Get to Know My Unique Therapeutic Blend: EMDR, IFS, Attachment, and Polyvagal Theory for Deep Healing
As a psychologist, my mission is to help clients find relief from emotional pain, build resilience, and live with greater ease and connection. My approach weaves together Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), attachment theory, and polyvagal theory into a powerful, integrative therapy tailored to your needs.
If you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, or relational challenges, this unique blend offers a compassionate, evidence-based path to healing. Let’s explore what this approach entails, why it’s effective, its foundations, how it impacts the brain, and what you can expect from our work together.
What is My Therapeutic Approach?
My therapy blends four complementary frameworks:
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EMDR uses guided eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation, like taps or sounds) to help you process “stuck” memories—often from trauma or distress—that fuel symptoms like anxiety or low self-worth. It reduces their emotional charge, freeing you to live more fully in the present.
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IFS views your mind as a family of “parts” (e.g., a protective part or a wounded inner child) and helps you connect with them through your core “Self”—a calm, compassionate leader. This fosters inner harmony and heals emotional wounds.
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Attachment theory explores how early relationships shape your sense of safety and self, addressing relational patterns that amplify distress.
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Polyvagal theory focuses on your autonomic nervous system, helping you shift from fear or shutdown to a state of safety and connection.
Together, these approaches create a holistic experience, addressing your emotions, relationships, nervous system, and inner dynamics for deep, lasting healing.
Why Does This Blend Work?
Each component targets a different aspect of your experience, amplifying the therapeutic impact:
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EMDR rewires how traumatic memories are stored, reducing their intensity by engaging both brain hemispheres, similar to REM sleep processing.
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IFS builds self-compassion by helping you understand and integrate your parts, reducing inner conflict and fostering emotional balance.
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Attachment theory heals relational wounds, strengthening your sense of security and trust in yourself and others.
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Polyvagal theory regulates your nervous system, creating a physiological foundation for safety that enhances all other work.
This synergy accelerates healing by addressing the cognitive, emotional, relational, and physiological layers of distress. Research supports EMDR and IFS for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, while attachment and polyvagal insights deepen relational and nervous system repair, making this blend particularly effective for complex trauma and emotional challenges.
How Does This Blend Affect the Brain?
This approach engages multiple brain regions for holistic healing:
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Amygdala: EMDR and polyvagal interventions calm fear responses, reducing reactivity to triggers.
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Hippocampus: EMDR supports memory integration, while IFS helps contextualize emotional experiences.
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Prefrontal Cortex: EMDR and IFS strengthen cognitive control and self-leadership, transforming negative beliefs (e.g., “I’m unworthy”) into adaptive ones (e.g., “I am enough”).
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Thalamus: EMDR aids sensory integration for smoother memory processing.
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Orbitofrontal Cortex: Attachment work enhances emotional regulation through relational security.
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Vagus Nerve: Polyvagal strategies promote nervous system regulation, fostering a felt sense of safety.
This multi-layered approach shifts your brain from fragmentation and reactivity to integration and resilience, supporting emotional and physiological balance.
Clients often experience profound shifts, sometimes in just a few sessions, with benefits including:
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Emotional Relief: Triggers lose their power, and distressing memories or inner conflicts feel more manageable.
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Stronger Self-Connection: IFS fosters self-compassion, while attachment work builds confidence and trust.
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Regulated Nervous System: Polyvagal techniques reduce stress and hypervigilance, promoting calm.
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Healthier Relationships: Enhanced emotional clarity and security improve how you connect with others.
In sessions, we’ll use EMDR to process specific memories, IFS to dialogue with your parts, attachment-focused strategies to heal relational patterns, and polyvagal techniques to cultivate safety. You’ll remain in control, and I’ll guide you at a pace that feels right. Over time, you may feel lighter, more empowered, and deeply connected to yourself and others.
Is This Approach Right for You?
This integrative blend is ideal for anyone seeking relief from trauma, anxiety, relational struggles, or inner turmoil. Its holistic nature makes it especially powerful for complex challenges, offering a safe, collaborative space to heal. If you’re curious about how this unique approach can support your journey, I’d love to connect. Let’s explore how we can work together to unlock emotional freedom and resilience.
Note: Therapy is tailored to your unique needs and goals. We’ll collaborate to create a safe, empowering experience that honors your journey.
What Can You Expect from This Therapy?