EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized and effective therapy designed to help people heal from distressing memories and experiences that may be affecting their present lives. Research has shown that EMDR can significantly reduce symptoms of trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional challenges, often in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy.
In an EMDR session, we’ll work together to identify specific memories or experiences that are causing difficulties. While you recall these memories, I will guide you through a series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. This process helps your brain reprocess the memories, allowing you to reduce the intensity of the emotions tied to them and develop healthier perspectives.
The benefits of EMDR include relief from distressing symptoms, improved self-esteem, and the ability to respond to current situations without being triggered by past events. Many clients report feeling empowered and more in control of their emotions and lives after EMDR therapy. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where you can work through painful experiences at your own pace, empowering you to move forward with a greater sense of peace, resilience, and well-being.
DBT Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on helping people manage intense emotions and build healthier relationships. It integrates two seemingly opposite concepts: acceptance and change.
In DBT, clients are encouraged to accept themselves and their experiences as they are while also working to change harmful behaviors and emotional responses. The dialectical approach emphasizes that two opposing truths can exist simultaneously—for example, “I am doing the best I can” and “I need to do better”.
Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT is also effective for anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It combines acceptance strategies with change-oriented techniques and emphasizes four main skill areas:
- Mindfulness: Being present in the moment without judgment.
- Distress Tolerance: Coping with painful emotions without making things worse.
- Emotional Regulation: Understanding and managing intense emotions.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Communicating needs clearly and maintaining healthy relationships.
ACT Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) combines mindfulness and behavior change strategies. It focuses on accepting what is outside of your control while committing to actions that align with your values.
The goal is to help you live a meaningful life despite challenging thoughts or feelings by cultivating psychological flexibility. This means learning to accept difficult thoughts and emotions rather than fighting or avoiding them while also committing to actions that align with your core values.
Key principles of ACT include:
- Acceptance: Allowing difficult emotions rather than fighting them.
- Cognitive Defusion: Reducing the impact of negative thoughts by seeing them as just thoughts, not facts.
- Values Clarification: Identifying what truly matters to you and guiding actions based on those values.
- Committed Action: Taking steps toward a meaningful life, even when it’s uncomfortable.
ACT helps people develop psychological flexibility, making it effective for anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic pain.
CBT Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-established, evidence-based therapy that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors.
It operates on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that changing negative thought patterns can lead to healthier emotions and actions.
Key components of CBT include:
- Cognitive Restructuring: Challenging and reframing negative thoughts.
- Behavioral Activation: Encouraging positive activities to improve mood.
- Exposure Therapy: Gradually facing fears in a safe and controlled way.
CBT is effective for a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD. It’s typically goal-oriented and time-limited.
Faith-Based Therapy
What is Christian Faith-Based Therapy?
Christian Faith-Based Therapy combines traditional therapeutic approaches with Biblical principles, helping clients nurture emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. This approach acknowledges the significance of faith in the healing process, empowering clients to explore their challenges while drawing strength and comfort from their beliefs.
Core Elements of Faith-Based Therapy:
- Christ-Centered Healing
- Encourages clients to find hope, peace, and strength through God’s love and grace.
- Reinforces personal worth and identity as rooted in Christ, beyond life’s struggles.
- Blending Biblical Wisdom with Psychological Tools
- Integrates evidence-based techniques, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), alongside Scripture.
- Example: Reframing negative thoughts using Philippians 4:8 — “Whatever is true, whatever is noble… think about such things.”
- Prayer and Reflection
- Incorporates prayer, meditation on Scripture, and spiritual reflection to seek God’s guidance and peace.
- Therapists may offer prayer support (if desired) or encourage personal faith-based practices.
- Exploring Spiritual Struggles
- Provides a compassionate, non-judgmental space to process faith-based questions, doubts, or feelings of disconnection from God — especially during grief or trauma.
- Grace, Forgiveness, and Purpose
- Supports clients in embracing forgiveness (of self and others) and finding purpose in their journey.
- Draws from Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”