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Feathers

Trauma Therapy 

Unearth Your Resilience, Take Back Control.

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Trauma Healing & EMDR

Trauma can have a profound impact on your life. My trauma therapy services are designed to provide a safe and supportive space for healing. I employ evidence-based approaches to help you process and overcome the effects of trauma, empowering you to rediscover your strength and reclaim your life. I believe in your innate strength and I am committed to helping you harness it. It's not just about addressing the wounds; it's about empowering you to rewrite your narrative, to stand resilient in the face of adversity, and to reclaim the reins of your life. Together, we'll explore the layers of your resilience, uncovering the courage and strength that may have been dormant. By the end of this journey, you won't just be on the path to recovery; you'll be equipped with the understanding and skills needed to navigate life's challenges with newfound confidence and resilience.

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Sexual Trauma Therapy

Every 73 seconds an American is sexually assaulted. Effects of sexual violence can last far past the initial assault. This can include PTSD, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, shame, lack of self-worth, mood swings, chronic pain, depression, sexual dysfunctions, and more. The statistics are alarming, the residual effects profound, but amidst the darkness, it's crucial to remember: recovery is not only plausible but attainable.

Every survivor's journey is unique, and acknowledging the complexity of the healing process is the first step toward empowerment. As disheartening as the statistics are, they don't define the potential for recovery. Rather, they underscore the importance of seeking the support and guidance needed to navigate the path towards healing. Recovery is not a linear path, but it is a journey filled with possibilities, growth, and empowerment. If you're considering therapy, know that you're not alone, and it's a courageous step towards reclaiming your life. Know that I am here to walk alongside you, offering guidance, understanding, and unwavering support as you embark on this transformative journey towards healing and self-empowerment.

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EMDR Therapy 

an evidence-based approach designed to help you process traumatic experiences, reduce emotional distress, and pave the way for a renewed sense of well-being

