Johnna Stilson LMHC

Treatment of PTSD, trauma, or any other related life-disturbing events I use therapy tools including EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and Somatic Therapy. I have found these both to be very powerful techniques to help unlock the trauma that is stored in the body and memory.

For treatment of anxiety it is important to understand the specific causes and triggers unique to each client. Different types of anxiety can include phobias, panic disorder, generalized anxiety, and responses to grief/trauma. Some therapy techniques can include CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), Exposure- response therapy, and Somatic Therapy or EMDR.

Experiencing grief and loss is what unites us as human beings. I have worked with patients and families in hospice care as well as navigating my own experiences with grief and loss. Grief therapy can include integrative ways of honoring our loved ones, learning to cope with the physical and emotional symptoms after a loss, and dealing with complex or complicated grief including traumatic loss.

Somatic therapy helps to reorient us to the wisdom and innate healing in the body. With the understanding that traumatic events can get locked and stored in the body and cause repetitive and unwanted behavioral patterns, such as tension, agitation, anxiety, and being disconnected from the body. Somatic therapy works to reestablish connection to our bodies in a safe manner and release the impact of traumatic events.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) was developed in 1987 by Dr. Francine Shapiro. This has evolved into an 8 phase trauma treatment that helps client reprocess traumatic life experiences, related symptoms, and unhealthy coping strategies. EMDR uses a bilateral stimulation (eye movement, tapping, pulses, tones) while simultaneously addressing memories related to the traumatic event. This helps process disturbing images, thoughts, feelings and body sensations.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is based on the understanding that thinking informs our behavior, and behavioral patterns can be conditioned and strengthened even when they are maladaptive. CBT includes exercises in mindfulness and awareness of thoughts and their consequences. It offers a practical approach to not believing everything we think and looking for healthier and more rational alternatives, which will in turn give us more desirable behaviors.

Anxiety can take on various forms such as phobias, panic attacks, generalized anxiety, and anxiety related to abuse, trauma or grief. It's important to explore the specific causes and triggers for anxiety whether this is from an acute circumstance or a long-standing issue. Different techniques have proven effective for treating anxiety including CBT, Exposure Response Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and mindfulness.