COUNSELING

Services for those ages 16- 80+ and from all walks of life are available. Counseling is a relational methodology that provides a secure, confidential, non-judgmental environment where personal challenges related to behavior, thought, mood and relationships are explored and transformed. Counseling is a relatively short term process where client and therapist work together to understand how symptoms, past experiences and current behaviors interfere with the client's well being and success. We offer services including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Somatosensory Integration, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and others. New skills, insights and behaviors are developed with the goal of optimizing the meaning, satisfaction and joy experienced in meeting life's challenges both personally and professionally. anxiety depression

 EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, is an evidence-based psychotherapy that rapidly and effectively treats a number of psychological disturbances including PTSD, childhood abuse, anxiety, eating disorders, OCD, depression and addictions – both behavioral and substance use. 

The model on which EMDR is based, Adaptive Information Processing (AIP), posits that we all process life experiences to an adaptive resolution unless circumstances overwhelm our ability to do so. Much of psychopathology is due to an overwhelm of our system resulting in  maladaptive or incomplete processing of adverse and traumatic experiences.  

For more in depth discussion:

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How it Works:

Adverse experiences are stored in the body/mind as fragmented memories or un-processed information that impairs and interferes with the ability to function at one’s best.  For example, overreacting to a supervisor, may be the result of an earlier adverse life experience with authority. Essentially, the past is intruding on the present and the emotions triggered by the supervisor are an unconscious reaction, rather than a conscious response. The options are to avoid or over accommodate, attack with anger or implode and withdraw. While these reactions may have been adaptive when experienced as a younger person, they are not the best option now. A pattern of behavior driven by emotional intrusions from the past is a habit.  Habits impede our ability to be consciously present to the moment, they can damage relationships and as in the case of addiction, take on a life of their own. The result is increasing alienation and isolation, feeling disconnected from oneself, close relationships and the world.

EMDR uses dual attention stimulation (DAS), by having the client focus on the safety of the present with the therapist while also attending to the difficult past. (dual attention). Then sweeping eye movement or alternating hand tapping are used to provide bilateral stimulation (stimulation).  DAS activates the intrinsic adaptive information processing system which desensitizes the intense emotions from the past by linking them to the client's safety, knowledge and experience in the present moment.  Bilateral stimulation activates both hemispheres of the brain and both sides of the body which seems to speed up associations in the brain weaving together the the fragmented past into a narrative one can think about, talk about and remember without the intense feelings.   The result is a true resolution and integration which alleviates physical, emotional and psychological symptoms and distress. Adaptive behaviors and insight replace mal-adaptive behaviors and limiting beliefs, improving self-esteem, confidence and the ability to choose wisely. EMDR facilitates adaptive processing of life experiences enhancing stability, resilience and competence while feeling present and alive.  

For more information: www.emdria.org