Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprogramming Therapy:

When our brain stores a memory, it is stored in the cortex, the outer most layers of the brain. Memories that are stored with an emotional response, store in a different area, close to the amygdala, in the core of the brain. Memories stored with emotional responses can be easily triggered by situations where a similar emotional response might be given. These are called trauma and result in behaviors such as anxiety, panic, avoidance, and/or emotional sensitivity. Experiences related to a specific memory or trauma,  build over time and often create greater challenges. EMDR can be used to process the emotions that were not processed at the time of an event. EMDR is an evidence based, well research therapy which allows the individual to process the emotion's associated with a target memory. 

Before beginning EMDR therapy, the therapist will do some assessment and skill building to ensure this will be the optimal therapy for you. EMDR is often used with CBT to allow additional skill building before or during reprocessing. EDMR has a specific protocol which is used to assist the person in processing the emotions to help them heal. After reprocessing, memories actually move and are stored in the cortex as they should have been originally. People report feeling "lighter" or "restored" after completing a treatment or several treatments. Unwanted behaviors correct themselves as they no longer serve a purpose. CBT is the therapy that EMDR is formulated around using negative thoughts or cognitions as starting points and matching these to behaviors and/or memories that result in specific behaviors. While each has their own protocols, making them unique, they also share common ground.

EMDR differs from traditional talk therapy in that it is more about "doing" and reprocessing emotions physically rather then speaking about them. While some talking occurs, talk serves to focus a session and build rapport rather then being the complete focus of the session. Talk therapies typically engage the mind in asking the client to work on challenging negative thoughts or analyzing thought patterns.

EMDR has successfully treated individuals with PTSD, chronic pain and other mental health challenges. Carolyn Black is our EMDR therapist.

Somatic Therapy:

This therapy gained much attention as a result of the growing awareness of our bodies' ability to store emotions. The publication "The Body Keeps The Score" discusses this phenomena in greater detail. 

Disturbing feelings often show up in the body in debilitating ways. Anxiety and depression can lead to tension in muscles of the body causing a lot of discomfort and pain. Somatic therapy aims to channel those emotions to relieve pain and other manifestations of stress, sleep disruptions or an inability to concentrate. In somatic therapy the body is the starting point to achieve healing by cultivating an awareness of body sensations while exploring thoughts, emotions and memories. 

A somatic therapist helps individuals release emotions stored in their body by using various body mind techniques which can vary from acupressure, hypnosis, breathwork and specific movements. The Red Sands therapist who specializes in Somatic Therapy also a Shamanic and Reiki practitioner and therefore offers an integrative approach to healing.

Somatic Therapy differs from traditional talk therapy in that it is a therapy more about "relieving the tension" physically rather then analyzing the thoughts ad patterns of one's thinking. While some talking does occur during this therapy, there are distinct differences between the therapies.

Somatic Therapy has been successful with treating individuals with PTSD, chronic pain and other mental health challenges. Sandra Sheridan is our certified attachment Somatic Therapist.

Couples Therapy:

 Carolyn Black has completed level 1 of Relational Life Couples Therapy and is working towards certification.

Relational Life Couples Therapy works quickly to identify the patterns which may stand in the way of a couple functioning well together. It is the dynamic between individuals, not the individuals themselves that is often the issue. Once these are identified, the therapist looks deeper into the causes of the patterns such that couples develop a greater understanding of themselves and each other. Skills are taught so that each partner is able to function more effectively in their relationship.

Shamanic Healing

Shamanic healing can complement therapy or medical treatment for issues like developmental trauma and intergenerational trauma. 

One of our therapists is a Shamanic Practitioner. Ask when you reach out to Red Sands Therapy if you might be interested  or are curious about shamanic healing. We can arrange an appointment or a consult if you'd like more information.

Shamanic healing is an amazing and wonderful healing experience individually and within a group with whom you have comfort. Red Sands Therapy will offer a group experiences too! Reach out to explore this!