Beverly uses several therapy models and approaches during Intensive Sessions. Please choose each link below to find more information:
EMDR Therapy = Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
One of the main therapy models used in Intensive Sessions is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
EMDR Therapy is a specialized, evidence-based type of psychotherapy that often includes less talk than traditional approaches. It uses a tool called Bilateral Stimulation (BLS), which may use eye movements, sound, or vibrating tactile pads, to activate alternating sides of the brain. For example, if you look to the left, the right side of the brain is activated. If you look to the right, the left side is activated. If you look back and forth, that is Bilateral Stimulation. This back and forth action produces a calming effect which allows people to stay present and alert while working through very distressing material.
EMDR Therapy was originally developed for use with people who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is endorsed by the US Veteran's Administration as an effective treatment for PTSD. However, it is also now recognized as an effective treatment for many other issues, including panic attacks, phobias, depression, eating disorders, and just plain feeling stuck.
See What is EMDR Therapy? at the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) site for more information and helpful videos.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting grew out of EMDR Therapy, but is different in several ways. It's based on the concept that where you look connects into parts of your brain that can be deeply emotional. There is juice in where you put your gaze! Finding these highly charged spots and leaving your gaze there can put you into a deeper mind space and help you understand things in ways you haven't before.
Find our more about Brainspotting at https://brainspotting.com/
Flash Technique
The Flash Technique was developed in the past few years to reduce reactivity as part of preparation for EMDR Therapy. Beverly frequently integrates Flash or uses it to resolve single incident trauma. Flash Technique starts with only gently bringing the problem to mind, then focusing on something else that is entirely different and engaging. Holding the negative experience in mind while having an interesting, positive experience helps the mind let go of the intensity of the memory of the negative experience.
Find out more about Flash Technique at https://flashtechnique.com/wp/
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS is a psychotherapy orientation that is based on the concept that people have different parts of themselves that develop over a lifetime. These parts get created when you feel helpless or overwhelmed. The parts were there to protect you as much as possible with the resources available at the time. However, these parts are stuck in that one place and can actually get in the way as you get older. They also take up a huge amount of energy and don't leave room for joy and creativity. Understanding these hidden, underlying parts, what they're trying to accomplish, and how they conflict with your current goals helps us work towards getting unstuck.
An example of including parts work in an Intensive is a scenario where someone truly wants to change a habit but just can't (too much TV time or video games or compulsive eating). We work to find the part that is running the habit, and what that part is really trying to do. Let's say it's a part that started very early on when your parents fought all the time and you needed to tune out. You don't live with your parents anymore, so why keep doing it? One possibility is that this part hasn't integrated into your current life and doesn't know that it is safe now. We might help the part understand that it has other options now and doesn't need to hide from the fighting, freeing up the energy that part was using so you can do other things in your life.
There's lots more information about IFS at https://ifs-institute.com/
Body-Oriented / Somatic Psychology
Body-Oriented, or Somatic, Psychology incorporates knowledge about physiology and how the body is related to emotions and thoughts. There isn's a mind-body split, because we recognize they were never separate. Body-oriented psychotherapy does not replace traditional psychotherapy theories and techniques. Instead, it integrates body knowledge, neuroscience, and mindfulness and meditation practices with traditional therapy principles. It's one of the key therapy models Beverly uses in Intensive Sessions and is the foundation of her training in psychotherapy.
An example of a body-oriented approach to anger management is studying the changes in your body when you get angry (i.e, clenched jaw, heat in cheeks) and near a place of losing control. When you know these body signs that you're getting angry, you can take action before the anger gets the best of you. Anger has a lot of energy to it, because it's meant to get our attention when something is hurting us and help us take action if we can. But that action doesn't have to be violent or hurtful. Knowing how to use your body to release the anger energy is very important in managing anger.
Your body is your best resource!
Read more information about Somatic Psychology at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somatic_psychology
Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE)©
- Stressed/Anxious?
- Tight muscles?
- Trouble sleeping?
- Hypervigilance or other symptoms of PTSD?
- Want to free up energy?
Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE)® was created as a self-help technique by Dr. David Berceli to help with all of these issues. Although it was not developed to be a therapy model, it's a great approach that is included in Intensive Sessions.
Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE)® uses a series of movements (or exercises) that are designed to evoke your body’s natural tremoring response. This tremor response helps to release chronically held stress and muscle tension. It is known to provide relaxation as well as increased energy over time and can be used to release current stress or longer-term chronic stress. Some people report that it helps them improve sleep quality.
Once learned, TRE® can be performed by people in their own homes or as a facilitated session. TRE® is a very flexible and safe approach, with modifications available for people with injuries, chronic conditions, or balance issues. It is not currently recommended for women who are pregnant, unless working with a certified provider who is specialized in this area.
Beverly Swann, Ph.D., LMFT, is a certified TRE® provider, teaching TRE® as a self-help tool and delivering TRE® as a facilitated healing process.
Individual sessions, couples or family sessions, and groups are available and can be tailored to specific needs. Customized workshops for corporations, non-profits, and other organizations are available. Please contact Beverly for a free consultation.
For more information about TRE: http://traumaprevention.com/what-is-tre/
