Services
My focus is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) interventions and I am an EMDR certified therapist. I am trained in early EMDR interventions including ASSYST, R-TEP and PRECI; as well as DeTur and IFS-informed EMDR. EMDR has 8 phases which begin with assessment, screening and resource preparation. If dissociation is present additional assessment and preparation will be necessary prior to beginning the reprocessing phase. I have completed additional training in assessing and working with dissociation. I utilize other approaches such as CBT and DBT as needed to help build skills and meet other goals. I am also able to offer the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) via remote delivery to reduce reactivity and auditory sensitivity.
Providing psychotherapy and specifically addressing trauma through telehealth requires that clients are able to tolerate distressing thoughts and feelings. An extended preparation phase or additional interventions may be necessary for stabilization and safe reprocessing.
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Populations Served
I'm experienced working with active duty service members and veterans, first responders and medical professionals, dual diagnosis/co-occurring substance disorders and recovery, survivors of abuse, traumatic grief, generational trauma, and the LGBTQ+ community. I have 8 years of experience working in tribal health with Alaska Natives.
Individual clients only, I do not provide family or couples therapy.
Ages: 13+
Minors will need a guardian to initiate and complete the intake process. If a custody agreement is in place any parent/guardians with medical decision-making authority must consent to services per ethical and legal guidelines.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing can be safely and effectively provided via telehealth thanks to the tools available. While eye movements remain a popular form of BLS (bi-lateral stimulation) there are additional options including hand tappers or buzzies, and self-tapping.
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The EMDR standard protocol is comprised of 8 phases. Initially developed for PTSD, it is applicable and successful at treating a number of symptoms and concerns ranging from single incident PTSD, attachment trauma, and intrusive thoughts and feelings contributing to depressive and anxiety disorders.
EMDR is particularly helpful when memories are disjointed and/or incomplete which frequently happens with traumatic events. EMDR targets feelings and beliefs without requiring a well-organized recollection.
IFS informed EMDR
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is one of the multiple frameworks for understanding and working with dissociation. A core understanding in IFS is that we all have parts. IFS lends itself very well to not only clinically significant dissociation but also conflicting thoughts and behaviors that are often the subject of therapy.
EMDR intensives
The standard hour long psychotherapy session is a great fit for some, and not so much for others. If an individual can maintain dual attention and tolerate any potential discomfort of lengthier reprocessing the efficiency can result in greater benefits and relief achieved during a single (longer) session.
Unfortunately most insurance carriers prefer and will only pay for an hour at a time. In many cases EMDR benefits from longer sessions. If a client is interested in 90 minute+ sessions they will need to pay out of pocket costs instead of utilizing insurance benefits. Intensive sessions can last 90 minutes to 3.5 hours at a time.
Early EMDR Interventions (EEI)
There are protocols for addressing recent events to help reduce acuity and take advantage of the time window before memory consolidates. This can provide immediate relief and help prevent PTSD from forming.
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EEI targets narrowly and then expands as necessary. The goal is to reduce acute intrusions with minimal intervention and contained boundaries.
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*EEI is NOT a substitute for the full 8 phases of standard protocol. It is not appropriate for individuals who are unable to self-regulate and may destabilize clients who are already dysregulated. Potential clients must be screened to determine if they are good candidates for EMD, EMDr, RTEP, ASSYST or PRECI.
Assessment
I worked at an assessment center serving a large community agency for 5 years, completing integrated biopsychosocial assessments. New clients will complete an assessment interview along with additional screening and assessment measures as appropriate. In order to maximize our time together and complete the assessment process more efficiently some screeners will be sent to clients to complete through the secure client portal.
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If an assessment report is required for a specific purpose or third party, such as a bariatric surgery assessment, additional time may be needed to complete a more in-depth written report.
Adjunct EMDR therapy
Individuals who already have a strong relationship with their therapist may be struggling with lingering symptoms that don't resolve despite success in other areas.
I have worked with referring clinicians in the past to address stubborn symptoms that haven't responded to other interventions. After completing the EMDR protocol(s) they return to their primary clinician.
Adjunct EMDR can also be used to provide EEI following a traumatic event, or DeTUR as part of a recovery program.
SSP is an evidence-based passive listening therapy. Since it can be delivered remotely it's an excellent option for Alaskans looking to supplement psychotherapy and further reduce their reactivity. SSP uses filtered music to gently recalibrate the way we interpret and respond to environmental cues.
Safe and Sound protocol
What the research says
