“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change”
Treatment
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EMDR
Below is an explanation of EMDR therapy from the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) website:
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, 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. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes, showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019). EMDR therapy has even been superior to Prozac in trauma treatment (Van der Kolk et al., 2007). Shapiro and Forrest (2016) share that EMDR therapists in 130 countries have successfully treated millions.
EMDR therapy is listed as a treatment for PTSD and/or other trauma and stressor disorders by the following organizations. These treatment guidelines are based on reviews that evaluate the research of established evidence-based mental health treatments.
(World Health Organization (2023), Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense (2023), Australian Guidelines for PTSD (2021), International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (2019), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2018), American Psychological Association (2017), World Health Organization and UNHCR (2015, 2013), The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2013), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (2013), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services America (2014), World Health Organization (2013), American Psychiatric Association (2004))
Endorsements
EMDR therapy is also recognized as an effective treatment by:
Clinical Resource Efficiency Support Team (CREST) of the Northern Ireland Department of Health, Dutch National Steering Committee for Health Care, French Haute Autorite de Sante (French National Authority for Health), French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Israeli National Council for Mental Health, The Rail Safety and Standards Board, United Kingdom, The Trimbos Instituut, The Netherlands, United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS), United Kingdom Psychological Trauma Society, United States National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Other international health and governmental agencies
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EFT
When working with couples Amy uses an attachment-based therapy that focuses on emotional experience called Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT).
EFT is based on the science of bonding and attachment – the basic and essential human need for connection. When the bond with our most important person feels threatened, and we experience a sense of disconnection, partners may respond to each other with defensive behaviors that drive and perpetuate the negative and disconnecting cycles in which they get stuck.
EFT helps couples see and understand the primary emotions that drive the negative cycles and their longing for safety and connection with their partner. Couples will learn how to bond and turn toward each other more effectively.
EFT is a structured approach to couples therapy formulated in the 1980’s by Dr. Sue Johnson. It was developed alongside the science on adult attachment and bonding that expands our understanding of what is happening in couple relationships. A substantial body of research outlining the effectiveness of EFT now exists. Research studies find that 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery and approximately 90% show significant improvements. EFT is used to help many different kinds of couples, cultural groups, and distressed couples including partners suffering from disorders such as depression, post traumatic stress disorders and chronic illness.
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Betrayal Trauma
“Trauma is defined as a deeply distressing or overwhelming experience that is commonly followed by emotional and physical shock. If left unresolved or untreated, traumatic experiences can lead to short and long-term challenges.
In contrast, betrayal trauma occurs when someone we depend on for survival, or are significantly attached to, violates our trust in a critical way. “ - Dr. Jill Manning
Betrayal trauma is unique in that the perpetrator is also the person that you most want to turn to for care, comfort, and safety.
“The person I want to go to because of the intense pain from the betrayal is the very person who betrayed me. I feel lost with nowhere to turn. Everything I thought I knew now seems like a lie. I question everything. I don’t know what’s real anymore. I feel so alone.” - Betrayed Partner
Examples of betrayal trauma:
- Discovering evidence of a spouse’s sex addiction/affair
- Sexual or physical abuse by a parent
- Contracting an STD from a supposedly faithful partner
- Financial deceitfulness in marriage
Symptoms of betrayal trauma:
- Difficulty regulating intense emotions
- Hyper-vigilance
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Withdrawal & isolation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety
- Avoidance
- Flashbacks
- Negative thoughts
- Numbness & detachment
- Sleep & appetite disturbances
- Somatic symptoms (e.g., pain, headaches, fatigue)
Read about our Women’s Group as an alternative or in addition to individual or couples counseling for betrayal trauma.
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Groups
A THERAPIST LED FEMALE SUPPORT GROUP: UNDERSTANDING AND HEALING FROM BETRAYAL TRAUMA
Amy co-facilitates the 6-week Betrayal Trauma Intensive courses for women.
This group has been specifically designed to increase participants’ understanding of betrayal trauma as well as helping them learn and apply tools and concepts for desired healing.
Come and discover new perspectives of hope with Amy Fife LPC.
PARTICIPANTS: Group participant numbers are limited. Secure your spot today!
Group Cost: $150 for each 1.5-hour group class.
Email or call Amy to inquire about group registration
Reviews from group intensive members:
"I was a part of the Phase One group at a critical time in my life. The things I learned and the comradery I felt from that group helped me in vital ways during a huge crisis in my life. Learning that I was not alone along my painful path, and that my reactions were normal for the circumstances of my life gave me great comfort amidst the storm I felt I was in. The fact that the group was led by licensed counselors helped the group to stay focused on healing and understanding. I would highly recommend the group.
"The Betrayal Trauma class is excellent! It has been so helpful on my road to healing. Going through my trauma left me feeling confused, scared and alone. To hear other women expressing feelings and struggles similar to mine, has helped me tremendously. We were given practical tools and resources that we not only discussed during group sessions, but that we could take home with us and use every day. Amy is professional, caring, and created a safe environment that encourages healing. I highly recommend this class."
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Trauma Sensitive Yoga
Amy is a trained and certified facilitator of Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY).
Currently, there are no offerings for Trauma Sensitive Yoga classes. When classes are scheduled, the information will be available on this website as well as on my Instagram page @amyfifecounseling.
Below is information on Trauma Sensitive Yoga directly from the TCTSY website:
TCTSY is the first yoga-based empirically validated, clinical intervention for complex trauma or chronic, treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Developed originally at the Trauma Center in Brookline, Massachusetts by Dave Emerson and others, Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is now a program of Center for Trauma and Embodiment at Justice Resource Institute.
The TCTSY methodology is based on central components of the hatha style of yoga, where participants engage in a series of physical forms and movements. Elements of standard hatha yoga are modified to maximize experiences of empowerment and to cultivate a more positive relationship to one's body.
Unlike many public yoga classes, TCTSY does not use physical hands-on adjustments to influence a participant's physical form. Rather, TCTSY presents opportunities for participants to be in charge of themselves based on a felt sense of their own body.
Although TCTSY employs physical forms and movements, the emphasis is not on the external expression or appearance (i.e. doing it"right"), or receiving the approval of an external authority. Rather, the focus is on the internal experience of the participant.
This shift in orientation, from the external to the internal, is a key attribute of TCTSY as a treatment for complex trauma and PTSD. With our approach, the power resides within the individual, not the TCTSY facilitator (TCTSY-F). Further, by focusing on the felt sense of the body to inform choice-making, TCTSY allows participants to restore their connection of mind and body and cultivate a sense of agency that is often compromised as a result of trauma.
All TCTSY facilitators, staff, trainers, and mentors are required to agree and adhere to our ethical guidelines, or as we call them, Ways of Being.
In a comparison with CPT (cognitive processing therapy), the gold standard in therapy treatments, TCTSY yielded quicker symptom improvement, higher participant retention, and an equally sustained effect. In the adjacent video, the researchers of the study present the findings of a 5-year randomized controlled trial.
TCTSY has foundations in trauma theory, attachment theory, neuroscience, and hatha yoga, with an emphasis on body-based yoga forms and breathing practices