Our Approach
We integrate the following approaches:
EMDR
EMDR is an evidence-based approach for the treatment of trauma. EMDR understands that when something that is overwhelming occurs, the image, sounds, smell, thoughts, feeling, body sensations, memories, etc. can get locked or stored in its raw, unprocessed, and maladaptive form (dysfunctionally stored information) leaving you unable to make sense or process what happened (information is left in state-specific form). This also stops us from connecting with more adaptive information. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation which can occur using several different forms such as eye movements, tapping or kinesthetic, tactile using buzzers, and auditory stimulation to process information and connect to the more adaptive information. Bilateral stimulation allows individuals to have one foot in the past while having one foot in the present and activates the brain in a way similar to REM sleep.
EMDR has its focus in addressing memories or themes that are the root of the symptoms that are experienced. We work to identify and process those root memories that are impacting current functioning.
Parts Work - Ego State, IFS-Informed, & Theory of Structural Dissociation
All these therapies explore parts of the personality in different ways.
Ego States understands that an individual’s psyche consists of several egos, states, parts, different identities, and/or roles. These states consist of their own emotions, thoughts, skills, and traits. Ego state therapy involves identifying, investigating, and exploring these different roles of the individual and working towards integrating them into the self.
Internal Family Systems understands that all individuals have parts and a core Self that knows how to heal and work towards becoming more integrated. It understands that sometimes these parts take on extreme roles that can impact daily functioning. IFS involves exploring and working with parts of self and working towards helping younger parts (exiles) to unburden.
Theory of structural dissociation posits that no one is born with an integrated personality and instead individuals grow up with different ego states that handle different needs such as attachment and exploration with all of these ego states over time developing into a coherent personality. Unfortunately, sometimes due to trauma, this process can be disrupted resulting in different ego states and conflicting needs, traumatic memories, or parts stuck in mental actions.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP)
A body-based psychotherapy that integrates elements of neuroscience, attachment theory, cognitive approaches, and Hakomi method. It believes that the body has the resources required to both regulate emotions and resource ourselves, as well as to assist with processing somatic symptoms of unresolved trauma. SP believes that elements of a trauma can become trapped within the body and affect an individual who is sometimes completely unaware of its existence.
Sensorimotor psychotherapy works similar to many other therapies in that there is first a focus on assisting with regulating while also increasing an individuals capacity to be with the body and notice things such as movements, impulses, physical sensations, 5 sense perception, body positions, gestures, and breathing. Through this work, individuals eventually work with the traumatic material in the body and the therapist helps the client to complete a desired movement or action that may have not been able to occur in the past to bring resolution. This therapy works to increase feelings of empowerment and control. New information is then reintegrated through mental and physical practices and exercises and mindful awareness is increased.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy explores dialectics which argues that two opposing forces can both exist together and be true. For instance, change and acceptance can be seen as two completely opposing forces that can both be true. When it comes to acceptance, we often want to work to accept certain things that are beyond the ability of changing (i.e., the past as it has already happened) however, we do not want to be accepting of everything as if we begin to accept everything, then we are reluctant to change things that actually can be changed. If we are quick to push change, then we are never able to accept certain aspects that cannot be changed which could result in further pain and devastation.
Dialectical behavioural therapy explores different modules that are important when it comes to our day to day. It explores the importance of mindfulness and being present in the moment. Often, when we are feeling low, we are pulled towards our past and can sometimes get lost in what has happened and when we are anxious, we are often pulled into the future with fears of what could be. Mindfulness works to focus on the present, the right now rather than getting trapped in fears of the past or future. Distress Tolerance focuses on building skills to use for crisis situations that can help us cope. Emotion regulation focuses on learning more about emotions, what they provide, and how to regulate, radical acceptance is explored to assist in turning towards acceptance. Lastly, interpersonal effectiveness helps us to better manage and distinguish interpersonal relationships and skills required to manage these.
Acceptance Commitment Therapy
Acceptance Commitment Therapy focuses on the acceptance and welcoming of both thoughts and feelings rather than constantly fighting them. It also includes a focus on mindfulness and acceptance as individuals accept what is beyond their control but commit to the things they can do to live a more meaningful life. It explores acceptance, cognitive defusion (changing the way an individual reacts to thoughts and emotions), being present (being non-judgmental or evaluative), self-as-context (understands there is a self beyond experiences, thoughts, or emotions), values (qualities that guide life), and committed action (working towards long-term goals and living a meaningful life that matches values).