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My Approach
My approach is grounded in curiosity, compassion and respect for my clients unique needs and goals. Many clients I support are interested in understanding themselves on a deeper level, which may include exploring their emotions, beliefs, relational patterns, childhood wounds, intergenerational wounds and more. I use a holistic approach that is both brain and body-based in order to help heal the root of your issues.
I have experience working with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and various forms of trauma including childhood abuse and neglect, sexual trauma, and vicarious or "second hand" trauma. I have also worked with perinatal issues, meaning the spectrum of preconception to postpartum including birth trauma, mood disturbances including depression, grief and loss and more. I use a holistic approach that blends talk therapy with body-based therapy. I often integrate various therapies including Somatic Experiencing (a body-based therapy), Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness, parts work (based on the evidence based Internal Family Systems therapy), and elements of mindfulness, cognitive behaviour therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy (CBT and DBT) depending on each clients unique needs and goals. I also offer SE and EMDR as stand alone therapies. I strive to create a safe space where all feel welcome and incorporate anti-oppressive, feminist and trauma-informed frameworks into our work.
I offer in person appointments at Realign Wellness Centre at 157 Charlotte Street in Peterborough, Ontario. I also offer virtual appointments by video or phone for all residents of Ontario aged 18 and above.
"Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence" -Peter Levine
Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing® is a gentle, non-cathartic approach to working with the effects of trauma and chronic stress. This approach is not centered around talking about trauma but rather it helps to facilitate the body's innate capacity for healing by rebuilding regulation and coherence in the nervous system. Simply put, we slow things down enough in the present, for the body to complete innate self-protection responses and gently release traumatic shock.
Although we cannot change the past, we can re-negotiate the relationship to our experience in the present. Traumatization occurs when our capacity to cope through something, is overwhelmed because it "too much, too fast" for us to process in our brains and bodies. In re-negotiating trauma, slowing down and building a sense of safety or "friendliness" with our bodies, is a necessary first step to allow this capacity to show up in order to restore the health and vitality of our whole system. This work is truly profound and it is my absolute honour and passion to help others through this approach.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR stands for Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing and is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that uses bilateral stimulation through eye movements, tapping, sounds, or holding hand buzzers to stimulate your brain's innate ability to heal a wide variety of issues. This approach involves preparing for, identifying and working through specific traumatic memory targets so that they no longer carry charge or create distress. The approach is very structured and protocol-based, and can be used in combination with other approaches.
EMDR can be used to treat experiences of trauma in all forms including PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), vicarious trauma, and more. It is also very effective in working with deeply rooted beliefs that can keep us stuck such as issues of self worth. Additionally, it can be used to develop inner resources, desensitize fears of emotions or memories, treat anxiety and depression.
Fees and Insurance
Research shows that the single most important factor in successful therapy outcomes is the relationship between client and therapist. Sarah offers a free phone or video consultation to help you decide if it's the right fit.
15 Minute Phone or Video Consultation......Free
60 Minute Individual Counselling Session...$140 +HST ($158.20)
90 Minute Individual Counselling Session...$190 +HST ($214.70)
Payments can be made by e-transfer to bloominglotuscounselling@gmail.com
Blooming Lotus Counselling services may be covered by your insurance company. Please review your plan carefully to determine if services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) are covered. Blooming Lotus Counselling does not do direct billing, you will be asked to pay for your service and then issued an invoice to submit to your insurance company to be reimbursed.