Therapy Modalities Offered

How Does EMDR Work?

When something traumatic happens, your brain might not know how to fully process it. So, instead of filing the memory away like it usually does, it can get “stuck.” That’s why certain memories, triggers, or feelings can continue to cause emotional distress long after the event has passed.

EMDR works by helping your brain finish what it wasn’t able to do at the time. During a session, we’ll identify the memories or unhelpful beliefs that are still causing distress, then use bilateral stimulation to activate your brain’s natural healing abilities. Bilateral stimulation engages both sides of your brain through rhythmic patterns, such as moving your eyes back and forth, tapping your hands, feeling vibrations in alternating hands, or listening to beeping sounds in each ear.

You stay in control the entire time. I won’t ask you to go into graphic detail or revisit anything you’re not comfortable facing yet. My goal is to help your brain and body connect the dots in a new way, so that what once felt unbearable becomes something you can acknowledge without becoming overwhelmed.

Who Can Benefit From EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy can be helpful for many different people and situations. You don’t have to have a single traumatic event or remember every detail to benefit from it. EMDR might be a good fit for you if you’re experiencing:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex trauma
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Obsessive thinking
• Depression or persistent low self-worth
• Grief, loss, or unresolved mourning
• Habits that aren’t serving your well-being
• Addiction or recovery-related struggles
• Betrayal trauma or other relationship pains
• Negative thought patterns
• Attachment wounds or fear of abandonment

If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t just move on from something, EMDR can help you understand what’s keeping you stuck and give you the tools to begin to heal.

Meet Chris Collins: EMDR Therapist in Boca Raton

As a licensed clinical social worker, EMDR-certified therapist, and someone who has spent years working closely with trauma, addiction, and grief, I know how difficult it can be to start this process. Whether you’re at day one of recovery or deep into your healing journey, I’m here to support you.

My approach is rooted in compassion, connection, and the belief that healing is always possible, no matter how long you’ve been struggling. I work with both individuals and couples, offering in-person sessions in Boca Raton as well as virtual sessions for clients across Florida.

Why Choose EMDR Therapy in Boca Raton?

There are many therapists in South Florida, but finding someone who understands trauma and can offer a space where you feel safe enough to explore it can make all the difference.

EMDR is one of the most gentle forms of therapy because it respects your space, boundaries, and readiness through the process. If you’re curious about EMDR or wondering if it’s right for you, I’d be happy to talk. Sometimes, just showing up is the bravest thing you can do, and it’s often the first step toward feeling better.

To learn more about my EMDR therapy services in Boca Raton or to schedule an appointment, please reach out today!

Other Therapeutic Modalities Offered

Somatic Experiencing
(Somatic Experience Practitioner in Training)

Somatic experiencing is a therapeutic approach developed by Peter A. Levine that focuses on the connection between the body and mind, particularly in how trauma and stress can manifest physically. The method emphasizes the importance of bodily sensations and the natural instincts of the body to heal from trauma.

By bringing awareness to physical feelings and experiences, individuals can release pent-up energy and emotions associated with past events. This process aims to help people resolve trauma-related symptoms, promote emotional resilience, and foster a greater sense of well-being.

Through techniques such as mindfulness and body awareness, somatic experiencing encourages individuals to notice and engage with their physical sensations to facilitate healing.

30 Task Model for Sexual Addiction

The 30-task model, developed by Patrick Carnes, is a structured approach primarily used in addiction recovery, particularly for individuals dealing with sexual addiction. This framework consists of thirty specific tasks designed to help individuals recognize patterns of behavior, develop coping strategies, and facilitate personal growth and healing. Each task encourages self-reflection, accountability, and active engagement in the recovery process.

The model emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying issues related to addiction and promotes skills that foster healthier relationships and lifestyles. By systematically working through these tasks, individuals can gain greater insight into their behaviors and work towards long-lasting recovery.

Experiential Therapy

Experiential therapy is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes personal experience and expression as a means of fostering healing and growth. This type of therapy often involves activities like role-playing, creative arts, or guided imagery, allowing individuals to engage with their emotions and experiences in a direct, tangible way. The aim is to help clients process unresolved issues, gain insight into their feelings, and develop new coping skills by actively participating in their healing journey.

By engaging with feelings and experiences through various modalities, clients can work through emotional obstacles and gain a richer understanding of themselves and their relationships.

Talk Therapy

Talk therapy offers individuals a structured environment to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, promoting personal growth and emotional well-being.

My approach is informed by a trauma-sensitive framework, recognizing the profound impact that trauma can have on mental health and emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and supportive therapeutic space. I integrate several therapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic therapy, which delves into how unconscious processes and past experiences shape current behaviors and emotional challenges.

Additionally, I incorporate aspects of attachment therapy to examine the influence of early relationships, along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to address and modify unhelpful thought patterns and enhance emotional regulation.

Person-centered therapy is used to prioritize individual experiences and insights, while narrative therapy encourages clients to reframe their personal stories.

Lastly, solution-focused therapy helps identify strengths and practical solutions. By blending these approaches, I aim to provide a tailored therapeutic experience that meets the unique needs of each individual on their path to healing.

References:

• National Institute of Health (NIH): A FLASH OF HOPE: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
• American Psychological Association (APA): What is EMDR therapy and why is it used to treat PTSD?