Safety in therapy is a complex and evolving concept. As therapists and clients, we're constantly learning and adapting our understanding of what creates true safety in the therapeutic process. This week on the podcast, we explore the nuances of safety in EMDR, Brainspotting and beyond, challenging some common assumptions and opening up new possibilities for healing. Our perceptions of safety can shift over time, both in immediate situations and in retrospect. My own certainly have. From first hearing about EMDR and Brainspotting (and discounting them), to now specializing in EMDR and training ..read more

EMDR therapy is a powerful path to healing, but many misconceptions persist about it—from medical professionals, therapists, and others. As an EMDR consultant with over ten thousand hours of sessions under my belt, I've witnessed firsthand how this brain-based therapy can transform lives when applied thoughtfully. Traditional talk therapy absolutely has its place, providing a safe space for clients to explore their narratives and build coping skills. However, EMDR takes healing to the next level by directly rewiring neural pathways associated with distressing memories and beliefs. This accele ..read more

Changing behavior, especially when it comes to addictive or compulsive patterns, is often misunderstood and oversimplified. Many therapists and rehab programs focus solely on modifying beliefs and behaviors, overlooking vital elements in our neurological programming. This approach can lead to frustration, repeated relapses, and unnecessary shame for those struggling to make lasting changes. This week on the podcast, we’re taking a look at a more comprehensive, brain-based perspective on behavior change. We'll discuss why traditional methods fall short and how modalities like EMDR can address ..read more

While many therapists identify as "trauma-informed" or "attachment-informed," these labels should be a given for any effective therapist. How so? Because any therapy work is attachment work. The reality is that we've all been shaped by our early experiences and relationships, creating programming that influences how we view ourselves and interact with others. Understanding attachment styles - secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized - offers valuable insight into relationship patterns. However, simply labeling someone's attachment style isn't enough. The key is uncovering the specific beli ..read more

Therapists often make an artificial distinction between addressing trauma in therapy and utilizing coaching for personal growth. Making this separation can limit the full potential of therapy and leave clients feeling prematurely "graduated" before they've had a chance to truly thrive. In reality, our brains are constantly running multiple "programs," both positive and negative, that shape our experiences and behaviors. EMDR and Brainspotting recognize this duality, working to desensitize disturbing memories while simultaneously strengthening positive resources and beliefs. These modalities d ..read more

The world of therapy is changing, and it's time to challenge the status quo. And I’m here to share why some of the most common diagnoses in the DSM, such as anxiety, depression, addiction, body dysmorphia, and PTSD, are not only limiting but can actually cause harm to both clients and therapists. By exploring the concept of "programming" and how our early experiences shape our beliefs, behaviors, and emotional responses, I’m offering a fresh (and maybe a little controversial) perspective on mental health diagnoses. I don’t believe that we’re defined by our diagnoses but that we’re a product of ..read more

The new year is often a time for goal-setting and resolution-making, but so many people struggle with following through over the next 12 months. That’s not true for those who are using EMDR in their treatment. Why? Because the foundation of EMDR is about desensitizing disturbance of what happened in the past, what’s happening in the present, and creating a bridge into the future to feel calmer and more resourced. That’s how true change occurs. We don’t have to sit in discomfort for too long. EMDR can help us to create the future we want and deserve. This week on the podcast, I’m walking throug ..read more

When there’s a loss like the death of a loved one, there’s a cultural acknowledgement of that loss that gives us the time and space to grieve and to heal. But we experience grief in so many other situations, outside of death. Grief is something that helps us to process changes, like the death of an idea of the life we thought we’d have. We can never fully imagine how change and grief hits us because of illness, a move, or job loss. Life changes all the time and we often grieve those changes. But we don’t get the same response from the world around us as we do when someone passes away. This wee ..read more

We all know someone who has anger “problems,” but I believe that there’s a different conversation we need to have about anger. Anger is a feeling, not a problem, and it’s not bad unless expressed in a way that’s disproportionate to what’s happening. But not expressing enough anger is an even bigger problem than too much anger. Let me convince you why. Anger is a biologically-programmed survival response. However, society’s curriculum often tells us to repress it, specifically telling women that we can’t express our anger because it’s not ladylike or proper. The reality is that we can’t remove ..read more

  We all have a relationship with something that’s helping us to feel a certain way, full and in control, empowered and attached. But we’ve been given so many different curricula around what we’re supposed to look and feel like, we’re using behaviors like food restriction or binging and purging in an effort to feel a certain way. Disordered eating isn’t a term I love, but it’s what’s used in mainstream culture. It’s a relationship, and not a healthy one. So when a therapy client is looking for support around disordered eating, it’s important for the therapist to get really curious about t ..read more