The premise behind Brainspotting is “where you look affects how you feel.” Dr. David Grand, the founder of Brainspotting, discovered that exploring different places in a client’s field of vision could unlock a door into processing deep, often untouched traumas. By accessing parts of the brain that standard talk therapy alone cannot access, our ability to heal trauma is much greater. I utilize this method of trauma work in conjunction with somatic based coping mechanisms to ensure greater emotional regluation throughout the entire process.

IFS is based on the concept of “multiplicity of the mind.” Many people are also familiar with the term “parts work.” I’m sure you have thought to yourself or even said out loud before, “A part of me thinks ‘x’ and another part of me feels ‘y’.” These are the very parts we are referring to! Parts work is often deeply helpful for clients with developmental traumas or trauma that happened in their family of origin. This kind of work allows us to give a voice to younger, hurt parts of ourselves and re-write the story so those parts can get their needs met—not from other people, but from you. This work is playing the long game. I weave concepts of IFS into our sessions regularly to offer perspective and to encourage clients to think about they ways they hold power over their own narrative, and as a result, their lived experiences.

Trauma happens to both the body and the brain, so our healing has to involve both as well. Have you ever wondered why talking about a big problem doesn’t actually feel like it solves anything? This is why. I help clients develop an awareness of their mental, emotional, and somatic (body) experiences. Once we have a foundational awareness of somatic “baseline,” we can deepen our work together to use the body’s method of communicating with us as a tool for setting boundaries, trying new things, and feeling like we have greater autonomy over our lives.