Trauma Treatment
When we experience a traumatic event or ongoing exposure to trauma, we do our best to survive and get through it. A sense of resiliency can emerge as we move forward in our life, however what we experienced always seems in the background or creeps into our view of ourselves, others, and the world getting in our way of happiness and fulfillment. When we experience a cut on our arm our body knows how to heal itself. Similarly, our brain also knows how to heal and downgrade the emotional intensity of these memories to lessen their sting and activation of our stress response in our daily lives. However, out of self-preservation, we tend to get in our brain's way of it's natural healing process by blocking and avoiding this processing. Individual treatment starts with building your control over emotional regulation and developing skills to create feelings of security prior to processing and reorganizing these memories while using bilateral stimulation to soothe and support the brain's healing. Clients are empowered to set the pace and depth of the work they would benefit from.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
I have completed an EMDRIA-approved basic training and the consultation requirements to practice the model through the EMDR Consulting. EMDR changes maladaptive neural networks by connecting traumatic memories with new information. The information is then blended with positive (adaptive) beliefs (thoughts and emotions). This awareness and the repaired linkages to the positive network then allows frozen sensations and beliefs to resolve. For some couples I work with, their traumatic stress has become so debilitating that it blocks them from building a trusting connection with their partner. EMDR has been helpful in releasing the intensity of the trauma cycle and allowing individuals to separate the pain of the past from the present and familiar associations with their partner. This can help clear the path for healing and deeper relational connection. I can provide EMDR individually or in some cases, as a couple, through regular weekly sessions or intensive sessions to expedite the healing process. Please inquire so we can develop a plan that will work best for you.