These are some of the primary techniques I utilize to support clients in trauma processing:

EMDR

I have been trained by EMDRIA and am able to provide EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) as an isolated treatment, or as part of a longer therapeutic relationship.

EMDRIA defines EMDR as:

“EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition, successful outcomes are well-documented in the literature for EMDR treatment of other psychiatric disorders, mental health problems, and somatic symptoms.

The model on which EMDR is based, Adaptive Information Processing (AIP), posits that much of psychopathology is due to the maladaptive encoding of and/or incomplete processing of traumatic or disturbing adverse life experiences.

This impairs the client’s ability to integrate these experiences in an adaptive manner. The eightphase, three-pronged process of EMDR facilitates the resumption of normal information processing and integration.

This treatment approach, which targets past experience, current triggers, and future potential challenges, results in the alleviation of presenting symptoms, a decrease or elimination of distress from the disturbing memory, improved view of the self, relief from bodily disturbance, and resolution of present and future anticipated triggers.”

I’ve found EMDR to be a useful tool in working with many of my clients who have either experienced specific traumas, or who need help resolving long-standing issues related to negative beliefs about themselves. It’s a more structured technique than I generally otherwise utilize with my clients but I’ve found it to produce quick, impressive results for most of my clients.

Ego State Therapy & Lifespan Integration

Lifespan Integration is a gentle somatic trauma reprocessing technique that involves utilizing narrative techniques to integrate disparate events to reduce the fragmenting effects of trauma and cultivate a panoramic view of their life and interiority.

Ego state therapy is an integration of the techniques utilized in EMDR and Lifespan Integration that supports participants in actively re-parenting younger ego states that need support in re-integrating.

Cognitive Processing Therapy

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that has been effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD that have developed after experiencing a variety of traumatic events.

CPT is generally delivered over 12 sessions and helps patients learn how to challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma. In so doing, the patient creates a new understanding and conceptualization of the traumatic event so that it reduces its ongoing negative effects on current life.

I find this therapy most effective for clients who appreciate highly structured sessions, are highly motivated to complete worksheets, and who appreciate a concrete and linear therapy process.