  • How does EMDR therapy differ from other therapies?
    EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or homework between sessions. EMDR, rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue allows the brain to resume its natural healing process. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. Part of the therapy includes alternating eye movements, sounds, or taps. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.
  • How can EMDR therapy help?
    Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic memories and events. While many times traumatic experiences can be managed and resolved spontaneously, they may not be processed without help. Stress responses are part of our natural fight, flight, or freeze instincts. When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create feelings of overwhelm, of being back in that moment, or of being “frozen in time.” EMDR therapy helps the brain process these memories and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved.
  • What is EMDR Therapy?
    EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a form of therapy that helps people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. Experiencing trauma can affect the brain's natural ability to recover from distressing events. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories through alternating eye movements, sounds, or taps. EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and has demonstrated effectiveness for trauma.
  • Are EMDR Intensives covered by insurance?
    Coverage varies, and it's recommended to check with your insurance provider. While some aspects of the intensive may be covered, others may not. We can provide you with necessary documentation for potential reimbursement.
  • What does research say about EMDR Intensives?
    Intensive application of trauma-focused therapy seems to be well tolerated in patients with PTSD, enabling faster symptom reduction with similar, or even better, results, while reducing the risk that patients drop out prematurely. Learn more here and here. Intensive EMDR treatment is feasible and is indicative of reliable improvement in PTSD symptoms in a very short time frame. Learn more here. An intensive program using EMDR therapy is a potentially safe and effective treatment alternative for complex PTSD. Learn more here. The economy is compelling: even compared to other trauma therapy, the intensive format may decrease treatment time. Learn more here.
  • What is EMDR Therapy?
    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals process and heal from distressing life experiences. EMDR Therapy utilizes bilateral stimulation, typically through eye movements, sounds, or taps, to assist in the reprocessing of traumatic memories. EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and has demonstrated effectiveness for trauma.
  • What types of issues can EMDR be used for?
    EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a versatile therapeutic approach known for its effectiveness in addressing a wide range of psychological issues. EMDR can be used for: 1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): EMDR is particularly recognized for its success in treating PTSD resulting from various traumatic experiences, including accidents, assault, combat, and natural disasters. 2. Trauma and Abuse: EMDR is beneficial for individuals who have experienced different types of trauma, such as childhood abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. 3. Anxiety Disorders: EMDR has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder. 4. Depression Individuals whose depressive symptoms are linked to traumatic events can find relief through EMDR therapy. 5. Phobias EMDR is applied to help individuals process and overcome specific phobias, such as fear of flying, heights, or animals. 6. Grief and Loss: EMDR may aid individuals in processing grief and loss associated with death, divorce, or significant life changes. 7. Addiction: EMDR can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan for addiction, addressing underlying traumas contributing to addictive behaviors. 8. Pain Disorders: In certain cases, EMDR is explored as a complementary therapy for chronic pain conditions, addressing the psychological aspects of pain. 9. Performance Anxiety: EMDR has been used to address performance anxiety in various areas, including public speaking, athletic performance, creative pursuits, and sexual performance anxiety. 10. Self-Esteem Issues: EMDR can be beneficial for individuals dealing with low self-esteem, helping them process and reframe negative beliefs about themselves.
  • How does intensive therapy work?
    Before we get into the Intensive (the part where you’ll engage in EMDR), we’ll meet for a Pre-Intensive Interview to determine the goal(s) of the time we’ll have together. We will look at what your life looks like now (what things are currently stressful in your life, what does your support system look like, how do you cope when you’re overwhelmed with big emotions and uncomfortable physical sensations), and places that you want relief, growth, or to take a big step forward. During the Intensive we simultaneously work on decreasing the pain you’re feeling while also increasing your ability to connect with more enjoyable feelings, thoughts, and memories. We do this with deep-level brain processing in EMDR, and learning which specific coping strategies work best for you. Depending on where you are in life and your goal(s) for the Intensive, we may spend time processing relationships and events of your past or present, or your worries for the future. This process is very personal and customized to you. After the EMDR Intensive, we’ll meet for a Post-Intensive Interview to reflect on what you processed and learned, what was meaningful to you, and how do you let these new insights and shifts permeate into more of your life moving forward.
  • I have more questions or different questions, when can we chat?
    I have an initial free (up to 30 minute) video consultation I offer which can be booked via email at holly@thehollywoodsexologist.com
  • Are EMDR Intensives worth the time and money?
    EMDR Intensives give you the results you would get from months of therapy in a much shorter period of time. If you add up the cost of weekly therapy, an EMDR Intensive is actually more cost effective. Instead of waiting months, you can get the same results in a few days.
  • What are EMDR Therapy Intensives?
    EMDR Therapy Intensives are concentrated sessions that offer an accelerated and focused approach to the EMDR therapeutic process. Unlike traditional weekly sessions, intensives provide extended, uninterrupted time to delve deeper into the healing journey. Sessions during the Intensive would be 3-4 hours per day. An intensive format may decrease overall treatment time because of time not spent on: checking in at the beginning of each session addressing current crises and concerns assisting clients in regaining composure at the end of the session because this is built into the work and at times not even needed
  • Why do an EMDR Intensive?
    You want to experience deep therapeutic work that can change your life quickly. You had a painful or uncomfortable experience that is still impacting you today. You have some time off of work or school, and you want to use some of your time for a mental spa day. You have done EMDR before and found it helpful for healing and moving through life without feeling weighed down. You want to prepare yourself for a big life event (a wedding, moving somewhere new, becoming a parent, starting a new job or school). You already go to weekly therapy and you feel stuck or on the verge of a break through. You may want to do an Intensive as a supplement to your weekly therapy.
  • Why Work With Me?
    I am a board-certified clinical sexologist, PhD in Human Sexuality, and an AASECT-certified sex therapist with years of experience helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of sexual health. My approach is compassionate, evidence-based, and affirming, creating a safe space where all forms of sexuality are respected. As a highly experienced therapist, I blend clinical expertise with deep empathy, ensuring that you feel supported and heard as we work through your most intimate concerns. I believe that everyone deserves a satisfying and empowered sexual life, and I’m committed to helping you reach that goal.
  • Common reasons people seek a Sex Therapy Intensive:
    Low libido or discrepancies in sexual desire Sexual performance anxiety or erectile difficulties Difficulty achieving orgasm Pain during sex (dyspareunia, vaginismus, etc.) Recovering intimacy after infidelity or betrayal Healing from sexual trauma Navigating non-traditional relationships (e.g., polyamory, BDSM, etc.) Exploring or affirming sexual identity or orientation Painful Sex
  • Who Are These Intensives For?
    Sex Therapy Intensives are ideal for individuals and couples who: Are looking for faster progress than traditional weekly therapy can offer. Prefer immersive experiences where deep work can happen in a concentrated time. Live out of town and want to travel for an intensive experience with a certified sex therapist. Feel “stuck” and need a significant shift to jumpstart healing or transformation. If you've got everything else in your relationship figured out, except the sex!
  • What Is a Sex Therapy Intensive?
    A Sex Therapy Intensive is a personalized, accelerated therapeutic experience designed for individuals and couples who want to address sexual health issues in a condensed timeframe. These intensives allow you to dedicate focused time to exploring the root causes of sexual challenges, heal past wounds, and develop new tools for healthy sexual expression. Each intensive is tailored to your specific needs, offering a safe and confidential space to work through sensitive topics without the pressure of weekly appointments.
  • Why Choose a Sex Therapy Intensive?
    Traditional therapy can take months, even years, to fully unpack and address deep-rooted sexual issues. With the intensive model, we work together in a dedicated block of time, giving you the space to break through blocks, develop sexual confidence, and move towards your goals at an accelerated pace. This approach is ideal for those seeking more immediate progress, have a busy schedule, or are traveling from out of town.
  • What to Expect from a Sex Therapy Intensive
    Initial Consultation: Before your intensive begins, we’ll meet for a comprehensive consultation. This session, lasting 2-3 hours, will allow me to understand your concerns, goals, and background. It also helps determine if the intensive format is the right fit for you. Personalized Treatment Plan: Following the consultation, we’ll design a customized therapy plan tailored to your unique needs. This may include a combination of talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and experiential exercises to enhance sexual connection and expression. You’ll also receive some preparatory prompted journaling to complete at home, which will help you reflect and engage with the therapeutic process before the main session. 4-Hour Therapy Session: A focused 4-hour therapy session will follow, allowing for deep, concentrated work on the issues identified. This session provides ample time to delve into your sexual concerns and begin the healing process in a structured, supportive environment. Post-Intensive Integration: After your intensive, you’ll receive additional resources, exercises, and follow-up sessions to support the integration of your insights into your daily life. We’ll make sure you have the tools to maintain progress long after the intensive ends. Please note: Sessions are held on separate days to allow for reflection and integration between them.
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