About emdr
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a type of therapy that helps process traumatic memories and the resulting emotional distress, maladaptive beliefs and other upsetting symptoms. EMDR utilizes the brain’s natural ability to heal to “put to rest” maladaptive beliefs after trauma (IE- “I’m worthless,” or “I’m never really safe”) and “replace” them with more adaptive beliefs (IE- “I can take care of myself” or “I’m a good person”). EMDR is a multi-staged process that can help unblock the feeling of stuckness and allow the individual to evolve past the initial trauma responses.
About INDIVIDUAL Therapy
Therapy can be a transformative experience of acknowledging Self and finding a higher level of functioning. The relationship between therapist and client can facilitate gentle and foundational changes, help discard dysfunctional coping skills and acquire healthier tools for living. While at times uncomfortable and challenging, therapeutic treatment can be truly metamorphic.
ABOUT relationship THERAPY
Therapy for people in relationship can be a place where the experiences, perceptions, challenges and histories of multiple people in relationship are examined and transformed. This work can focus on romantic partnership, friendship, coparents, family of origin, chosen family or any other relationship structures. Non-traditional relationships are supported and welcomed. It is an opportunity to learn new ways of communicating effectively and to lovingly speak truth in a contained and facilitated environment, aimed towards conflict resolution, authentic relating and healthier intimacy.
ABOUT Animal-assisted THERAPY
Animal-assisted therapy is exactly as it sounds- inviting animals to join us in our therapeutic work. Depending on the identified needs, we may integrate the appropriate pet or animal to be involved in treatment. Aimed to be a mutually beneficial modality for both the person and the animal, this work can be especially healing for survivors of trauma, boundary work, getting grounded and present and for those with relational struggles. Animal-assisted therapy can take many different iterations. Some examples include (1) petting a cat while recalling a traumatic memory, using the sensory experience to stay present and the safety signals of the cat to regulate the nervous system, or (2) formal equine therapy for those with developmental disorders to practice core strength, hand/eye coordination and caregiver responsibilities, or (3) certified service animals for trauma survivors who can assist with flashbacks and panic attacks. If animal-assisted therapy is of interest to you, please let us know and we will provide you with more information.