Whole brain therapy

A psycho-neurobiological approach attends to needs of the mind and body. This provides the flexibility to work both ‘top-down’ (from cognition to instinctual response systems) and ‘bottom-up’ (from survival responses and regulation to cognition). Working ‘bottom-up’ is a trauma informed approach based on evidence that narrative based talk therapy alone can be retraumatizing for many people. The phrase relates to both the overall structure of the brain and nervous system as well as the order of development from the brain stem (survival responses), to the limbic system or mid-brain (emotional and relational), and up to our pre-frontal cortex (thinking, executive functioning). Attending to regulation needs of the nervous system can develop a foundation for stability that enhances therapeutic progress.

Sometimes natural growth and healing are truncated, disorganized, or deterred due to a traumatic event or overwhelming experience. Non-verbal and kinesthetic therapy modalities tend to the whole imprint left by such events and provide reparative opportunities through new experiences in a supportive creatively attuned environment. This approach supports integration and attends to developmental needs. The process is collaborative, led with warmth and curiosity, and centered around each client’s goals.