Trauma Sensitive Yoga
Expressive Art Therapy
Mindful SElf-compassion
EMDR /EMDR INTENSIVES
EMDR /EMDR INTENSIVES
I became a Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) Facilitator in 2020. TCTSY is an evidenced-based clinical treatment for complex and chronic trauma or PTSD, developed by David Emerson and Jenn Turner of the Center for Trauma and Embodiment at the Justice Resource Institute. Research has found that TCTSY increases participants' sense of safety and connection in their own bodies, decreases dissociation and flashbacks, improves emotional self-regulation, and empowers choices in other areas of their lives.
Each yoga form and movement is an invitation and participants are given an opportunity to make choices, be present in the moment, and notice feelings in a way that is useful to them. No previous yoga experience is necessary and TCTSY can be practiced on a mat or chair. Because the physical expression of the yoga form is less important than the inner experience, there are no physical assists.
If you are currently working with a mental health counselor, TCTSY may be used in conjunction with your therapy sessions.
I offer 50- 55 minute sessions with the option to structure the appointment in the most beneficial way for you.
I often bring creativity into the therapeutic process, along with talk therapy. Using creative modalities, such as poetry, music, and art provides opportunities to communicate in a different way, often leading to greater insight, transformation, and positive change. I have taken additional training on the use of creativity in counseling, in order to assist those I work with in the healing process.
I have several different creative mediums available, such as clay, oil pastels, markers, and collage materials that can be used to explore and make what was previously invisible, visible. Clients have brought their journals, artwork, and musical instruments to sessions, as well. Research is showing that creativity has the power to improve cognitive functioning, reduce pain, increase our ability to manage stress and improve the quality of life.
I believe we all hold the capacity for healing within ourselves. Therapy can be helpful in identifying hidden strengths and resources, as well as bringing an awareness of those unhealthy patterns in our lives. There is an opportunity for change when we understand the connection between our thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and behavior and the impact that has on us.
I’m trauma informed and take a healing centered approach to counseling. I incoprporate mindful self-compassion, to assist clients in being present in the moment with kindness towards those difficult emotions and painful experiences. Many of us have learned to be self-judgmental and overly critical when we perceive shortcomings in ourselves. This cycle of thinking causes an increase in anxiety, depression and keeps us in a cycle of shame and judgment, affecting our ability to live fully. Research has shown that when we can be with our pain and discomfort, with curiosity and kindness, rather than avoiding it, our happiness is increased, anxiety and depression is lessened, and our ability to manage stress is improved.
I have many years of experience working with adolescents. Being a teenager is difficult. It can feel tumultuous, confusing, and anxiety provoking leaving childhood behind and moving into young adulthood. Therapy can help teens face difficult feelings in a safe environment.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach designed to help heal the suffering caused by traumatic life events and memories, by using the body’s natural ability to heal. Using eye movement or other methods of bilateral stimulation, troubling memories are accessed and then reprocessed by the brain, lessening the distress of those difficult memories. EMDR does not cause memories to be forgotten, instead it allows you to feel them with much less pain and hurt.
Research has shown EMDR to be effective in the reduction of painful memories, difficult emotions, intrusive thoughts, and disturbing images. It has also been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and somatic complaints.
A Therapy Intensive is a cutting-edge approach to accelerate therapy, helping clients go deeper and get results faster. During a typical 50 minute EMDR therapy session, time may be focused on discussing thoughts and emotions that may have arisen between sessions, followed by grounding and stabilizing. This usually leaves about 30 minutes for reprocessing, and while this may work well for many, there are advantages to extended EMDR Intensives. They can be more effective and efficient than a typical therapy appointment, allowing for over 4 hours of depth work. That’s the equivalent to four 50-minute sessions, a month of therapy - in a single day! Intensives are also a great alternative for those whose schedules don't allow for time off to attend weekly sessions. And while Intensives have a larger cost upfront the shorter duration of treatment can result in money saved.
If you are unsure if an EMDR Intensive therapy session is for you, I offer a free 30 minute consultation to explore if this is the right fit for you.
I offer optional Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga, Mindful Self-compassion, and Soulcollage as well as other creative modalities integrated into the sessions.
I CAN HELP YOU DETERMINE HOW MANY DAYS WOULD WORK BEST FOR YOUR THERAPY GOALS DURING OUR 30 MINUTE CONSULTATION.
Please contact your insurance company if you have questions about your benefits.