Dr. Stephen Porges developed Polyvagal Theory to explain the role of the vagus nerve in our autonomic nervous system’s response to perceived threat and safety. Understanding the physiology of the nervous system offers new insight to our behavior, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.

By exploring your own nervous system patterns, we are able to adjust how we respond, connect, repair, play and engage in life with those around us. Join me on an adventure of learning your nervous system patterns.

Dr. Richard Schwartz developed Internal Family Systems therapy, also knowns as IFS, this therapy looks at the self as a system of parts that developed to protect us from early trauma and/or attachment wounds. The working model is that all parts are good and have the potential for good in one’s system of parts.

IFS parts work helps us understand our core Self and how we relate in the world, with others, and with ourselves. Mapping out parts, understanding their role, resources and reasons they exist helps us to heal and resolve hurt, fear, and burdens that we carry that keep us from growth and connection.

John Bowlby developed the first view of attachment theory stating our early childhood caregivers impact our ability to form secure relationships with others and shape our attachment style.

Dr. Allan Schore, Diane Poole Heller and Dan Siegl have also made significant contribution to the field of attachment theory and in understanding the neurobiology of attachment and the impacts to emotional regulation and development.

Attachment therapy supports our ability to connect and be in healthy relationships with others. By understanding attachment is something we can shape by understanding the pattern, healing can begin.

Dr. Peter Levine developed Somatic Experiencing therapy to help others heal from traumatic experiences by drawing on neuroscience, biology, and stress physiology. This therapy supports our body’s ability to locate and process emotions and sensations that have become part of our physiology.

Learning to identify and release trapped energy, emotions, and physical sensations, we begin to heal and transform our body and minds to a healthy state of being in the present without continuing to experience the trauma physiology of the past.

Developed by Michael White and David Epston, narrative therapy posits that individuals are separate from the problems they face or have encountered and they can create new narratives that are supportive and empowering.

Narrative therapy uses a variety of techniques to build client awareness and insight, gain resilience with supportive coping strategies, improve and repair relationships, and enhance communication.

David Grand, PhD developed Brainspotting as a technique to release the neurophysiology associated with a fixed eye position that corresponds to emotional pain, trauma, dissociation or a prior experience or event.

This unique therapy does not require language or cognitive processing of trauma or emotional distress. Attunement between the therapist and client is a core concept of brainspotting that requires a nurturing therapeutic presence to facilitate desired outcomes.

Brainspotting can be used to treat a variety of symptoms and may be used with or without bilateral sound.