Therapeutic Tools

“I have the tools to get to the heart of things”

I use a variety of proven, effective “tools”, (both traditional and non-traditional), to help you move beyond your obstacles and make the changes you want, because I’ve found that ‘talking alone’ is often not enough to heal many issues.

These tools include: Talk Therapy; EMDR; Brainspotting; Mindfulness; Hypnotherapy; Body/Somatic Centered Psychotherapy; and Meditation.

 

These therapies take place in the context of a safe therapeutic relationship and are backed by decades of scientific research.   Together, we can discuss which approaches are the best options for your unique situation.

 

How do the therapeutic tools work?

 

The tools of Brainspotting, EMDR and Body/Somatic Centered Psychotherapy, are informed by recent  developments in neuroscience.

Neuroscience has found that stress, difficult experiences and trauma can be lodged in parts of the brain and nervous system that are out of reach of our rational, conscious mind.  That is why ‘talking alone’ will not fully release these difficulties.   Often people find that they’ve understood and ‘processed’ an issue for years but still feel ‘caught’ in old patterns that continue to resurface.  This is because they haven’t fully cleared the underlying source of their difficulties.  These underlying ‘core stories’, beliefs and reactions still trigger us because they lie buried in our primitive brain and nervous system.

Brainspotting, EMDR and Body/Somatic Centered Psychotherapy can help release these  painful emotions, behavior patterns and reactive triggers to situations and relationships.  They also are very effective in reducing stress, anxiety, phobias, anger and obsessions. They work by releasing core neuro-physiological sources of pain, trauma and other symptoms where they are lodged- in the deep limbic brain and nervous system.  In addition, they are very effective in enhancing strengths, confidence and performance in areas such as  athletics, public speaking, etc.

What is a Brainspotting session like?

In a typical Brainspotting session, while we’re talking together, you’ll also be listening to a specifically designed therapeutic CD which plays soothing background music and/or nature sounds, alternating from left to right ear and back.  Called “bilateral stimulation,” these alternating sounds calm the nervous system and aid in releasing sources of pain lodged deep in the limbic brain.  As you’re listening to the calming CD, you’ll rest your eye gaze on a ‘Brainspot’, which is a particular  spot in the room, which will help your brain efficiently process and clear whatever difficulty you are working on.  You will also be able to use a ‘Brainspot’ to connect with strengths and inner resources to support you in your healing.

 

What is an EMDR session like?

In an EMDR session you will be listening to a CD, which also plays soothing, therapeutic music – or you may be holding hand tappers, which gently click from one hand to another.   As you’re listening to the CD or holding the hand tappers, we will focus in on the difficulty you wish to work on.  The side to side movement  of the CD or tappers helps you to easily focus in on and access the core of the issue, and to process through and release it, from where it’s held in your body, as well as in your mind and emotions.  You’ll know when an issue is complete because you will no longer feel triggered by it.  You can also use EMDR to enhance positive qualities and strengths, such as confidence or performance skills.

 What is a Hypnotherapy session like?

A hypnotic trance does not take you to some ‘out there’ place that you’ve never been to before.  In therapy, you will  be safely guided into a deeply relaxed state by the therapist’s tone and pace of voice and soothing words.  In this relaxed space, you’ll feel an inner warmth; comfort; security and refreshment.  It will be easy to let go of your busy day- to- day barrage of thoughts.  Your mind will becomes clearer and calmer, making it possible for you to get in touch with your intuition, feelings and inner guidance.  In this space, you’ll also be able to tap into your abilities, talents and confidence, and to apply these strengths in your daily life.  Hypnotherapy addresses a wide variety of issues and can be especially helpful when someone is feeling ‘stuck’ in dealing with a particular problem.  Read more…