EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

EMDR Therapy was discovered in the late 1980’s by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. where she made a connection between eye movement and persistent upsetting memories. This discovery led to the development of EMDR, which is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms.

EMDR therapy helps children and adults of all ages and is effective with a wide range of challenges.

  • Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias

  • Chronic Illness and medical issues

  • Depression and bipolar disorders

  • Dissociative disorders

  • Eating disorders

  • Grief and loss

  • Pain

  • Performance anxiety

  • Personality disorders

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma and stress-related issues

  • Sexual assault

  • Sleep disturbance

  • Substance abuse and addiction

  • Violence and abuse

Visit https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy

Hypnotherapy

Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a mode of therapy conducted on an individual basis. Treatment using hypnotherapy is done while the client is in a trance state. Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis, a relaxed state of being, in which the client is conscious but in a deep state of focused attention somewhat like meditation. All hypnosis is really self-hypnosis, and the client is simply guided to achieve a relaxed state. No one can be hypnotized against their will or make you cluck like a chicken. Once you have been guided into hypnosis it becomes easier to go back to that state on your own, and easier each time for the hypnotherapy to occur.

Compared to "talk therapy," there is much that can be accomplished with hypnotherapy in a short amount of time. The benefits of hypnotherapy are realized as you continue with the sessions over a few weeks.

There are many benefits to hypnotherapy. The hypnotic state allows the client to be more receptive to discussion and suggestions. Thus, it helps for relaxation, for pain release, and for treating stress, anxiety, traumatic memories, depression, phobias, anger, fears, loss and grief among other conditions. It can also be used as a treatment for controlling and overcoming unwanted habits such as smoking and overeating. To achieve the ideal results, the full and active cooperation of the client is required.

Sound Healing

Sound healing is a holistic therapeutic practice that uses the vibrational and resonance qualities of sound to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It is rooted in the belief that sound can have a profound impact on the human body and mind, and it has been used for centuries in various cultures around the world.

Here are some key elements and practices associated with sound healing:

  1. Vibration and Frequency: Sound healing is based on the principle that everything in the universe, including our bodies, has a vibration or frequency. Different frequencies are believed to have various effects on the body and mind.

  2. Instruments:

    • Singing Bowls: These are often made of metal or crystal. The vibrations produce a rich, harmonic sound.

    • Tuning Forks: Precision-tuned metal forks that produce a specific pitch when struck. They are often used to target specific frequencies and promote balance.

    • Gongs: Large, metal percussion instruments that produce a wide range of tones and frequencies. Gongs are often used to create immersive and powerful soundscapes.

    • Drums: Rhythmic drumming is used to induce trance-like states and promote relaxation.

    • Other: Various other instruments may be used, depending on the practitioner's preferences and the goals of the session, such as: chimes, flutes, hand pan, etc.

  3. Intent and Mindfulness: Sound healing sessions are often guided by an intention, whether it's relaxation, stress reduction, emotional release, or spiritual connection.

  4. Resonance and Harmonics: Vibrations from sound can resonate with the cells in our bodies, promoting a sense of balance and harmony. The harmonic overtones produced by certain instruments have specific healing properties.

  5. Settings and Modalities:

    • Individual Sessions: A practitioner will work one-on-one with a client, tailoring the session to address specific needs or concerns.

    • Group Sessions: Sound healing can be experienced in group settings, such as workshops, classes, or meditation sessions.

Overall, sound healing is a diverse and evolving field that combines elements of ancient wisdom with modern understanding of the mind-body connection. People turn to sound healing for various reasons, seeking a complementary approach to conventional healthcare or simply for the purpose of relaxation and personal growth.

Mental Health Retreats

Our mental health retreats are designed to provide individuals with a supportive environment focused on improving their mental well-being. We offer a holistic approach to mental health care, incorporating various therapeutic techniques, activities, and resources tailored to promote relaxation, self-reflection, and personal growth.

We encourage individuals to use a mental health retreat to step away from daily stressors and focus on their mental well-being. Our retreats are currently located in a house setting in Mechanicsville, VA. We offer a variety of therapeutic activities such as meditation, mindfulness practices, group counseling sessions, and sound healing. They aim to create a safe and supportive atmosphere where people can disconnect from their routine, explore their emotions, learn coping mechanisms, and gain valuable insights into their mental health.

Typically, retreats operate over the weekend, from Friday to Sunday, accommodating a limited number of participants - usually up to 10 individuals per weekend.