Techniques
Healing starts within.
I use the most current, evidence-based treatments for trauma. These approaches reflect our contemporary understanding of neuroscience and are based on decades of clinical experience. Rather than rely on a single method, I use the most relevant therapies to help you process distressing experiences safely and effectively.
Where you look affects how you feel.
Ever notice that sometimes when you are trying to remember something, you find yourself looking up or off to the side? That is a natural example of brainspotting. The direction your eyes are pointed in that moment helps you find that information. Brainspotting is built on the idea that a specific spot in your field of vision, a “brainspot,” can trigger deep, unprocessed emotions or trauma.
It’s like a portal.
When you find that spot and hold your gaze, it acts like a portal to access and process these stuck memories and sensations.
Deep healing.
It helps your brain and body release this stored activation, leading to lasting change, often faster than just talking about it.
“Learning where my trauma lies in childhood through adulthood and coming to terms with those has been breathtaking . . . I feel lighter and am grateful that my husband and young children reap the benefits of the work I am doing with Doreen. They are getting a spouse and mom that is happier and truly present in their lives.” – G.S.
Internal Family Systems
IFS is a therapeutic approach that recognizes that a person is composed of many parts. Some parts have been burdened by painful experiences and may then work to protect the person from pain. For example, if you were raised in a chaotic environment, part of you may become a people pleaser to protect yourself from further chaos. This is a survival response.
These parts don’t always agree and can pull us in different directions. At the center of it all is the Self, the calm, confident part of you that is naturally capable of clarity, compassion, and leadership. IFS helps heal the wounded parts and restore balance.
I will guide you to identify and understand the parts that make up your internal systems. Then, as you identify your parts, you learn to work with them as I support your emotions and help you acknowledge your feelings.
When people don’t feel heard or acknowledged, they may exhibit behaviors that react to a situation but are ineffective. Ultimately, you will find alternative ways to understand the conflicts and have the tools to move forward with IFS.
“My mom was dealing with grief over the loss of my dad and other aging-related issues. My mother hesitantly agreed to see Doreen. I believe the bond between them was immediate. Doreen was so compassionate and understanding that my mom felt comfortable confiding in her and now looks forward to each session.” – D.R.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing was originally used to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder caused by trauma, but it works for various concerns.
Emotional stress can impact you physically and mentally. EMDR helps you process and regulate your emotions. EMDR uses both the emotional and the cognitive parts of the brain to help you become desensitized to those stressful thoughts and feelings, allowing you to replace them with more positive ones.
How I use EMDR with my clients
While using EMDR, we look at your negative thoughts and beliefs about yourself. We challenge and reduce those negative thoughts. Then, we work to increase and strengthen your positive thoughts and beliefs about yourself and your situation.
It’s natural and normal to have strong feelings when confronting old problems. EMDR helps you process these memories more productively and makes them less painful.
Your brain does the work. My role is to provide you with the structure and steps to guide your healing.
I explain the process to you, so you know what we are doing the entire time. We will talk through any questions you have and work at a pace that is comfortable for you.
Start healing today.
You’ve suffered long enough.
It’s time to show up for yourself.
Schedule your free 15-minute consultation.