Hailey Heil LCMHC

For clients with trauma histories, I integrate EMDR therapy, an evidence-based approach that helps reprocess difficult memories to reduce triggers and fears. Rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, EMDR allows the brain to return to its natural healing process. Through reprocessing memories, the body is able to break free of the stress responses known as fight, flight, or freeze and return to a sense of calm.

I enjoy working with couples and individuals to create healthy, lasting, partnerships. I can assist with dating anxiety, exploring attachment styles, creating healthy boundaries in relationships, and increasing emotional and physical intimacy. I'm passionate about attachment science and helping clients understand the nervous system's natural ways of coping to decode relationship issues.

Since talking about trauma is difficult for many, our sessions often span beyond talk therapy. You can expect to build self-awareness through mindfulness techniques like body scanning and breathing exercises. Building awareness around your physical self, in turn, helps with managing emotional reactions. Another modality, known as EMDR, will help you reprocess past trauma to live more freely in the present as well as connect more easily with others.

I completed 50 hours of training in Somatic and Attachment-Focused EMDR, the S.A.F.E. approach, in 2022. This type of EMDR is suitable for complex trauma, often stemming from childhood events and treatment from caregivers. The S.A.F.E. approach places an emphasis on how past difficulties are impacting our current relationships. Over the past several years this modality has helped countless clients overcome childhood trauma, sexual trauma and improve self-esteem.

My love for relationship counseling began in 2019 when I interned with a Sex Therapist & Couples Counselor to complete my graduate counseling hours. Since that point, I've focused on understanding the complexities of relationships and helping clients untangle the issues with their loved ones. I've completed the Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship as well as Gottman Level I & II Couples Counseling Training.

Attachment Theory is built on the simple truth that humans are biologically wired for connection. Working through an attachment lens means learning that our nervous systems dictate how we behave in relationships. I use this theory to validate and affirm clients about their relational experiences while building self-awareness about relationship patterns. I've completed training in Emotionally-Focused Therapy which is rooted in attachment theory. My bookshelf is full of attachment reads!

PTSD can show up in many different ways, especially if your trauma is complex or relational. Some of my clients are unsure if they've experienced trauma, but rest assured, EMDR is an affective form of therapy no matter the severity of your trauma background. EMDR allows the brain to reprocess adverse past events to be able to live more presently and better connect with others.