What is EMDR anyway? 

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Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) has emerged as a prominent method for addressing the pervasive effects of traumatic and distressing experiences through bilateral stimulation. EMDR aims to help individuals reprocess traumatic memories in a safe and controlled manner, ultimately reducing the impact of past trauma on their present-day functioning. 

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What Types of Concerns Do You Treat with EMDR?

 

Complex Trauma (C-PTSD) & Dissociation

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Childhood Trauma & Sexual Abuse

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Parental Narcissistic Abuse

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Religious Trauma 

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Tell Me More About Integrated Attachment-Informed EMDR for Complex Trauma & Dissociation: 

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While EMDR has proven effective for classic, single-episode trauma, survivors of complex trauma (i.e. multiple and recurring traumatic experiences throughout childhood and adolescence, narcissistic abuse, religious trauma, etc.) have found the experience to feel overwhelming, disempowering, and isolating because they are tasked with recalling traumatic experiences while the therapist remains neutral and impartial to what is being disclosed. For survivors of attachment-based trauma this can trigger nervous system dysregulation and dissociation as the roots of the their trauma lie in attachment disruption and relational wounding.

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This is where integrating AEDP comes in...

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Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) is an attachment-informed, emotionally-focused, somatically-mindful approach to working with trauma. It recognizes that relational safety, security, and connection are conduits for healing relational trauma and undoing the limiting beliefs and shame that come along with it. I combine EMDR with AEDP to offer a safer, more collaborative experience for clients to mindfully address attachment wounds and painful memories. 

 

What does Integrated Attachment-Informed EMDR look like?

 

Rather than adhering strictly to a phase-oriented treatment model, I acknowledge that one approach doesn't suit every client at every session. Attachment-Informed EMDR integrates AEDP to establish therapeutic safety and nurture trust and security between client and therapist. This foundation enables mindful exploration of trauma's effects on the body, emotions, and relationships. Throughout treatment, EMDR bilateral stimulation is incorporated to activate your nervous system's natural healing capacities, aiding in the release of overwhelming emotions and limiting beliefs tied to traumatic memories.

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Why should I work with you?

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I have completed extensive consultation and post-graduate education in attachment theory, relational neuroscience, human sexuality and identity development, narcissistic abuse, complex trauma, and dissociation. This has awarded me credentials as an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, WIEBGE Certified - Clinical Narcissistic Abuse Therapist, Level 2 AEDP Therapist & Training Facilitator, and EMDR-Trained Therapist. 

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I have completed training and consultation under experts in the field including: Kathy Steele, MN, CS, APRN, co-author of Coping with Trauma Related Dissociation and Jaime Marich, PhD., author of Dissociation Made Simple, and Karyl McBride, PhD., author of Will I Ever Be Good Enough: Healing Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers.

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Lastly, I myself am a survivor of childhood developmental trauma and parental narcissism on my own healing journey as I navigate the residual effects of my childhood experiences.  

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For additional resources on narcissism and the narcissistic family system, check out my entire series on Peeling Back the Layers of Narcissism here.