Treatment Approaches

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.  Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy, clients can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a short-term type of therapy that is grounded in 30 years of process and outcome research by Dr. Sue Johnson and her colleagues.  It provides a “roadmap” for healing through an attachment lens.  We are all hard-wired to be connected from cradle to grave and different events (big and smaller “ruptures”) get in the way of a deeper connection.

Emotionally Focused Therapy uses a non-pathologic framework that explores how clients are stuck in habitual ways of dealing with emotions.  That is what we call their cycle.  EFT therapists view the cycle itself as the problem not each other.  Unhappy couples fight about content or data.  That is only the tip of the iceberg.  Submerged below is the emotional disconnection often times resulting in feelings of fear, hurt, sadness, shame, guilt and remorse.  Underneath the arguments there lies the same questions:  Are you there for me?  Can I trust you?  Do I matter to you?  Will you respond to me when I need you?

The goal of EFT is to work towards a “secure attachment.” That is, the idea that each partner can provide a sense of safety, security, protection, and comfort for the other. `

The ultimate outcome of treatment is to:

  • feel closer to your partner both emotionally and physically;
  • turn longstanding conflicts into connections;
  • understand the “dance” that is occurring in the family or couple ship and change the steps;
  • understand the underlying unmet attachment need.

Psychodrama

Psychodrama is a type of experiential, action-based therapy in which people explore issues by acting out events from their past. This type of therapy incorporates aspects of role-playing, empty chair, catharsis and group dynamics to help people gain greater understanding and insight into their lives and experiences.

Psychodrama techniques are used in both individual, couples and family work.  The expression “a picture says 1000 words” best describes this work.