Evidence-Based Interventions
We feel all of our emotions in our bodies; they present physiologically before they can be processed in our conscious awareness.
At times this is subtle, such as a pleasant warmth in the abdomen when overjoyed, or a tightness in the jaw if under pressure at work.
The brain is responsible for generating all sensory experiences, such as hearing, hunger sensations, body temperature, and even physical pain.
When the brain is alarmed, these messages will present as unpleasant and potentially very intense.
These somatic sensations can be an accurate reflection of what is occurring in the body, but the brain is also known to “misfire” when it is alarmed.
The brain is unable to distinguish between physical and emotional threats; it can be just as alarmed by a broken bone as a sense of rejection.
Anything the brain repeats, it will get better at, just like learning to ride a bike. Chronic pain and other symptoms are no different… but these learned neural pathways can also be reversed.
FAQs
What therapeutic modalities do you use?
This specialized approach of counseling will utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Therapeutic Neuroscience Education, Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Treatment is tailored to each individual person’s needs and preferences. There’s never a hidden agenda. The therapeutic relationship is just as important as the interventions used. Feeling safe and secure in this environment is critical to making progress in your healing journey.
Do you work with people who don’t have a medical condition?
Absolutely. Many of the somatic symptoms people experience by way of their alarmed nervous system are not classified as specific medical conditions, or they might be considered “medically unexplained.” I also work with anxiety disorders and support clients during distressing times in their life. My work will always involve knowledge of how these experiences are influencing your nervous system and we will use that knowledge to assist you in establishing a sense of calmness in your life.
How quickly can I expect progress?
This journey is completely individualized from one person to the next. Regulating and rewiring the nervous system has a wide range of timelines. I’ve worked with clients who see relief in a matter of weeks, but I’m also patient with those who need much longer. No matter how long you have been living with these symptoms, or your age, your nervous system always has the ability to change. With enough patience and the right approach, you can teach an old dog new tricks.