Therapeutic Approaches

I compare counseling to an iceberg.

The top of the iceberg represents the presenting symptoms, while the bottom of the iceberg represents deeper issues like past events, traumas, memories, and/or negative beliefs that may contribute to these symptoms. There are a variety of approaches I utilize to address symptoms, the following are a few:

EMDR

When something traumatic happens, your brain sometimes gets “stuck” on it, like a song that keeps playing on repeat. This happens because your brain doesn’t fully process the memory, and it gets trapped in the emotional part of your brain, which causes you to keep feeling upset or anxious about it, even long after the event is over.

What EMDR does is help your brain process that memory properly. While you recall the traumatic event, the therapist uses things like eye movements (or tapping or sounds) to activate both sides of your brain. This “dual stimulation” helps your brain process the memory in a more balanced way, allowing it to move out of the emotional part of your brain and into a place where it can be stored in a calmer, less distressing way.

It’s like your brain is learning how to “re-file” the memory so it no longer keeps triggering those strong emotional reactions. Over time, this helps you feel less affected by the past event.

Watch a video on EMDR

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is a type of therapy that helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected. It works on the idea that our thoughts shape how we feel, and how we feel influences what we do. If you think negatively, you might feel anxious or upset, which can lead to actions that make things worse.

It’s a hands-on, practical approach where you learn tools to manage your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in healthier ways. Over time, you get better at catching those negative thoughts and flipping them, which can help you feel less stressed, anxious, or down.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is all about being fully present in the moment, without getting caught up in past regrets or future worries. It’s like paying attention to what’s happening right now—how you feel, what you see, hear, and even how your body feels—without judgment. It’s about noticing things as they are, without trying to change them or judge them. Mindfulness also helps you observe your thoughts and emotions without letting them control you. Instead of reacting automatically (like getting frustrated when things don’t go your way), you learn to take a step back and respond with more awareness and calm.

Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a type of therapy that helps people process emotional pain, trauma, or distress by focusing on specific spots in your visual field. The idea behind it is that where you look can affect how you feel. In other words, certain eye positions can help you access emotions and memories that are stored in your brain but may not be fully processed.