How We Work
Overview of our Practice
Psychodynamic and Attachment-Focused Therapy
Our early relationships shape our personalities, who we are, and how we relate with others. This is because we have a need to connect, to feel safe and secure (essentially to form an attachment).
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• What it is: This approach focuses on how early relationships with caregivers shape who we are and how we relate to others. If these early connections were disrupted, it can affect how we handle emotions and relationships as adults.
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• How it helps: By understanding how past experiences influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors—often without us realizing it—we can create meaningful change.
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
​• What it is: Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-focused therapy for trauma developed by Dr. Peter Levine. It’s based on the idea that humans have a natural ability to heal from trauma.
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• How it works: SE helps people notice and process physical sensations related to traumatic experiences without feeling overwhelmed. It allows the body and mind to release stored trauma and build better self-regulation skills.
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• Outcome: You can feel more whole, alive, and connected to yourself and others.
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SE can help you integrate traumatic experiences without reliving them or becoming overwhelmed. Through this process, you can increase your capacity to cope with stress and challenge while staying present.
To learn more about Somatic Experiencing®, click here.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• What it is: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), is a therapy that reduces distress caused by traumatic memories. It uses bilateral stimulation, like eye movements or tapping, to process these memories
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.• How it helps: The goal is to turn painful memories into neutral ones—so you can remember them without reliving the pain.
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Attachment-Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR) combines EMDR techniques with talk therapy to strengthen emotional connections and heal developmental wounds.
Learn more at https://parnellemdr.com/
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• What it is: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It’s based on the idea that changing unhelpful thoughts can improve how we feel and act.
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• How it helps: This therapy is especially effective for anxiety and depression. It’s centered on the present, not the past.
Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET)
• What it is: Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) is designed for people with chronic pain caused by stress or emotional factors. It integrates education about pain, CBT techniques, and emotional exploration.
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• How it helps: You’ll learn how your emotions and brain contribute to pain. By addressing avoided emotions and expressing them in healthier ways, EAET can reduce pain and improve relationships.
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