Lydia's Approach
Through my own therapy experiences, I learned the value of a non-judgmental, unconditional, accepting relationship. Trauma-informed therapy is not about “fixing” yourself, but finding appreciation for all of yourself. The focus is not on getting rid of negative emotions, but understanding how they helped you survive.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is an evidence-based practice for trauma; but it can be applied to a variety of issues. EMDR is a whole brain approach to therapy as you are working with thoughts, emotions, & the body. What is felt in the body is connected to a filing cabinet of related memories & relationships in our nervous system.
Through stimulating rapid-eye movement (akin to the process of dreaming), a person is able to reprocess those experiences where the memory no longer activates strong distressing emotions. The memory is not forgotten, but no longer carries negative meaning. This frees up the person to live fully in the present, letting go of past fears.
​
For more information on EMDR visit:
Ego State Therapy
Ambivalence or feeling internally divided is a common experience. Sometimes our internal conflict can feel like two parts arguing & we feel stuck or divided. Trauma, especially in early childhood, can have the effect of splitting a person's internal self causing contradictory thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
​
Ego State Therapy helps increase compassion & understanding for all parts of the self; allowing an internal system that can dialogue rather than fight or shut down.