EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an evidence-based, integrative approach to psychotherapy that I currently offer on a case-by-case basis. EMDR was originally developed in the 1980's with a focus on combat veterans and other survivors of serious violence, but over the years clinicians have found it to be an effective approach for clients who have been exposed to other, less acute ongoing stressors.

Why I offer EMDR:

There is a dramatic rise in cases that are more than just ADHD and depression; many of my cases are children and teens who have experienced higher than normal levels of stress (or trauma) at some point in their childhood.
- More and more, I see clients who are having meltdowns, panic attacks, or shutting down in ways that are indirectly related to stressful memories, not just because of environmental or biological issues.
- Kids and teens who have difficulty taking on new challenges because they remain stuck on a previous stressful or traumatic memory (i.e., fear of failure is keeping them from truly thriving).
- Kids and teens who have a history of mistrust in adults and other authority figures, who are more likely to lash out or act "defiantly."
An increasing number of neurodiverse adults are speaking out about stressors they experienced in childhood. It's becoming clearer to mental health professionals that even when neurodiverse children are being raised by stable, loving parents, they may still experience moderate to severe distress in school, day care, or other settings outside the home.
As someone who is eclectic to my core, I appreciate that EMDR is transtheoretical, meaning it brings together all of the best parts of the major psychological theories (psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, experiential, person-centered, somatic, hypnotic, and systemic).
As an EMDR patient myself, I've experienced first hand the vast, long-term improvements that EMDR can yield, even though I don't have what others might consider a "severe" trauma history.

Who's a good fit

Children or teens who have had stressful, or potentially traumatic memories associated with losing control.
- Persistent humiliation or bullying.
- Being sexually, physically, or emotionally abused.
Children who have a history of being emotionally neglected or betrayed.
- Being raised by a parent or caregiver who was emotionally absent or distant.
- Being excluded or ostracized by peers or other adults.
Children or teens who have ever witnessed domestic violence.
Children or teens who have been exposed to school shootings–both directly and vicariously through exposure to news, or excessive shooting drills at school.
Any long term, abrupt separation from their parents (for any reason), regardless of whether or not they specifically remember the event.
Children or teens who haven't benefited from traditional talk therapy, or who seem "stuck."
Children or teens who are using the skills gained in therapies such as CBT or DBT, but remain "stuck" on certain issues.
Children or teens who are constantly doubting themselves or sabotaging their own success.

Rule out factors; At this time, I am not offering EMDR to clients who

Regularly use non-prescription drugs, alcohol, medical marijuana, etc.
Are expecting a quick fix.
Are currently living with an abusive or emotionally dismissive parent or caregiver.
Have a history of seizures, stroke, or other major neurological health risk factors.
Experience periods of moderate to severe memory lapses or blackouts known as dissociation.