Theories That Inform My Practice
Polyvagal Theory
Polyvagal Theory emphasizes the role the autonomic nervous system - especially the vagus nerve - plays in regulating our health and behavior. Created and developed by Stephen Porges, PhD, the theory describes the physiological/psychological states which underlie our daily behavior as well as challenges related to our wellness and mental health. By applying Polyvagal Theory to our personal lives as well as to disciplines such as medicine, education, and management, we can understand how safety, co-regulation, and connection are paramount to a healthy human experience.
Somatice Parts
Our inner parts are created and affected by our life experiences. They show up as tension or unease in your body, as well as in thinking, behaviors, and the way we relate to ourselves and others. Integrative Somatic Parts explores practices that give you a felt connection to your core self, helping to heal and integrate mind and body. This integration can lead to an increased sense of wholeness and compassion for yourself and others. Integrative Somatic Parts will help you find a greater sense of internal harmony, acceptance, confidence, calmness, wisdom, compassion and connectedness.
Neuro Affective Relational Model
NARM is a model for addressing attachment, relational and developmental trauma, by working with the attachment patterns that cause life-long psychobiological symptoms and interpersonal difficulties. These early, unconscious patterns of disconnection deeply affect our identity, emotions, physiology, behavior and relationships. Learning how to work simultaneously with these diverse elements is a radical shift that has profound clinical implications for healing complex trauma. As such, NARM is positioned to become an invaluable treatment option for the Trauma-Informed Care movement.
My Approach
The words “Trauma Healing” may bring many images and thoughts to mind. Some people imagine weeping and reliving the most painful stories of their lives. Others think about a destination they will finally get to. Some may think of letting things magically go and the feeling of a burden lifted.
Though I don’t know what your specific beliefs are regarding trauma healing, I would like to bring some (perhaps) new images to your mind.
What if trauma healing involved moving towards life, joy, support, and hope?
What if it were not a destination far away from where you are, but an actual reconnection to who you truly are?
What if you don't need to “let things go” but instead, integrate the fragmented parts of you that have been lost and abandoned?
We live in a world plagued by disconnection. Chances are if you have experienced any trauma, you are a pro at disconnecting from your emotions, as well as the lived experience of your body. Trauma survivors are intelligent, complex beings and experts at surviving, even at the expense of connection with themselves.
I believe the healing journey isn’t about rehashing your trauma, forcing emotional release, or replaying your emotional responses over and over again. Given the right circumstances, your wise and intelligent body will “release” naturally. I believe the healing journey is about reconnecting to the truest experience of who you are. The you that was abandoned and forgotten to survive, and the you that already has beautiful aliveness and hope inside. I believe healing trauma should involve supporting yourself in ways that feel loving, good, helpful, and gentle.
This journey of reconnection will not always be comfortable, but it should be slow, gentle and safe. Your nervous system does not heal under pressure, avoidance, or timelines. It heals with space, love, and authenticity. Ultimately, I believe you are your own healer, and I would be honored to guide you on the path of reconnection to yourself.
