Suzanne Dumas

We all live with some degree of stress and anxiety. The little fire that lights and motivates us to grow and be better is all good; however, when anxiety intensifies and interferes with our quality of life, relationships and happiness, anxiety is no longer useful. Anxiety erupts when we feel out of control and it goes hand in hand with irritability, worry, poor concentration and fear. The great news is that we can learn healthier ways to self-regulate and change our think

In order to live happily with meaningful attachments and relationships, we will inevitably be faced with loss. Grief is an unavoidable psychobiological response that is instinctual and universal. The pain and fear centers of our brain are lit up when are grieving and our stress hormones soar often causing a cascade of other symptoms. Fortunately, we are equipped with the innate ability to process the loss and to carry it with less pain and more love.

When we are regulated and moving through the vast array of human emotions, we can tolerate feeling sad and down sometimes. However, when we get stuck in a negative depressive state, our appetite, sleep, physical energy, mental clarity, motivation and self esteem suffers. Luckily, we can shift out of dysregulation and back into a state of regulation. In therapy, we can address our life stressors, release pain, tap into our strengths and find balance once again.

Brainspotting is a relational brain-body based therapy that utilizes the innate capacity to heal from deep within. A "brainspot," otherwise known as a relevant eye position, provides unique access to the neurophysiological systems that regulate our entire body. The brainspot acts like an open file drawer so that the individual can locate, process and release emotional distress that is being held inside their body and mind.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) examines the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviors and helps people change and better regulate their emotions by first identifying the negative "automatic" thought and then challenging it with a positive or rational counterstatement. Digging deeper, CBT helps people reveal long held negative core beliefs about themselves that are ultimately fueling the negative thinking, distressing emotions and problematic behaviors that follow them.

Solution focused brief therapy is a client centered, strength based modality that helps people tap into their ability to think creatively about the solution rather than getting lost in the problem. In Solution focused therapy, the client is the expert and will be working alongside the therapist in setting goals and taking the steps to get there. They may reflect on and draw upon past experiences that went well or they may cultivate new strategies and tools to manage difficult situations.