EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D.  She discovered that when the brain is stimulated bilaterally it can spark the brain’s natural ability to process information.  When negative experiences occur, they are stored in the brain with the negative beliefs associated with the experience, to avoid the negative associations the brain will develop unhealthy coping strategies. EMDR is used to access these experiences and fully process them so positive associations can be accepted by the individual and healthy coping strategies can be adopted.  

At TTC EMDR is used in conjunction with family therapy to help facilitate healing for the relationships within the family.  It is also used alongside play therapy, and Theraplay for child clients; and in combination with mindfulness and traditional talk therapy for adolescents and adults.  

Play Therapy

Play is a child’s first mode of communication, so we believe that allowing a child to utilize play to express their emotions, experiences, and needs is the most logical avenue of therapy for younger children.  Play therapy allows a child space to process without pressure to formulate words to express themselves.  Play therapy can involve toys, the use of a sand tray, art activities, dramatic play, etc. This modality is self-guided by the child and provides a sense of control for children who often are not in control in our society.  

Infant Mental Health

Parents often need support in building a trusting relationship with their infant or toddler.  Infant Mental Health is a vehicle that supports adults to watch, wonder, and listen to the child.  Supporting the development and parent-child relationship is crucial to creating trust. We provide space for allowing the relationship to take center stage without judgment to deepen the connection and scaffold new growth.  We believe that by meeting the child’s needs through a relationship with a caregiver who enjoys and stimulates the child, that lasting positive relationship patterns can be built and carried forward with the child into later relationships in life.