Specialties
My most noteworthy credential in this work is being a fellow human. That said, for those of you that may be looking for a specific approach the following clinical jargon is for you.
As a trauma therapist I practice primarily through a Psychodynamic lens with Attachment Theory, using the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, with the foundation of a Polyvagal-Informed approach. Because the state of our Autonomic Nervous System (which is shaped by our past experiences) guides our behavior and how we experience our world based on how safe we feel, these theories and interventions guide my treatment style to honor the neuroscience of the brain, the physiology of the body, and the adaptive behaviors we’ve used to survive.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that has been researched and proven effective in the treatment of trauma.
Due to the high level of disturbance around a traumatic event, it’s not the event but the experience of the event that can overwhelm the system. When that happens not all parts of the brain are online because we’re in survival mode, so that experience gets stored without a time and date stamp. This is why present moment can sometimes feel like that experience is still happening. With EMDR we can literally change the way that memory is stored so your system knows it’s now in the past, which relieves present triggers because the charge has lessened or is no longer there. Early emotional bonds and attachment styles and patterns are considered, to get to the root of the issue.
Flash Technique in EMDR Therapy
The Flash Technique (FT) is an adjunct to EMDR therapy that’s useful in reducing highly charged traumatic memories with minimal emotional distress. Sometimes not only is a particular memory distressing but the learned fear of even accessing the memory adds overwhelming distress, so now there’s the distress of the memory itself and the fear of accessing the memory. FT targets that emotional learning to bring down the fear of getting to the memory. The best part is by using memory reconsolidation FT does not require having to consciously engage with the traumatic memory, therefore decreasing the additional distress.
Ego State Therapy
As a parts-based psychodynamic approach informed by Structural Dissociation Theory, Ego State work pairs well with EMDR especially when tending to complex/developmental trauma from childhood. I utilize parts work to tend to those parts of us that have been working so hard to keep us from feeling pain. Sometimes those younger parts of us get ‘stuck’ around traumatic experiences, not knowing that they have the resources and support of the present moment self. We all have different parts of us that we may not be as compassionate to so we work towards honoring the parts that have done their best to protect us.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical refers to two seemingly contradicting ideas that can both be true. With a foundation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT focuses on finding a balance in accepting things just as they are while challenging to be even better and work towards change. DBT has four skills to help decrease symptoms and improve quality of life. Those skills are the practice of core mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
While standard DBT (individual sessions, group therapy, phone coaching, treatment team) was originally developed by Marsha Linehan to treat highly suicidal clients, research has shown that it is effective in treating a wide range of other disorders involving difficulties managing emotions. I use a DBT-Informed approach, incorporating the DBT skills and principles into individual sessions with a variety of client symptoms. My belief is that everyone can benefit from learning how to better manage emotions, thereby better managing their symptoms.
Mindfulness
Whether practicing in conjunction with a therapeutic approach or on its own mindfulness simply means intentionally being present without judgment. So often the busyness of our society (and our minds) lends to a culture of needing to be everywhere but where you are, here and now. Mindfulness is a wakefulness that turns off the autopilot so that you can engage in your life. Since not everything works for everyone there are a number of practice possibilities we can explore. Mindfulness focuses on having a non-judgmental stance that contributes to a freeing radical acceptance, of self and others. The research supporting the benefits of establishing a daily practice are profound. Here are just a few:
Improves focus, impulse control, empathy, emotion management, distress tolerance
Decreases anxiety, depression, physical and psychological symptoms of stress and trauma
I am passionate about clients implementing some form of a mindfulness practice because it provides amazing self-awareness, like noticing the somatic sensations in the body, as well as thoughts and feelings. Plus, it literally changes the brain. How cool is that!
Enneagram
While this popular system of personality typing is not an evidence based practice or form of therapy per se, it can be an insightful tool to use with therapy, considering much of the work done is identifying patterns. We can’t change what we’re not aware of and while I don’t believe any of us fit neatly into a particular box, label (or number in this case), it can be a fun and exploratory way of learning about self.
Other Approaches
I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Family Systems, and Experiential Therapy as appropriate. As a Clinical Social Worker, I naturally lean towards a strengths-based approach, focusing on client strengths and self-determination. I use nervous system informed trauma informed care, meaning I am attentive to the impact of past traumas and intentional to provide a safe space.
Photo by: Geran de Klerk | Unsplash