MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACH​

My approach to counseling is centered on relationship and is a mixture of Top-Down and Bottom-Up approaches to trauma treatment. I view trauma through a Biblical lens, having an understanding of God's purpose for His people in bringing restoration and deliverance through Jesus Christ. 

How we see and feel about ourselves and the world is influenced by key moments in relationship from the time we are born to the present. Understanding your experience and roles in your family of origin, as well as other events in childhood, often gives us insight into long standing beliefs or patterns you may find yourself in today. 

​Trauma and wounding throughout our lives can also set us up to make agreements or vows, which are deep beliefs that don't line up with the truth of God's Word. We might know intellectually something is not true, but still find ourselves operating out of those lies, unable to shake them. Our work together will explore these areas, too.

​I will help you to name stories that need to be grieved and wrestled with; this process of looking at the truth of your story will create space to begin moving away from lies and deep-rooted patterns that keep you stuck. This is considered a "top-down" approach to treating trauma; it's focused more on cognitive processing, creating awareness and insight, and is considered a typical element of talk therapy.

The "bottom-up" approach I utilize in treating trauma is EMDR, which aids in processing through what has been stored in the brain and body as a result of trauma. (See video on the EMDR page to learn more).   For those who have experienced trauma and abuse, it is common to often be disconnected from one's own body and emotional world. It can be tempting to regularly stay in an intellectual or "head space" rather than be aware of bodily responses, triggers, or deeper emotions. This can keep us from connecting the stories we are telling to actual feelings and sensations that we have been created to experience. EMDR can assist in processing through distressing memories or moments in order to help bridge the gap between what our head thinks and what our hearts are feeling at a deeper level.  This is done with the intent of being free from memories, emotions, thoughts or triggers that "haunt" us so we can  live  from a place of healing and freedom.