Grief
If you’re experiencing grief from a painful loss, IADC Therapy can help. Regardless of your faith or beliefs, IADC can offer you a path towards connection and peace. Some clients see the experience as spiritual, while others view it as psychological or neurobiological, but either way, the emotional relief is the same.
For IADC Therapy and other holistic spiritually-integrated healing, visit Valerie Smith, LCSW, CFTG, with Sugar Maple Counseling and Ecotherapy, providing virtual services throughout New York State and in-person forest therapy in the Putnam, Dutchess and Upper Westchester areas. Don’t wait, schedule your appointment today and take the next step towards peace and healing.