FAQs
What is Stress Resiliency?
Stress resiliency refers to the body’s ability to effectively cope with and recover from stressful experiences…both the everyday stresses and the unexpected challenges. Resiliency involves regulation of the nervous system and managing emotions in order to maintain (or return) to a state of calm and balance. In this optimum state, we have greater access to focus, productivity, creativity, problem solving, health and social connection…all things that make up a satisfying life. Hence, building stress resiliency offers you the opportunity to thrive in all areas of life and show up as your best self…for yourself and your family!
What techniques do you use in your programs?
All of the holistic techniques used in the programs are evidence-based and considered neuro-somatic tools, meaning they work with both the mind and the body. Research indicates that holistic tools such as Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), HeartMath, Biofeedback, Safe and Sound Listening Protocol (SSP), and other Energy Psychology practices can be incredibly effective in promoting stress resiliency. These interventions have been shown to regulate the stress response (autonomic nervous system), improve physiological and emotional health, and thereby promote resilience in the face of stress.
All of the tools presented can be easily taught and self-administered (even over Zoom!), which encourages a sense of self-agency and nurtures the ability to self-regulate in real life situations outside of the intervention programs. Furthermore, these tools can be easily shared with and used by the entire family!
Do you work in-person?
I currently offer in-person sessions at my office in Brentwood, California, with outdoor options available. When working with families and groups, I am available to travel on-site depending on the distance of the location. I also offer sessions via Zoom, which is a very effective method of meeting in most circumstances.
What does it look like to work with me?
Just as each person’s individual experiences and stressors are unique, each program and session will be tailored to your unique needs. My overall approach is to provide an educational foundation in nervous system awareness, help you release negative emotions, and nurture a state of ease through guided practice until you feel fully supported and empowered...ready to meet any challenges ahead!
Group and family experiences will be co-created to suit your individual needs and expectations.
Do you work with children?
Yes! I worked in a children’s hospital in the field of genetics, and was an educator and owned a preschool for over a decade…working with children is a passion of mine! I truly believe the mind-body techniques we now have access to can be life changing for children managing the stressors of not only school and family life, but of the unpredictable world around them. I consider it an absolute privilege to work with children.
What is Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)?
Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), also known as “Tapping”, is form of Energy Psychology supported by a large body of research affirming efficacy for reducing anxiety, stress and other emotional issues. EFT is one the primary techniques I use with clients in individual sessions. It has been described as “psychological acupuncture without needles” because it combines aspects of modern therapy practices (such as CBT and exposure therapy) with physical finger tapping on a series of meridian points. It is non-invasive and the client actually does the tapping so it can be highly effective whether in-person or over zoom.
EFT enables us to effectively shift stuck patterns of behavior, physical ailments, traumatic experiences, anxious feelings and long-standing emotional triggers….all sources of stress in our bodies. EFT is also effective in generating improvements in wanted skills or behaviors, such as reaching your optimal efficiency in a particular sport or keeping mentally focused and calm during an exam. EFT significantly increases positive emotions, self esteem and resilience, and decreases negative emotional states. Tapping has also been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. By releasing stress through EFT, we are bringing the nervous system to a more balanced and open state that is receptive for learning and shifting the way we view and respond to distressing experiences now and in the future.
What is HeartMath?
HeartMath is a system of simple yet powerful self-regulation techniques which are easy to learn and designed to be used “in the moment”, whatever the situation, meaning that you can bring your best self to your professional, social and family lives. These tools also help to build the capacity for managing stress and regulating emotions in future situations for maximum levels of productivity and flow. I incorporate HeartMath practices into my individual EFT sessions, as well as teach these techniques in stand alone sessions on a deep level using Biofeedback. In HeartMath sessions, we can track the changes in nervous system regulation using HRV and Coherence monitoring technology to allow you to see first hand how your efforts directly impact your well-being.
learn more about HeartMath here
What is Energy Psychology?
Energy psychology (EP) is an umbrella term that describes a rapidly growing field of mind-body methods designed to improve your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. These approaches are used by practitioners of psychotherapy, counseling, coaching, energy healing, and health optimization. EP methods focus on your thoughts, feelings and emotions while you activate some aspect of the bio-energy system of the body, which calms the nervous system, clearing stress and trauma.
What is the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)?
The SSP is a powerful auditory intervention developed by Dr. Stephen Porges (rooted in Polyvagal Theory) used by individuals of all ages struggling in a broad range of mental, emotional, and physical life challenges. The program initiates a shift from nervous system states of stress and defense, to states that promote health, growth and renewal. The non-invasive protocol consists of listening to specially filtered music to calm the nervous system and slowly guide it back to balanced state of focused, relaxed, and confident alertness optimal for learning and performing with confidence. SSP is delivered alongside a trained provider over 5-10 sessions, and can be completed in-person or through zoom. While this intervention has stand alone research shown results, it can also boost or accelerate other therapies such as EFT, coaching, psychotherapy, educational interventions, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
This protocol can be delivered to both children and adults and can be modified depending on the clients' history and tolerance of the process. Each individual will respond differently, however, research has shown SSP to be effective as a complimentary treatment in the following areas:
Social engagement & connection
Emotional control
Executive functioning
Attention
Auditory sensitivities
Anxious feelings
Trauma-related challenges
Stress related symptoms
learn more about Safe & Sound Protocol and Polyvagal Theory here