Trauma Recovery Center

 Neurofeedback and Biofeedback are non-invasive, brain- and body-based therapies that help individuals learn to regulate their physiological and neurological responses to stress, emotions, and sensory input. Neurofeedback focuses on training the brain by using real-time displays of brainwave activity (via EEG) to encourage healthier patterns of brain function. Biofeedback monitors physiological functions like heart rate, breathing, and muscle tension, teaching individuals how to control these responses through guided techniques. These approaches are especially helpful for conditions like trauma, ADHD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and autism, where the brain and nervous system often struggle with regulation. By promoting greater self-awareness and nervous system balance, neurofeedback and biofeedback can reduce symptoms such as anxiety, impulsivity, sensory overload, and mood instability—supporting improved focus, emotional control, and overall well-being. 

 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on helping the brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer feel emotionally overwhelming. During an EMDR session, the therapist guides the client through sets of bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, taps, or sounds—while the client recalls aspects of the traumatic event. This process helps “unstick” the memory from the brain’s stress response system, allowing it to be integrated in a more adaptive, less distressing way. EMDR has been shown to be highly effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other trauma-related symptoms, helping individuals find relief and regain a sense of emotional balance and control. 

 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior. At its core, CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are interconnected—meaning that negative thoughts can lead to distressing emotions and behaviors, and vice versa. In therapy, clients learn to recognize these patterns, challenge distorted or unhelpful thoughts, and develop healthier, more balanced ways of thinking. CBT also includes practical strategies, such as coping skills, problem-solving techniques, and behavioral exercises, that clients can apply in their daily lives. It’s widely used to treat a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress, and helps people build resilience, emotional regulation, and a stronger sense of control over their lives. 

 Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based form of therapy designed to help individuals manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and build a life worth living. Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT is now widely used for a range of challenges, including emotion dysregulation, self-harm, trauma, eating disorders, and more. DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices, emphasizing both acceptance and change. It teaches practical skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Through individual therapy, skills training groups, and coaching support, clients learn how to better navigate difficult emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and strengthen their ability to stay grounded and connected, even in the face of stress or conflict. 

 Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that combines traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness practices. The core idea behind MBCT is to help individuals become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in the present moment, without judgment. This awareness helps to break the cycle of negative thought patterns that can contribute to mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and stress.

In MBCT, clients are taught to observe their thoughts and emotions as they arise, without reacting to them or becoming overwhelmed. This helps individuals recognize unhelpful thought patterns—such as rumination or catastrophic thinking—and create space between their thoughts and their reactions. By practicing mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and body scans, individuals can cultivate a sense of calm and acceptance, allowing them to respond to challenges in a more balanced and mindful way. Over time, MBCT empowers individuals to manage their mental health more effectively, reduce relapse rates for depression, and increase overall well-being.

 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals live a meaningful life by accepting difficult thoughts and feelings rather than trying to eliminate them. The core idea of ACT is that struggling with or avoiding negative emotions, thoughts, or memories often leads to greater distress and impedes personal growth. Instead, ACT encourages individuals to embrace their experiences without judgment, learning to accept discomfort as part of the human experience. Through six core processes—cognitive defusion (separating yourself from negative thoughts), acceptance (embracing emotions rather than avoiding them), mindfulness (being present in the moment), values clarification (identifying what truly matters to you), committed action (aligning behaviors with values), and self-as-context (viewing yourself from a broader perspective)—ACT helps individuals develop psychological flexibility. This flexibility allows them to respond to challenges in a more adaptive way, focus on what matters most, and take actions that lead to long-term fulfillment, despite the inevitable challenges life brings. 

 Exposure therapy is a psychological treatment that helps individuals confront and reduce their fear or anxiety by gradually and safely exposing them to the situations, objects, or thoughts that trigger their distress. The goal is to desensitize the individual to these triggers over time, reducing the intensity of their emotional response. This process typically starts with less frightening situations and gradually moves toward more challenging ones, allowing the person to build tolerance and coping skills in a controlled, supportive environment. Through repeated exposure, the brain learns that the feared object or situation is not as dangerous as it may have seemed, which helps to reduce anxiety and prevent avoidance behaviors. Exposure therapy is widely used to treat conditions like phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and generalized anxiety disorder, and has been shown to be highly effective in helping individuals regain control over their fears. 

 Sand tray therapy is a therapeutic technique that allows individuals to express and process emotions through the use of a small sandbox and miniature figurines. In this non-verbal approach, clients create scenes or environments in the sand, using the figures to represent people, situations, or inner experiences. The act of creating these sand scenes provides a unique opportunity for individuals to explore complex feelings, thoughts, and memories in a safe and tangible way. It can be particularly effective for children or individuals who may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. Through guided exploration, the therapist helps the client reflect on the meaning behind the scenes, facilitating insight and emotional healing. Sand tray therapy is often used to address trauma, anxiety, grief, and interpersonal issues, as it provides a powerful way to tap into the unconscious mind and encourage self-discovery and growth. 

 Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach that views the mind as made up of distinct "parts," each with its own feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. These parts can include protective roles, such as a critical inner voice, or vulnerable parts, such as feelings of sadness or fear. In IFS, the therapist works with the client to help them identify, understand, and heal these parts in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. The goal is to restore balance within the internal system, where each part can function harmoniously and in alignment with the individual's true self. IFS emphasizes self-leadership, where the "Self"—a core, wise, compassionate aspect of a person—guides the healing process, helping to resolve inner conflict and promote integration. By fostering communication between the different parts, IFS can address deep-seated emotional wounds, reduce internal conflict, and enhance overall well-being. 

Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach that helps people process trauma, emotional pain, and other psychological challenges by identifying specific eye positions, or "brainspots," that correlate with stored distress in the brain. Developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, it is based on the idea that where you look affects how you feel. During a session, the therapist guides the client to find an eye position that connects with an unresolved issue, then supports the client in observing and processing the associated thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. Brainspotting aims to access deeper parts of the brain where trauma is stored, allowing for healing that can go beyond traditional talk therapy.