EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.  It’s a therapy model that has been proven to be highly effective for those who have experienced trauma.  EMDR therapy is founded on the basis that our emotional well-being is interwoven with our physical (somatic) state.  Therefore, EMDR employs a body-based technique called bilateral stimultion during which a therapist will guide a client through eye movements, tones, or taps, in order to move a memory that has been incorrectly stored to a more functional part of the brain.  

During trauma, our brain processes and stores memories incorrectly.  This incorrect storage can lead to past memories feeling very present.  Related or unrelated stimuli in the present can lead to reacting as you did at the time of the trauma. The brain feels as if the past disturbing event is happening currently.  

EMDR corrects this mis-storage so that the painful memories associated with the trauma lose their charge.  One can react to stimuli in the present without the past interfering.

A typical session with me will likely involve talk therapy.  We may use our session time to learn about mental health, process feelings, and/ or to learn, develop, and practice coping skills. 

My therapeutic approach combines a variety of techniques and skills including mindfulness, guided imagery, self-compassion, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), among others. Together we will develop a therapy framework that best suits your needs and style.

I also offer stress reduction workshops for larger groups.  This includes some psychoeducation about stress and guided imagery and meditation practice.