Specializations:

Trauma and addiction are often silent companions, each exacerbating the other's effects, leaving individuals feeling trapped in a cycle of pain, isolation, and despair.  Therapy provides a safe and nonjudgmental space for individuals to explore their inner thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Through self-reflection and introspection, you will gain insight into the underlying factors contributing to the unhealthy behaviors, patterns and relationships in your life.  

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Many individuals turn to substances as a means of coping with past traumas, pain, and unresolved emotional wounds. Therapy offers a supportive environment for processing and healing these underlying issues, allowing for the release of emotional burdens and a sense of closure. By addressing trauma and emotional wounds, individuals can experience profound healing and liberation from the cycle of addiction.

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I specialize in Attachment-Focused EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy,  a powerful therapeutic approach that integrates principles of attachment theory with the proven effectiveness of EMDR therapy. By addressing the root causes of addiction and trauma, this specialized treatment modality aims to heal emotional wounds, rewire maladaptive patterns of behavior, and cultivate healthier coping mechanisms. 

In the course of our lives, we all carry some degree of trauma. When distressing and traumatic memories resurface intrusively, they can manifest as anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks, unexplained pain, body sensations, and negative emotions such as dread, fear, shame, despair, hopelessness, rage, and general overwhelm. Coping with these intrusive symptoms can lead to various mental health concerns, including phobias, avoidance, panic attacks, substance abuse, relationship difficulties, depression, emotional shutdown, problems at work, creative blocks and PTSD. 

 

EMDR is used to treat the psychological effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and smaller traumas that manifest in symptoms of depression, anxiety, phobias, grief, poor coping, and drug and alcohol abuse. EMDR promotes rapid healing as you experience a ‘clearing’ of emotional and physical blockages. Many people also experience a sense of joy, openness and deep connection with others.

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In addition to the reduction of distressing symptoms, you will be strengthened by healthier beliefs about yourself and return to well-being and better functioning. Your experience of yourself and others begins to shift in ways that allow you to respond to current and future life demands with ease and clarity.

Therapy equips individuals with practical coping skills and strategies to manage stress, cravings, and triggers without resorting to substances. Through evidence-based techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and stress management, clients learn to navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence, paving the way for lasting recovery.

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Drawing from cognitive therapies and somatic wisdom, I use an integrative approach to the treatment of addictions and dysfunctional behaviors that is holistic, compassionate, spiritual, brain-wise, and trauma informed. I understand the intricate connection between trauma and addiction.

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Recovery support encompasses a multidimensional process of personal growth, healing, and transformation. Recovery involves addressing the underlying issues and challenges that contribute to addiction, such as trauma, mental health disorders, and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Recovery support usually involves ongoing efforts at skill building and maintaining sobriety. It also encompasses broader aims such as improving relationships and pursuing meaningful goals. While sobriety is an important aspect of recovery, recovery extends beyond mere abstinence to encompass holistic well-being and positive life changes.