Areas of Specialty
EMDR for Trauma and Mood Disorders
EMDR (Eye Motion Desensitization and Reprocessing) has been found effective in treating a number of psychological difficulties. I focus on using it to treat depression, anxiety, trauma and challenges that are associated with negative beliefs about oneself or experiences that have had significant negative impacts on one’s life. Most clients with these challenges will notice improvement after a few EMDR sessions.
Future Oriented EMDR
Most EMDR is oriented towards processing the past. EMDR can also be applied to improving the future by addressing anxieties and mental challenges getting in the way of growth and positive change. This style of EMDR can be oriented towards a specific future event (giving a speech at a wedding), or can focus on developing better habits or responses to situations by improving our sense of self and ability to manage our emotional responses.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
While I don’t do intensive DBT work, I find DBT tools and philosophies helpful in supporting clients in finding new ways to manage stress, emotions and challenging relationships. While EMDR is the foundation of my practice, for some clients, DBT resources can be very helpful.
Consultation and Support
While I recommend EMDR for most of my clients, it isn’t always the appropriate path. For example, I have supported and educated parents with teen/adult children who are struggling with substance use disorders and/or emergent behavioral or mental health challenges. This includes addressing suicidality in a loved one. (*Note: Individuals with elevated risk of suicide are best served by in-person and intensive services, which I do not provide) My experience with hospital evaluation work as well as crisis work are relevant to consulting on these difficult topics. I have also helped clients with big life changes like divorce or gender transition. While I do try to focus on using EMDR to support clients, there are some other types of situations where I think I can bring useful experience and insight to support clients without using EMDR.
Holistic Wellness Work
Often, after finding some success with EMDR, I encourage clients to examine their lives through a wellness lens, making adjustments that improve one’s quality of life. Addressing physical, spiritual, social, occupational, financial and environmental wellness can help establish a stronger foundation for health and happiness. Doing EMDR work gives me insights to the values, interests, and strengths of the client, which allows me to better support clients as they find paths towards improved wellness that work for them.
Examples of the types of clients I find the best success with:
Adult children of critical, abusive, neglectful or abandoning parents
Survivors of violence, sexual abuse, or traumatic events/accidents (PTSD)
Those with significant negative self talk (associated with depression and/or anxiety)
Those struggling with life transitions: divorce, disability, loss of job, gender identity
Parents/family of adults/teens with substance use, mental health or suicidality issues-(Consulting/Support)