Your Questions, Answered
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The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin building a sense of safety and understanding. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to counseling, your goals, and what you hope to get from therapy. You’re welcome to share at your own pace. There is no pressure to talk about anything before you’re ready.
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a trauma-informed therapy designed to help the brain process experiences that feel “stuck” or overwhelming. It was developed by Francine Shapiro, PhD, and has been shown to be effective for trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and other distressing experiences.
During EMDR sessions, we focus on a specific memory, feeling, or belief that is causing difficulty. Using gentle bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tactile cues, your brain is guided to process these experiences naturally and safely. You remain in control throughout the session and move at a pace that feels comfortable.
EMDR is often combined with other approaches, and working with a trained EMDR clinician ensures that the process is supportive, safe, and tailored to your needs. Many people find EMDR to be a powerful tool for healing and creating lasting change. I have completed levels 1 and 2 with ongoing consultation in EMDR and integrate it thoughtfully and gently into the therapeutic process.
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Sandtray therapy is a creative, hands-on approach that uses miniature figures and a tray of sand to help express thoughts, feelings, and experiences that can be difficult to put into words. This approach allows you to explore your inner world safely and at your own pace, giving insight into patterns, relationships, and emotions.
Sandtray therapy is often combined with other modalities like EMDR, parts work, or mindfulness, creating a flexible, trauma-informed experience that supports healing and understanding.
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Parts Work, also called Ego State Therapy, is a gentle, trauma-informed approach that helps you explore the different aspects of yourself. We all have “parts” that carry thoughts, emotions, or memories, including protective parts that may have developed to help you cope with difficult experiences.
Through this work, we identify these parts, understand their roles, and create a sense of internal safety. This can help you heal old wounds, reduce internal conflict, and develop more balance and compassion for yourself. You remain in control throughout the process, and sessions move at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
Parts Work is often integrated with other therapeutic approaches, such as EMDR or mindfulness, to support deeper insight and lasting change.
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I am a private pay provider and do not work directly with insurance companies. This approach allows therapy to remain centered on your needs rather than insurance requirements.
Working outside of insurance can support greater privacy, flexibility in approaches such as EMDR, and the ability to move at a pace that feels comfortable and intentional. Your investment in counseling supports care that is individualized, thoughtful, and guided by what feels most meaningful for you.
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Yes. You can choose in-person sessions at SOULSHINE Counseling + Wellness or secure telehealth sessions for adults across Louisiana. You may move between formats as needed to fit your schedule or comfort level.
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Working with me is collaborative, honest, and straightforward. I create a safe space where you can feel seen, heard, and understood. I do not aim to fix you. Instead, I guide you with clarity and directness, helping you gain insight, develop tools, and move forward in a way that feels supportive and manageable.
I draw from evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, Parts Work, Sandtray Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and mindfulness, tailoring each session to what feels most helpful for you. Sessions are designed to be grounded, intentional, and focused on your healing journey.