The Types of Therapy I Provide
I use an eclectic mix of my trained modalities based on the client’s needs, goals, and what they are most comfortable with. I will talk through my recommendations and be sure to formulate a treatment plan that FEELS good for each individual. It’s never a one-size-fits-all approach. Here are some of my main theoretical orientations:
EMDR
EMDR is an evidenced-based treatment for trauma and PTSD and uses bilateral stimulation (back and forth movement from the left side to the right side of the body) to activate the brain’s reprocessing centers. The effects are known to decrease negative emotions and disturbing images from adverse life events (Shapiro, 2014).
Parts work
I use a blend of IFS (Internal Family Systems), Structural Dissociation theory, and Ego State theory to provide “Parts Work”, which eludes to distinct internal personalities inside us. Everyone has Parts—like when you say “a part of me wants to watch a movie, but the other part of me wants to go to dinner first”. Our Parts are often built out of survival instincts from childhood, and could use getting in touch with your oldest, wisest adult self to help direct your emotions and decisions!
Yoga
I incorporate my knowledge as a 200hr Registered Yoga Teacher into my counseling practice as a somatic modality. Current research in the field of trauma therapy showcases an outstanding difference in taking a “bottom-up” approach rather than a “top-down” approach (Taylor, Goehler, Galper, Innes, & Bourguignon, 2010). Top refers to cognitive, logical thinking, and bottom refers to emotional, body-based healing. Trauma is a lived experience in which the body has reacted to a threat in a very physical way, so it demands to be heard and expressed!
Citations:
Shapiro F. (2014). The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. The Permanente journal, 18(1), 71–77. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/13-098
Taylor, A. G., Goehler, L. E., Galper, D. I., Innes, K. E., & Bourguignon, C. (2010). Top-down and bottom-up mechanisms in mind-body medicine: development of an integrative framework for psychophysiological research. Explore (New York, N.Y.), 6(1), 29–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2009.10.004
