Interventions

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a therapy approach designed to help your brain and body heal from trauma by using your brain’s natural ability to process and make sense of experiences.

Sometimes, even when something is in the past, it can still feel very present in your body—leading to anxiety, triggers, or feeling “stuck.” EMDR helps your nervous system reprocess those experiences so they can be stored in a more adaptive, less distressing way.

EMDR uses something called bilateral stimulation (BLS), which can include eye movements, tapping, or sound. In virtual sessions, we often use a form of tapping called the Butterfly Hug, where you gently tap your shoulders in an alternating right-to-left rhythm.

This bilateral stimulation supports a natural process in the brain called adaptive information processing, which helps memories, thoughts, and beliefs shift so they no longer feel overwhelming or activating.

EMDR is not something we jump into right away. We spend time building coping skills, strengthening your sense of safety, and making sure you feel prepared and supported before beginning reprocessing.

During the reprocessing phase, we use short sets of bilateral stimulation (usually one to two minutes at a time), allowing your brain to gradually process the memory. Some experiences may resolve quickly, while others take more time—we always move at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you.

I use EMDR to support clients struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, helping them experience real, lasting change—not just symptom management.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

IFS is a therapy approach that focuses on understanding and harmonizing the different “parts” within us.

IFS describes the mind as an internal system made up of different parts that we often notice through our inner dialogue or conflicting thoughts and feelings. These parts develop in response to life experiences and take on different roles to help us cope and function.

For example, you might notice:

  • A part that is self-critical, trying to protect you from making mistakes

  • A part that avoids, distracts, or numbs when things feel overwhelming

  • A younger, more vulnerable part that wants connection, play, or safety

At the core of all of this is your true self—the calm, grounded, and compassionate inner leader that is capable of guiding your system with confidence and clarity.

In IFS, we don’t try to get rid of these parts. Instead, we work to understand them, build trust with them, and help them feel safe enough to relax out of their protective roles.

A big part of this process involves what’s often called “reparenting,” which means learning how to care for and support the more vulnerable parts of you (the inner child) in the way they may not have received earlier in life.

Over time, this work can lead to:

  • Less inner conflict

  • More self-compassion

  • A stronger, more grounded sense of self

Polyvagal Theory and Sound Therapies

Polyvagal Theory, which helps explain how your nervous system responds to safety and stress.

Your body naturally shifts between different states:

  • Calm & connected (you feel safe and present)

  • Fight or flight (anxious, overwhelmed, on edge)

  • Shutdown (numb, disconnected, exhausted)

These are not choices—they’re automatic survival responses shaped by your experiences.

This is why you can know you’re safe, but still feel anxious or shut down. Your nervous system is responding based on what it has learned, not just what you think.

Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

The Safe and Sound Protocol uses specially filtered music to help your nervous system shift out of a defensive state and into a place of safety and connection.

It works by gently supporting the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in emotional regulation and social engagement.

Clients often notice:

  • Feeling calmer and less reactive

  • Improved ability to connect with others

  • Increased tolerance for stress

 

Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP)

The Rest and Restore Protocol is a sound-based therapy designed to support deeper regulation and recovery.

It uses rhythmic, body-based sound technology to help your system settle into:

  • Rest and relaxation

  • Physical and emotional recovery

  • Greater internal balance

RRP can be especially helpful for sleep issues, chronic stress, anxiety, and trauma-related dysregulation.

Somatic Experiencing

Somatic work focuses on how stress and trauma are held in the body—not just the mind.

Even when something makes sense logically, your body can still feel anxious, tense, or shut down. This work helps your nervous system release what it’s been holding so you can feel more regulated and at ease.

 

How I Integrate This:

I often incorporate somatic work into EMDR and IFS, allowing your body to be part of the healing process—not just your thoughts.

 

This may include:

·       Noticing physical sensations during processing

·       Slowing down to support nervous system regulation

·       Helping different “parts” connect to what they feel in the body

 

Gentle Movement & Release:

At times, I may invite simple, intuitive movement—like shifting, stretching, or placing a hand where you feel tension. These small movements can help your body release stress, feel more grounded, and come out of survival mode.