Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a researched based psychotherapy treatment designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. It involves eight phases, including history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation.

During the treatment, clients focus on a traumatic/distressing memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (usually through guided eye movements, taps, or sounds). This process is shown to help the brain reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional impact and allowing for more adaptive information processing.

In my practice I specialize in helping individuals excel at sports performance, and recover from PTSD related to acts of discrimination and homophobia.

EMDR is used to treat a variety of conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias. Its effectiveness has been supported by numerous studies, making it a widely recognized and utilized therapeutic approach.

Helpful Videos:

https://youtu.be/1IPsBPH2M1U

https://youtu.be/Pkfln-ZtWeY?si=y3uwa05_fu0dy0hQ

"Highly Sensitive Person" (HSP) or "Sensory Processing Sensitivity" (SPS) are terms popularized in the 1990s by psychologists Elaine Aron and Arthur Aron to describe individuals who have a heightened sensitivity to external stimuli, including physical, emotional, and social cues.

Pros of being an HSP include:

1. Deep emotional awareness: HSPs tend to be more in tune with their own emotions as well as the emotions of others.

2. Greater empathy: They often have a strong capacity for empathy and understanding others' perspectives.

3. Heightened creativity: Many HSPs are creatively inclined, possibly due to their rich inner worlds and sensitivity to nuances.

4. Strong intuition: They may have a keen sense of intuition, which can guide them in decision-making and relationships.

Cons of being an HSP include:

1. Overwhelm in stimulating environments: HSPs can easily feel overwhelmed in environments with loud noises, bright lights, or intense social interactions.

2. Susceptibility to stress: Due to their sensitivity, HSPs may be more prone to stress and anxiety.

3. Difficulty with criticism: They may take criticism more personally and deeply than others.

4. Need for downtime: HSPs often require more time alone or in calm environments to recharge.

In summary, being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) or having Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) entails both strengths and challenges, impacting various aspects of life such as relationships, career choices, and overall well-being.

Client-centered therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, focuses on creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment. The therapist accepts the client without judgment (unconditional positive regard), understands their feelings (empathy), and is genuine and transparent (congruence). This helps clients explore their thoughts and feelings freely, leading to self-awareness and personal growth.

An EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) intensive is a focused and extended therapy session designed to address traumatic memories and emotional distress more quickly than traditional therapy sessions. Instead of weekly sessions, an EMDR intensive involves longer, concentrated periods of therapy, often lasting several hours over a few days. This approach aims to accelerate the healing process by providing a more immersive and continuous treatment experience..

50-minute session: $175

90-minute EMDR session: $250

EMDR Individualized Intensive (accelerated treatment): price varies by treatment plan.