Healing Trauma
return home to yourself
Trauma occurs when an experience is felt to be “too much” to be fully processed and integrated into memory. Imagine your brain taking a snapshot of the event capturing the emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and physical sensations that occurred at the time.
When these memories become triggered, this causes the symptoms of PTSD and other disorders, such as panic attacks, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and addictions.
“Trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body.”
bessel van der kolk
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an extensively researched therapy method for the treatment of trauma. It's based on what is called the Adaptive Information Processing model (AIP), which posits that we all have a natural tendency toward healing.
Unfortunately, sometimes distressing events and the associated images, thoughts, emotions, and sensations can become “stuck” and interfere with this healing process. This past unhealed material becomes stuck in the body and contributes to current psychological and physiological distress. This shows up in many ways, including but not limited to disordered eating, addictive behaviors, dysfunctional relationships, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and grief.
With this 8-phase, 3-prong, mind-body process, we shine a light on unhealed material in a controlled and supportive environment. We work to not only desensitize, but actually reprocess and file it away. This process allows new associations to be made and memories become a consolidated part of our story rather than separate from other life experiences. EMDR unlocks our innate physiological healing system and allows clients to move forward in a new way.
What is Structural Dissociation Theory or “Parts Work?”
For many, EMDR moves along with few hiccups and clients report great relief, renewed hope, and improved relationships. For others, more assistance is needed to help with “blocks” to reprocessing. With Structural Dissociation Theory (SDT), we will get to know your internal experience by identifying and working with parts of "self.”
These parts may have different traits, perspectives, and even different time orientations.
Working with parts allows us to get to know one’s internal experience and begin to create dialogue to increase self-compassion and resolve conflicts.
By resolving these inner conflicts, clients become “unstuck” and are able to make informed, whole-person decisions about their lives. The work is nothing short of transformative.
I tell my clients the process may be difficult but is ultimately worth it. It is incredibly powerful—learning to separate the past from the present—increasing realization of life as it truly is, not just as we may like it to be.
how therapy works
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I offer a 15-minute complimentary consultation via phone or online. This gives us a chance to discuss goals and expectations, answer questions, and determine if we may be a good fit. If we decide to move forward, a more formal initial appointment will be scheduled.
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During this first meeting (up to 90 minutes long), we will begin to gather information about your history, discuss goals for treatment, and address questions and concerns you may have. I invite clients to share what they feel comfortable with at this appointment. This is an opportunity to ease into the therapeutic relationship.
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Together we will talk about your individual goals for therapy and create a treatment plan designed just for you. This plan can be revisited at any time during the therapy process.
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My preference is that we meet weekly as research suggests this is the most effective way to gain momentum and create emotional safety. Together we will work on establishing trust and formulating a treatment plan unique to you.
If you have a question that I haven’t answered yet, please reach out!