Trauma Healing and Recovery
Trauma can often go unnoticed, manifesting in various ways, including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, risky behaviors, and relationship challenges. It can impact anyone, and each person's experience is unique. My objective is to assist individuals, couples, and families in gaining a deeper understanding of trauma, recognizing its symptoms, and navigating its influence on daily life. Through targeted treatment, my aim is to help individuals manage and resolve trauma-related symptoms, fostering healing and improved well-being.
About EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a proven therapeutic approach commonly utilized to address and resolve trauma-related symptoms. As an evidence-based intervention, EMDR has undergone extensive research demonstrating positive outcomes for clients. Traditionally, trauma was managed through talk therapy, often necessitating clients to recount their traumatic experiences in detail for processing. However, current knowledge emphasizes the importance of treating trauma both cognitively and somatically, addressing the mind and body aspects. Bessel van der Kolk's concept of "the body keeps the score" underscores how trauma is stored in our bodies, leading to intense physical and emotional reactions to seemingly insignificant triggers or experiences that may not be readily linked to a specific cause.
Individuals may question whether EMDR is suitable for them if they haven't faced overt traumas like assaults or accidents. In most cases, the answer is yes. Traumatic encounters, whether singular events or a series of emotional or interpersonal traumas, are intertwined with negative beliefs about the self and the world. EMDR aims to challenge and replace these beliefs while alleviating the associated physical and emotional distress. Given that negative beliefs are prevalent, EMDR can be beneficial in various situations and for most individuals.
EMDR is a structured intervention with a defined set of 8 phases. While the reprocessing phase is commonly referenced, it is essential to acknowledge that EMDR involves other phases such as assessment, building distress tolerance skills, and establishing resources. Clients embarking on EMDR therapy sessions with me can expect to spend several sessions honing distress tolerance skills to effectively manage distress that may arise during reprocessing.
Although EMDR can be demanding and uncomfortable, the potential benefits of reducing trauma symptoms and responses are substantial. While it follows a protocol, EMDR is individualized to each client's specific needs, strengths, and objectives.
For further insights on EMDR, please refer to the resources page or feel free to reach out with any questions regarding how EMDR could be beneficial for you.
Additional Interventions Utilized
While EMDR is the framework with which I approach trauma therapy; I believe there are other tools, modalities, and interventions that supplement and enhance one’s journey toward healing. Clients who present for trauma therapy will also gain exposure to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions to learn ways to restructure distorted thoughts contributing to distress and unhealthy behaviors. Internal Family Systems, also known as Parts Work, is a significant cornerstone to trauma treatment, as individuals have rich inner lives and personalities that warrant exploration and compassion. Through parts work we can learn how to better interact with those aspects of our inner selves who are struggling so we can heal from the inside out. Additionally, I have found sand tray interventions to be a useful tool when clients feel stuck in treatment or feel like they’re “getting in their own way.” Use of the sand tray allows us to project memories, thoughts, feelings, and parts of self in a safe, contained space when talking about something feels too uncomfortable or abstract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. EMDR is very useful for helping us process and reprogram our negative beliefs about ourselves that hinder our ability to function the way we’d ideally like to.
I think this is something partners, friends, and family members deal with a lot. There is a lot of concern about alienating or shaming a mom who might already be in a vulnerable state. It’s important for the mom to feel empowered in her ability to care for her child and make decisions about her health, but that’s not always easy to do. Regardless of any difficult conversation, it’s always a good rule of thumb to lead with empathy and love. Reassure her she is a good mom and many people have a hard time adjusting to motherhood and experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, etc. You can offer to help her find a therapist, psychiatrist, talk to the OB together, and even go with her for the first appointment if she wishes. Finding help can be overwhelming for people who are already struggling. If your loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, thoughts of harming the baby or others, or may be experiencing signs of mania or psychosis, you need to get them to the Emergency Room immediately. Just be there as a support, express love, and assist with some of the practical aspects of getting help.