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EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing
There are some traumas that are beyond words. The memories of these trauma can emerge at times when they are uninvited. Trauma memories can be consuming. EMDR help you to re-file those memories to a place that is less invasive. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and is a treatment of choice for severe trauma.
When we hold EMDR therapy sessions, we often use audio, tactile or visual technology to stimulate both sides of the brain in an alternating fashion. You may talk about the trauma, but talking is less necessary in EMDR than in traditional counseling. Focusing on the memory and the bilateral brain stimulation often helps decrease the intensity and duration of invasive trauma memories.
TRAUMA FOCUSED NARRATIVE THERAPY
Trauma is something that happens to you that would not have happened in the Garden of Eden. We all process trauma differently--both consciously and unconsciously. Carefully writing and telling stories of harm, tragedy and loss exposes messages embedded in your operating system that are flawed. Without examining these messages and the harm that caused them, it is possible to be puzzled by self-defeating behavior and thought processes.
So, we invite you to share your Story. When you do, with the Lord's help, you can pick up the pen and begin to write a new chapter.
SAND TRAY/PLAY THERAPY
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Because their brains are still developing, children lack the skills needed to express and process complicated thoughts and emotions. Often children do not even have the words yet to describe what they are feeling.
This is why play is so important to children.
Some clinicians also do work with sand trays. Operating as a type of microcosm of their inner world, the sand tray helps reduce a child’s emotional distress while making emotions more tangible. Children are able to select from a multitude of miniatures to create a world of their own in the sand tray. Clinicians then use this scene as a way to detect themes and open up discussions with the child.
So, sand tray therapy is not just for children. It can be especially useful for teens and adults who may have suffered a trauma in early childhood and need help in processing through their memories. It has also been helpful with people who struggle with understanding their emotions and how to express them.
BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS AND TREATMENT
Children experience problem behaviors. It is a natural part of development that parents expect. What many parents may not predict is to have a child whose behaviors inhibit them from maximum functioning in everyday life. Children with or without disabilities, may require intervention that teaches skills and fills in gaps to assist in getting needs and wants met. ALL behaviors have a function, a purpose. After assessing behavior, children can learn how to request, socialize, and participate with a more functionally appropriate replacement behavior.
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Through behavior interventions, children, parents, and educators can learn techniques to help prevent problem behaviors and how to respond when problem behaviors arise.
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Email Dr. Kelli Barnes at kelli@theprattclinic.com to find out if she may be able to help.
INDIVIDUAL INTENSIVE
Sometimes, extended time is needed, often to address trauma and other issues that are difficult to get into in weekly or biweekly therapy. Uninterrupted time gives focused time to really work through things in therapy that could take weeks or months to get to in a traditional setting.
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