Trauma & EMDR Counseling Services

Trauma EMDR 1 (2)

When people think of the word trauma they often think of trauma from active military duty and war or being involved in a catastrophic weather related incident. The truth is, trauma is much bigger than that.nnTrauma can involve a loss of control, betrayal, abuse of power, helplessness, pain, confusion, and/or loss. Trauma does not have to be an act of war, a natural disaster, or a personal assault. Trauma is any distressing or disturbing event that causes a person to feel so overwhelmed that their ability to cope can cause feelings of helplessness, and it can diminish their sense of self and ability to feel a full range of emotions and experiences.nnBecause trauma affects each individual differently, and some have different ideas of what is traumatic, it is important to understand the difference between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder (ASD), and having a trauma reaction (4 Ts). Whether you have an official diagnosis of PTSD or you are having traumatic responses such as fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, there are treatments that can help you heal, such as EMDR.

Abuse

Physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, and spiritual abuse all alter a person's self-worth. Abuse can cause victims to feel isolation, fear, and distrust which can lead to lifelong psychological consequences. If left untreated these symptoms can manifest as educational difficulties, low-self esteem, depression, anxiety, and trouble forming and maintaining relationships.

Grief

Grief is one of the most difficult emotions to understand and to manage. Grief does not always include the death of someone we love. It also includes the loss of anything that we had strong feelings for. Such as a job, a relationship, a pet, moving away from the only home you've ever known, or leaving your school and your friends. Grief is confusing, upsetting, painful, and sometimes traumatic.

Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder is caused by the experience of a distressing event. When symptoms last more than a month and they seriously affect the individual's ability to function, it is likely they are experiencing PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD can be sadness, anger, denial, fear, and shame. Untreated PTSD can cause nightmares, insomnia, difficulty with relationships, emotional outbursts, nausea, dizziness, altered sleep patterns, changes in appetite, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a well researched and effective method of therapy that helps people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. It is a safe treatment for children, teens, and adults of all ages.nnEMDR therapy helps the brain process distressing memories, and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved.nnAttention will be given to a negative image, belief, emotion, and body sensation related to this event, and then to a positive belief that would indicate the issue was resolved. The goal of EMDR therapy is to leave you with the emotions, understanding, and perspectives that will lead to healthy and useful behaviors and interactions.

Trauma & EMDR Counselors

Jackie has worked over 40 years serving people in a variety of settings and has a heart for those who struggle with depression, feelings of inadequacies, anxiousness, trauma, or are walking through losses and other transitions in their lives. She also has a passion for counseling adults who are bound by addictions of various types. For those who are open to spiritual supports, she incorporates the Bible, and prayer in the counseling room, encouraging others in their relationship with God.

Jackie has a Master of Science degree and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), as well as Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) is a therapy designed to heal traumatic and stressful life experiences by decreasing the distressing emotions connected to those experiences.

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Brooklynn has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a graduate degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis which she is set to finish this year. Brooklynn has experience working at a behavioral analysis clinic for kids with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism. She also spent 5 years in Columbia in the mission field working with kids, youth, and adults facing extreme trauma; she is bilingual.

Brooklynn sees people of all stages and ages though her focus is mainly on children, adolescents, marriage and family therapy, and trauma therapy. She will see children as young as 3 years of age and individuals with special needs including but not limited to autism, down syndrome, and genetic disorders. If an individual is nonverbal, she will provide parent training sessions to the parents so they can implement practices at home.

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DeAnne has a B.A in Psychology and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has her Temp LMHC and is working towards full licensure.

DeAnne works under the umbrella of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, utilizing REBT, EFT, Family Systems, and Motivational Interviewing. She is a certified SYMBIS facilitator for pre-marital couples and is currently working toward Gottman marriage certification.

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Meg holds a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Education and a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. She is also a Gottman Certified therapist for couples counseling. She provides therapy for individuals, couples, and adolescents and takes an interpersonal, client-centered, and collaborative approach to counseling.

