Our Approach
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a form of psychotherapy that was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the 1980s to help people process traumatic memories and other distressing life experiences. EMDR is a research-based treatment approach that has been extensively studied over the past few decades. There have been many controlled studies and systematic reviews of the research on EMDR, and the evidence consistently suggests that it is an effective treatment for trauma and related conditions.
EMDR uses a structured approach to guide clients through recalling traumatic memories while simultaneously engaging in a bilateral stimulation technique, such as following the therapist's fingers moving back and forth or listening to tones that alternate from ear to ear. The idea is that this bilateral stimulation can help activate the brain's natural ability to process and integrate traumatic memories in a more adaptive way.
Through a series of EMDR sessions, clients may be able to reduce the intensity and distress associated with traumatic memories, as well as shift negative beliefs and emotions associated with the trauma. EMDR has been found to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction.
For More information, visit https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Somatic Experiencing (SE™) is a body-oriented therapeutic model for healing trauma and other stress disorders. It is the life's work of Dr. Peter A. Levine. SE provides the basic natural healing and core nervous system skills to reprocess the past and better navigate the future. It helps clients attune to what's happening in their bodies, slow down and pause fast energies, wake up, and balance sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Learning to consciously titrate gives clients a boost in self-awareness and confidence in their capacity to change and heal.
The Meadows Model
The Meadows Model, also known as post-induction therapy (PIT), is an innovative approach to therapy that's based on the pioneering work of Meadows Senior Fellow Pia Mellody. This model is designed to explore the impact of trauma and codependency on mental health and addiction. As primary therapists at The Meadows, we subscribe to Mellody's definition of trauma, which is "anything less than nurturing."
The Meadows Model focuses on five core issues that explore how our inner child and inner teenager may be affecting our ability to live the life we want to live. By identifying and addressing these issues, we can begin to heal the fractures that occur from trauma and move towards a more fulfilling life.
We are proud to work within this groundbreaking model and to have the opportunity to help clients heal and grow. If you're struggling with the impact of trauma on your life, we are here to support you and guide you towards a brighter future.
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)
Deep Brain Reorienting Therapy (DBR) stands as a promising solution to addressing trauma. Originating in Glasgow, Scotland, this innovative therapeutic approach, developed by Psychiatrist Dr. Frank Corrigan, places a specialized focus on the brain stem. The primary goal of DBR is to provide trauma survivors with a renewed sense of ease, relief, and hope.
Within the realm of Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), our emphasis is on addressing unresolved shock, which has the potential to accumulate and manifest as various distressing symptoms such as pain, distress, hypervigilance, nightmares, anxiety, and fear. Seeks to facilitate a gentler and less overwhelming trauma processing experience. This therapy delves into the moments when individuals initially recognize that something is amiss, an unsettling realization preceding the onset of emotions and defense mechanisms. The objective is to access and heal these foundational instances of shock, offering a nuanced and effective approach to trauma recovery.
Structural Dissociation
This theory was popularized by Janina Fisher, Kathy Martin, Sarah Jenkins, and Kathy Steele. The theory states that when trauma impacts the nervous system to a great extent, the mind compartmentalizes the person's reality, creating “parts”. These parts are often in conflict with each other. An example of daily use of parts is when someone says, “Part of me wants to go to lunch with my friends, but another part knows I need to spend that time catching up on work.” This example wouldn’t typically be too distressing to people, but often the conflict is greater and causes more distress. The goal is to explore the different thoughts, beliefs, and feelings and begin communicating what the goals and strategies of each part attempt to benefit the person as a whole. Dissociation is a spectrum, from awareness of different parts of ourselves (above example) to dissociative identity disorder.
