Therapies provided
Somatic Experiencing®
Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) is a therapeutic approach that recognizes the connection between the mind and body in the healing process. Developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine, SE focuses on resolving the effects of trauma and stress on the nervous system.
Traumatic events, whether physical or psychological, can overpower our natural ability to recover and adapt. This results in a dysregulated nervous system that remains stuck in a state of trauma arousal (fight, flight, or freeze). SE aims to restore the body's innate capacity for self-regulation, allowing individuals to release the energy trapped in their bodies from these overwhelming experiences.
SE therapists guide clients through a gentle and structured process to help them reestablish a sense of safety and connection with their bodies. By focusing on bodily sensations and movements, clients can become more attuned to the signals and responses embedded within their physical bodies.
Unlike traditional talk therapies, SE bypasses solely relying on verbal communication, acknowledging that traumatic experiences are stored in the body's non-verbal, sensory memories. By accessing these sensations and tracking the flow of energy in the body, clients can gradually address and integrate their traumatic experiences.
The SE approach incorporates key principles to support the healing process. "Titration" encourages the gradual exploration of distressing sensations or memories in small and manageable doses. This prevents retraumatization, allowing the nervous system to safely engage in the therapeutic process.
"Resourcing" is another vital aspect of SE, which involves identifying and strengthening positive or neutral experiences to foster a sense of safety and support during sessions. This helps to balance and regulate the nervous system, creating an environment conducive to healing.
SE also recognizes the importance of "pendulation," the rhythmic movement between activating stressful emotions or sensations and finding moments of respite and relaxation. This shift allows the nervous system to gradually discharge built-up stress and trauma, promoting integration and restoration.
Clients who engage in Somatic Experiencing often report decreased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By cultivating a mindful connection to their bodies, individuals can develop a greater sense of resilience, wholeness, and empowerment in their lives.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. It is based on the premise that psychological suffering stems from our attempts to avoid or get rid of unpleasant thoughts, emotions, and sensations, and that by accepting these experiences, we can create space for positive change.
The core idea in ACT is that we should accept that the experience of pain and suffering is a normal part of life, rather than trying to control or eliminate it. By accepting our thoughts and feelings without judgment, we can cultivate a greater sense of psychological flexibility and resilience.
ACT also emphasizes the importance of clarifying personal values and committing to actions that align with these values. It encourages individuals to identify what truly matters to them and to take steps towards these values, even when faced with difficult or uncomfortable emotions.
One of the key techniques used in ACT is mindfulness. By practicing mindfulness, individuals learn to observe their thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them or trying to change them. This allows for a sense of detachment from distressing experiences, and helps individuals build a greater capacity to respond effectively to challenging situations.
Another important element of ACT is the use of cognitive defusion. This involves recognizing and stepping back from unhelpful thoughts, rather than getting caught up in them. By defusing from our thoughts, we create distance and reduce their impact on our emotions and behavior.
ACT sessions often include experiential exercises, metaphorical stories, and use of therapeutic interventions to support clients in their journey towards psychological flexibility. Therapists may also use creative techniques to help clients build a more mindful and values-driven life.
Overall, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy provides people with practical tools and strategies to accept their thoughts and feelings, while also taking committed action towards living a meaningful life. This approach empowers individuals to cultivate psychological resilience, reduce suffering, and thrive in the face of life's challenges.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Somatic Internal Family Systems
Somatic Internal Family Systems (Somatic IFS) is an integrative therapeutic approach that combines principles of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with somatic (body-centered) techniques. IFS views the mind as composed of multiple "parts," each with its own perspectives, emotions, and roles, alongside a core Self that is centered, calm, and compassionate. The therapy aims to identify, understand, and harmonize these internal parts to foster healing and psychological balance.
The somatic component incorporates awareness of bodily sensations and experiences to deepen the connection to internal parts and promote regulation. By tuning into the body, clients can access emotions and unresolved trauma stored physically, facilitating a fuller and more embodied therapeutic process.
Somatic IFS helps by:
Enhancing self-awareness through recognizing both mental and bodily signals.
Allowing clients to safely explore and dialogue with their internal parts while grounded in bodily experience.
Releasing trauma and tension held in the body, supporting emotional processing and integration.
Strengthening the leadership of the Self to nurture internal harmony and resilience.
Providing tools to manage stress and dysregulation through embodiment practices.
Overall, Somatic IFS fosters holistic healing by bridging mind and body, leading to improved emotional well-being and a greater sense of internal coherence.
Creative Therapies
These therapies utilize the creative process of making art to enhance emotional, psychological, and mental well-being. They combine the principles of psychotherapy with the expressive power of art, offering a unique avenue for individuals to explore, understand, and communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
During a creative therapy session, a therapist provides a safe and supportive space for clients to engage in various artistic mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, or collage. The focus is not on creating aesthetically pleasing artwork, but rather on the process of self-expression and self-discovery.
Art has a way of bypassing the limitations of verbal language, allowing individuals to express aspects of themselves that may be difficult to put into words. By engaging in the art-making process, clients can tap into their subconscious, accessing emotions, memories, and beliefs that may be buried or unconscious.
In addition to its therapeutic benefits, creative therapy can also foster a sense of empowerment and self-confidence. Engaging in the art-making process allows individuals to reclaim their voice, express their unique identity, and regain a sense of control over their lives.