Her experience includes inpatient and outpatient care for adults and children in a psychiatric setting, music therapy in a rehabilitation hospital, in-home counseling as part of a hospice team, bereavement counseling/management, and a special interest in emotional issues of individuals who have suffered from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and other physical traumas.

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Stephanie's clinical experience includes working with adolescent, adult individuals, and couples utilizing a faith-based approach coupled with the therapeutic models of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-focused practices. 

 

Stephanie utilizes individualized treatment plans to meet each client where they are at including the areas of depression and anxiety, PTSD, addictions and recovery, relational conflict, grief and loss, emotional regulation, and difficult life changes/transitions.

Stephanie only sees patients via telehealth.

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Heather’s clinical area of focus is working with adolescent and adult clients dealing with depression, anxiety, relational conflict, grief and loss, postpartum depression, and life transitions. Her approach is to help you learn ways to deal with present circumstances, gain insight from your past, as well as hope for the future. She likes to assess you holistically and work with you to balance all areas of your life: spiritually, relationally, physically, nutritionally, mentally, and emotionally.

Heather has a Master of Arts degree in Community counseling and School Counseling with an undergraduate degree in Psychology. She uses an eclectic approach to counseling including various interventions from (CBT) Cognitive Behavioral, (DBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and (TBRI) Trust Based Relational therapy. She also has an interest in how nutrition and gut health affect mental health. Heather is currently pursuing and learning more about nutritional and integrative medicine for mental health professionals. She only offers sessions through Telehealth as an online therapist for New Life Counseling.

Heather only sees patients via telehealth.

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Jordan has a bachelor’s degree in social work, a Master of Science in School Counseling, is a licensed social worker (LBSW), and has his LMHC. He has several years of experience working as a residential social worker and school counselor.

Jordan’s counseling approach is faith-based, using Biblical values and principles. He also utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy techniques but likes to remain flexible based on his client’s needs. Jordan is a certified SYMBIS facilitator for pre-marital couples and is certified to give Prepare/Enrich assessments for couples.

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Rick holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and completed a residency in clinical pastoral education (CPE) and served as a staff chaplain. He worked in Employee and Family resources for 22 years counseling individuals, couples, adolescents and those with addictions and employee issues. Rick is also a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP).

Rick enjoys working from a Christian perspective and is a Strength-based, Positive, Cognitive Behavioral therapist. He enjoys working with folks who are worried, unhappy, discouraged and searching for meaning in their lives. Couples are able to develop a new closeness through mutual respect and positive dialogue becoming supportive caring allies.

Rick only sees patients via telehealth.

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From the Blog: Trauma & EMDR

10 Trauma books

10 Powerful Books About Healing from Trauma

By New Life Counseling | May 9, 2022

We are all impacted by past experiences and memories, and some may have major traumas and others small setbacks. Whatever your experience, it can take a lot of courage to heal. Trauma is not an easy thing to overcome. These 10 powerful books about different types of trauma will hopefully shine a little light on…

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pink background with 3 large tropical leaves along bottom edge. Image of text message box with a message from "your therapist" that says "Take a deep breath and listen to me. Each part of your life has value and needs special attention. You can't compare it to another person's. Though a diagnosis can impact your life, it doesn't have to be who you are."

Your Diagnosis: A Letter From A Counselor

By New Life Counseling | May 20, 2021

As a counselor, I get a wide variety of people that need to talk through situational stress, relationship problems, grief and loss, patterns of behavior, trauma and all that comes with it. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to take the opportunity to share three things to keep in mind if you…

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Holiday grief at christmas New Life Counseling Blog Post

Grief at Christmas

By New Life Counseling | December 10, 2020

For many 2020 has been a year of cancellation, job loss, loss of community, and loss of loved ones. This holiday season can be a reminder of who will not be with us and traditions that won’t feel the same. Recognizing the grief you’re experiencing is important to processing and finding a path forward. Here are some tips and practical ways to deal with your grief this holiday season.

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