Caring for individuals, couples, and families
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for Trauma, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, and Relational Problems
The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model is a theory that describes how the brain processes and links memories. It explains symptoms, guides Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy treatment, and predicts therapy outcomes.
The AIP model helps us understand EMDR therapy. It recognizes that both positive and negative experiences influence a person’s current perceptions, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors: “The past is present.” Experiences from the past become the “glasses” that we wear when we see the present. Disturbing experiences appeared "stuck" and linked to other disturbing ones. EMDR therapy helps us to get unstuck so those old feelings, thoughts, and body sensations do not keep affecting our lives today.
Many of the current problems that people come to therapy for such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, etc., are rooted in memories of traumatic or adverse life experiences. Identifying and reprocessing these memories is a focus of EMDR treatment. EMDR therapy is designed to create the conditions to activate the brain’s processing abilities and aid in the recovery process.
When someone cuts their finger while cooking, this person does not have to consciously think about their white cells and all the internal systems in place for healing. The brain and the body automatically work together to close and heal the wound. However, if a foreign object blocks the healing process, the pain will continue, and this person might need the support of another person to remove the object. Once the block is removed, the healing will resume. EMDR therapists support people to remove blockages so the natural processing of information may continue.
EMDR is primarily a client-centered model. Although some clients might experience some disturbance during treatment, this distress is temporary and transitional while the brain connects to more adaptive information. For example, a person might think that a car accident is their fault, even though the other driver ran the red light. They might feel guilty, even though they know cognitively that they are not at fault. Through EMDR procedures and dual bilateral stimulation, the brain connects to more adaptive information, such as the fact that there was no possible way to guess that another person would run a red light. (https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/experiencing-emdr-therapy/)
Couples Counseling
Are you feeling tension, disconnect, or disappointment in your marriage? Maybe your marriage is pretty good, but you long to strengthen your bond and grow even closer to the one you love. Together we can work to heal and restore joy to your marriage that has been damaged by neglect, unhealthy conflict, infidelity, loss, or any other issue that is hurting your relationship.
Feeling strain and lack of engagement?
Going through the motions, but longing for more from your marriage?
Wrestling with despair and considering a separation?
Struggling with forgiveness and rebuilding trust from past betrayals or unfaithfulness?
Considering pre-marital counseling to start your relationship on solid ground?
Anger Issues
Damaging expressions of anger can take many shapes and sizes. Whether you are aggressive in your tone or action, you bottle up and suppress your anger, or you engage in passive aggressive ways of relating, it is probably having a negative impact on your relationships. We often don't know what to do with our very real feelings of anger. In this confusion we hurt others and ourselves, but we are also left feeling misunderstood, isolated, and self-protective. I seek to help you understand the root of your anger in a way that promotes emotional resilience, so that you can express your anger in a healthy way that fosters deeper connection with family, friends, and coworkers.
Sexual Struggles
Sex is a wonderful gift from God in the context of relational intimacy, but we often use it to fulfill our needs in unhealthy ways. Sex can be used in an attempt to escape, avoid, numb, and provide a sense of validation. I work with individuals to help them understand their internal world of thoughts and feelings, so that they can discover how they have been using sex in their lives. You do not need to hide anymore, and you don't need to wrestle with these issues alone and in shame. Real help and community is available to you.
Wrestling with guilt, shame, or self-contempt?
Do you feel stuck in habitual sexual behaviors?
Pornography?
Questions of orientation and identity?
Do you long to be known, accepted, and desired by another?