Experiential Trauma Therapy
PTSD and C-PTSD are complex in nature, which is why we have taken steps to further our offerings beyond traditional talk therapy.
IFS - holding the inner child
One of the most powerful and holistic modalities we have found for treating trauma.
EMDR - decreasing distress
This approach is great for clearing out those sticky intrusive thoughts, beliefs, and images.
Brainspotting- releasing pain
Brainspotting uses eye movements to release trauma that is stored in the body.
Our View of Trauma
Trauma is a fracturing of Self, which is something that cannot be defined by someone else. It is impossible for us to experience life without any wounds; pain and suffering are baked into the reality of living. Trauma leaves us feeling out of control, but the healing process helps re-invigorate your sense of power. Gabor Maté describes trauma as, “not what happened to you, it is what happens inside of you as a result. “
Talk therapy, alone, does not allow trauma to move through the body. Our bodies process trauma consciously and subconsciously, which is why we have found it beneficial to pair IFS with experiential reprocessing therapies such as Brainspotting and EMDR.
Brainspotting, in particular, allows your system to metabolize and heal traumatic stuck points within the body. This practice highlights your body’s inherent wisdom and protective capabilities. Working with your nervous system and engaging your body’s intuitive strengths creates an expansive healing process. Together, we can find space to honor your pain while also allowing yourself to let go of that heavy weight.
EMDR takes a more structured approach and allows the nervous system to “unstick” from painful memories that have contributed to further fracturing as a result of trauma. EMDR is designed to help your internal system reorganize past experiences from a “current emergency” to a historical experience.
Both of our clinicians utilize experiential models in combination with IFS techniques. We have found that this is more effective in serving the nervous system as well as developing skills that can be utilized outside of session than traditional talk therapy models.
