My Approach
EMDR + IFS
find your way back to yourself.
The Philosophy of Healing
I believe that healing is a journey of connection and growth, both individually and in relation to others. At Root and Wave EMDR Therapy, I specialize in combining EMDR and parts work to help you navigate life's complexities from a sense of Self that fosters clarity and compassion. My approach is grounded in evidence-based, trauma-informed modalities, and a deep commitment to your well-being.
Build the roots
We start by creating stability and safety in your system so you’re not constantly bracing or overwhelmed. we learn how to understand and observe emotions as a tool to understanding you.
move through the waves
When your system is ready, we begin processing what’s been held without flooding or pushing too fast.
come back to yourself
Over time, things start to feel different.
You feel more steady, more connected, and more like you again.
Understanding the Tools
EMDR
EMDR is a therapy that helps your nervous system process experiences that feel “stuck.” Sometimes your mind knows something is over, but your body still reacts like it’s happening now. EMDR works by helping your brain and body reprocess those experiences in a way that feels more complete, so they no longer carry the same intensity. In our work, we approach EMDR slowly and intentionally, building enough safety and stability first so that when we do process, it feels manageable rather than overwhelming.
IFS
IFS (Internal Family Systems) is a way of understanding that different parts of you carry different experiences, roles, and reactions. The part that shuts down, the part that overthinks, the part that pushes you forward, all developed for a reason. Instead of trying to get rid of these parts, we get curious about them. We build a relationship with them, understand what they’re trying to protect, and help them feel less alone in their roles. Over time, this creates more internal clarity, less conflict, and a stronger sense of connection to yourself.
HOW IT WORKS
Combining
IFS + EMDR
I combine IFS-based parts work and EMDR because understanding the protective patterns your system developed helps create enough safety and trust for deeper healing and processing to happen without overwhelming you.
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Working with parts using IFS helps us slow down and understand your inner world with more compassion. Instead of seeing your symptoms (anxiety, spacing out, people-pleasing, perfectionism, overwhelm, etc.) as “bad,” we get curious about what those parts of you are trying to do for you, and what they’ve been carrying for a long time. That understanding helps create more safety and trust in your system before moving into deeper trauma work.
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EMDR helps your nervous system process and release experiences that may still feel stuck emotionally or physically. So instead of only understanding your patterns intellectually, your body gets the chance to actually update them.
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What it feels like to work together
Your context matters
Your experiences don't exist in a vacuum. We make space for the culture, identity, and systems that have shaped your path.
You're in charge
We won't rush. Your nervous system sets the timeline, and we focus on building steadiness before moving through deeper waves.
You aren’t alone
Working through emotions can feel big, but you won't be left alone in them. We learn what they mean and how to navigate the intensity together, with safety.