Modalities & Approaches

Polyvagal Theory (PVT)

PVT is a helpful, non-pathologizing way to understand your own biology and responses to life’s demands. It provides a comprehensive overview of the autonomic nervous system and simple interventions that result in profound changes to our internal and external experiences. It emphasizes a bottom-up approach, meaning working with the body and lower brain structures, because of its effectiveness; however, top-down exercises are used as well. PVT lays the groundwork for the more in-depth trauma therapies.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

IFS is an evidence-based model of psychotherapy that is based on the understanding that the mind is made up of many sub-personalities in addition to our core Selves, which is in everyone, can’t be damaged, and knows how to heal. Throughout the course of our lives, our parts are forced out of their natural, healthy states and into new roles; some become protective and some wounded. By first accessing Self-energy, IFS helps us to connect with our protective and wounded inner parts and resolve their pain.

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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is an evidence-based, trauma-processing and memory reconsolidation approach to therapy that has been proven effective for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, grief, depression, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and addiction. It is thought to be around 90% effective even in cases where previous mental health interventions were deemed ineffective and the client’s condition labeled “treatment resistant”. It works by activating the brain’s innate, information-processing system and targeting unresolved distressing memories.

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga 

Yoga is a profoundly helpful therapeutic tool that offers numerous physical and mental health benefits through regulation of the nervous system. The issue that can arise with traditional yoga teaching practices is that many poses and instructions can activate the autonomic nervous system in unhelpful ways. Without attention to these important details, yoga can be a source of re-traumatization. The aim of this approach to movement is to reconnect you to your body in a safe way that promotes healing and growth. 

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Nutrition and Integrative Medicine 

This certification allows me to understand and treat mental health difficulties holistically. Interventions can include dietary recommendations, nutrient and herbal supplementation, and various alternative health practices. These methods have been shown to increase the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions with rapid results. Clients are encouraged to make their own health decisions and initiate changes at a time and pace that feels right for them.