Trauma Therapy

Individual therapy sessions focused on trauma healing are provided. What way we focus on that work is up to you and your preferences. Whether you prefer “bottom up” or “top down” approaches, there’s an option for you. For more details on these options, please refer to the FAQ sections below.

Many different ways to treat trauma are available! Whether you like modern, bottom up styles of therapy, like Internal Family Systems (IFS) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or traditional "top down" talk therapy styles like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) or Narrative Therapy, there’s an option to meet your needs.

Sessions also include attachment-based, feminist, and social justice lenses, so clients don't blame themselves for what capitalism, white supremacy, or the patriarchy is actually at fault for.

“Bottom up” styles of therapy are approaches that focus on healing the nervous system and bodily sensations, rather than using logic or “top down”/ cognitive approaches to change thoughts.

Some examples of “bottom up” styles of therapy are: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Experiencing, and Brainspotting.

“Top down” approaches to therapy use logic, reason, and conscious awareness to change how clients think, which in turn alters their emotions and behavior.

Examples of “top down” therapy includes all styles of talk therapy, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a modality of therapy which uses natural functionality of the human body to support trauma healing. EMDR is considered the gold standard, and one of the most thoroughly researched treatments, for PTSD. It is highly effective at reducing PTSD symptoms, often helping patients experience relief faster than traditional talk therapy.

EMDR helps reduce distress around traumatic memories, so clients can make new meaning out of old wounds. From there, they can use that new-found meaning to build a better life; one filled with success in the workplace, healthy relationships, and a personal life filled with queer joy!

For more information about EMDR, check out the American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can look a few different ways, since it can be tailored to different contexts.

Most frequently, it involves clients tracking something with their eyes, while reflecting on associations to trauma, and/or trauma memories.

For those with eye strain, propensity to migraine, or other eye-related discomfort, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can also be facilitated through tapping with the hands, or using a lightly vibrating device called a buzzer. In these methods, clients also pair the method with reflecting on associations and/or traumatic memories.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is effective at treating trauma. This includes Complex Trauma (CPTSD), and single-incident traumas.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can also be used for treating specific phobias, panic disorders, Anxiety, Depression, and grief, amongst other things.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a form of therapy which honors human complexity. It posits that every person is made up of many Parts, and that connecting to these Parts can support resolution of various psychological challenges. By taking the time to learn about these Parts, people can gain a better understanding of who they are from the inside out, as well as heal emotional wounds and reduce trauma symptoms by fostering self awareness, compassion, and internal harmony.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is great at treating trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), complex trauma (CPTSD), Anxiety, Panic Disorders, Depression, phobias, and eating disorders, amongst other things.