" No bird can fly without opening its wings, and no one can love without exposing their heart."
Mark Nepo
Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing is a naturalistic approach to the resolution and healing of trauma or challenging life circumstances developed by Dr. Peter Levine author of "Waking the Tiger".
SE is based on the observation that animals in the wild, though routinely threatened, are rarely traumatized. Humans, although born with virtually the same capacity as animals to resolve trauma, are often blocked or inhibited by negative patterns. These patterns do not allow the individual to regain a sense of trust or safety necessary for change. Symptoms such as anxiety and depression can then develop as a result of the body's attempt to ''manage'' or contain traumatic events.
SE uses awareness of body sensation to help people "renegotiate" and heal rather than re-live or re-enact trauma.
SE is a gentle process that gradually allows stored energy in the body from a traumatic event to be safely released.
SE helps people feel more at peace with themselves, more at ease in their life and thus more able to reach their goals and objectives.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an integrative psychotherapy which has been clinically proven in the treatment of Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Traumatic events can cause severe symptoms in people when left unresolved. We don't always recognize how traumatic a relationship break-up, loss of a job or a car accident can actually be. Disturbing thoughts, images and body sensations in the present can leave us debilitated with fear and shame.
EMDR allows the body to release stored memories, feelings, negative beliefs and physical symptoms caused by trauma. The event is then perceived as only a memory without the excess fear, pain or distress surrounding it.
EMDR is highly effective for recent traumatic experiences such as a car accident or for past trauma such as childhood abuse.
Internal Family Systems is a transformational process based on working with the internal "parts" of ourselves that become prominent in certain situations or relationships. When there's trauma these "parts" can also take on a negative role or belief system thus preventing us from living a more fulfilled life.
IFS supports us to develop a deep listening capacity and relationship with our ”parts" and their role in our life including the trauma they hold and how to help them release it. We can then begin to feel less fragmented and more integrated in our thoughts, beliefs and sense of self. This integration brings us into the present with a renewed sense of possibility.
Comprehensive Resource Model
The Comprehensive Resource Model is a neuro-biologically based, and body centered trauma treatment model which effectively assists an individual in targeting their most challenging traumatic life experiences and memories and ultimately bringing them to a healing resolution.
CRM uses many layers of internal resource such as attachment figures, breath work, somatic resources, connections to the natural world, and sacred animal companions.
These resources lead to a deeply grounded, and contained sense in the body which individuals with trauma often lack. The “scaffolding” of resource allows for effective processing of traumatic experiences, and the unbearable emotions embedded in them. These unbearable emotions are often far too activating to process without internal resourcing since they cause extreme dis-regulation in the nervous system. CRM processing changes how an individual remembers their traumatic life experiences as these same life experiences become distant memories instead of continually “re-lived” events. CRM allows for processing from conception to the present day. CRM can also address intergenerational trauma.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Based in atttachment theory, EFT addresses the underlying dynamic that keeps many couples stuck. This cycle creates continual and unresolved polarizations. EFT works to identify and de-escalate this dynamic so that a more connected, loving and fulfilling relationship can develop.
EFT effectively addresses :
Communication issues
Destructive patterns
Disconnection and distance in the relationship
How internal dynamics from each individual's history can negatively impact the relationship
How to deepen connection and foster a loving and nurturing relationship
Excessive anger and polarizations
Diminished emotional and sexual intimacy
Infidelity
Value conflicts such as money or parenting
Approach/Avoidant dynamics
Abuse or lack of respect
Intimacy and sexual issues
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a body centered psychotherapy which works by identifying eye positions that correspond to sources of distress including emotional and physical pain. By utilizing these identified "brainspots", the body is then able to process and release debilitating symptoms.
Resource Brainspotting is used for people suffering from constant overwhelming anxiety, or panic. In these situations, we identify and focus on calming or peaceful "brainspots" and process material from these eye positions. This method works well for individuals who suffer from severe trauma or PTSD. It is also effective for performance anxiety, stress related issues or finding more of a sense of balance in one's life.