Support for your Healing JourneyOne of the most common barriers to healing that I see as a psychologist and trauma specialist is when we experience feelings of despair and hopelessness. Sometimes it may feel as if nothing you do is going … Continue reading
Applied Polyvagal Theory in YogaOrder NowTherapeutic Yoga for Trauma RecoveryTrauma recovery is as much about healing the body as it is the mind.Yet, so often, the focus of healing involves retelling the story of the past without addressing the physiological … Continue reading
A Sacred PilgrimageHealing from trauma invites you to befriend your body; and this needs to occur at a pace that honors your unique needs. Initially, this involves developing the resources to handle challenging emotions, disturbing symptoms, and distressing memories. The … Continue reading
Polyvagal Theory in PsychotherapyPolyvagal theory in psychotherapy offers co-regulation as an interactive process that engages the social nervous systems of both therapist and client. Social engagement provides experiences of mutuality and reciprocity in which we are open to receiving another person, … Continue reading
Many distressing symptoms of post-traumatic stress are felt in the body—a tightness in the chest, a sinking feeling in the stomach, a familiar knot in the throat, or as a chronic feeling of exhaustion. We now recognize that we must … Continue reading
Illuminate a Path to Freedom If you have grown up with long-term, chronic trauma exposure you might find it difficult to accurately perceive whether people or places are safe or trustworthy. Sometimes, it can become difficult to tell differentiate between … Continue reading
A Mind-Body Approach to Wellness The vagus nerve plays a central role in your emotional and physical health. The vagus nerve extends from the brainstem down into your stomach and intestines, enervating your heart and lungs, and connecting your throat … Continue reading
Is EMDR Therapy Appropriate for C-PTSD? Quite regularly I receive inquiries from clinicians and prospective clients asking me if it is appropriate to use EMDR Therapy for complex PTSD and childhood trauma. My short answer is yes, EMDR Therapy is … Continue reading
Supporting children’s emotions As parents, our responsibility is to help children process through their experiences. This is not an easy task. It is easy to feel triggered by children’s big emotions, whether it be fear, anger, or sadness; especially when … Continue reading