Counseling for Trauma
Trauma is common, yet individual. No matter what you have experienced, you have options.
Both April and Sara specialize in trauma. Both of us begin by working with you to create a relationship supportive of your healing. Both of us integrate mindfulness and focus on increasing awareness. We also both integrate parts work (drawing mainly from internal family systems/IFS theory). Parts work is a gentle yet profound approach to exploring various parts of you that may be in conflict or preventing other methods of therapy from gaining traction.
Both of us are dedicated to proper preparation, which often means enhancing your access to emotional regulation techniques. We will be present with you on your timeline.
In addition, April is a Certified EMDR therapist. EMDR has robust empirical support and can be highly effective for treating many types of trauma and other conditions that make you feel stuck. April also offers EMDR intensives for targeted, isolated traumas for clients interested in an intensive, short-term format instead of more traditional, long-term, regular sessions.
“In its most general sense, trauma means any unhealed wound. These wounds can be physical, emotional, social, sexual, spiritual.”
-Jamie Marich, PhD, Trauma Specialist & Author
What is the process of EMDR like?
History & Treatment Planning
In the initial phase of EMDR, we will get to know your history and other relevant information. We will work together to identify our first “target” (or symptom, memory, or event you’d like to work on).
Preparation
We will spend time establishing a container or other visualization that helps you feel grounded and calm again after thinking about tough things. We will not move forward until you feel ready, and you’re always in control.
Assessment & Desensitization
This is the stage most people think of when they think of EMDR. This is when we utilize rapid bilateral stimulation (BLS) to support your brain and nervous system in desensitizing the target so it no longer has the same effect.
Installation, Body Scan, Closure (& Re-evaluation)
The last phases of EMDR include “installing” more helpful feelings and beliefs about the target. We will also check in with your body and address any lingering tension. We will use your container to close the session. We will re-evaluate and repeat the phases as many times as necessary.