Virginia Diaz Counseling & Family Therapy

An evidenced based, mind-body therapeutic approach, which views memory networks as the basis of health and also the basis of what is causing distress in the present. When the brain cannot naturally heal on its own, the past keeps playing out in the present. 

These experiences interfere with the lens on your relationships and the world. EMDR Therapy, in conjunction with other systemic approaches, helps the brain and the body decrease the reactivity to difficult memories so they have less negative impact on your present life. 

EMDR focuses on healing the effects of traumatic and distressing life events such as abuse, neglect, loss, shaming, and is a helpful treatment for a broad range of difficult experiences.  

“Recent research has demonstrated that certain kinds of everyday life experiences can cause symptoms of PTSD. “Many people feel that something is holding them back in life, causing them to think, feel, and behave in ways that don’t serve them.” 

Francine Shapiro, Originator of EMDR

An evidenced based treatment protocol that has been found effective for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other corollary symptoms following traumatic events.  It focuses on how the traumatic event is construed and coped with by a person who is trying to regain a sense of mastery and control in his or her life.

Typically conducted as a 12 session protocol with a recommended follow-up session around 30 days after the end of treatment, it helps to consider the overall therapy in terms of phases of treatment. The first phase consists of assessing the appropriateness of the individual for CPT (PTSD diagnosis, treatment priorities, etc.) The early phase of treatment focuses on psychoeducation – consistent with the theoretical orientation of cognitive-behavioral theory, the client and therapist operate as a team and the client is fully apprised of all facets of his/her recovery.

In CPT, cognitive therapy techniques are utilized to focus on faulty thought related to traumatic events.  It is theorized that individuals who develop PTSD following an exposure to a traumatic event experience significant disruptions in preexisting beliefs.  These disrupted beliefs are manifested in inaccurate self-statements that interrupt or “stall” the normal recovery process.

An evidenced based, powerful psychotherapeutic approach, which is      non-pathologizing, respectful, and systemic based in healing trauma,      anxiety and the whole spectrum of mental health struggles.

“As clients embody more Self, their inner dialogues change spontaneously. They stop berating themselves and instead, get to know, rather than try to eliminate, the extreme inner voices or emotions that have plagued them. They show characteristics of insight, self-understanding and acceptance, stability and personal growth…” Richard Schwartz, Founder of IFS

An evidenced based trauma-focused psychotherapy that teaches you to gradually approach trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations that you have been avoiding since your trauma. By confronting these challenges, you can decrease your PTSD symptoms. 

People with PTSD often try to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma. This can help you feel better in the moment, but not in the long term. Avoiding these feelings and situations actually keeps you from recovering from PTSD. 

PE works by helping you face your fears. By talking about the details of the trauma and by confronting safe situations that you have been avoiding, you can decrease your symptoms of PTSD and regain more control of your life.