Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) is a therapeutic approach designed to facilitate neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to rewire and heal itself. Grounded in the belief in our inherent capacity for healing, AEDP draws from a diverse array of disciplines, including interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory, emotion theory, affective neuroscience, body-focused approaches, and transformational studies.

In the journey of AEDP therapy, the clinician works alongside the client to undo feelings of isolation and deeply process challenging emotional and relational experiences. By creating a safe and supportive environment, AEDP aims to cultivate new and transformative experiences that promote healing and growth. These experiences become reservoirs of strength and resilience, igniting a renewed sense of vitality and purpose in life.

Through the power of connection and exploration, AEDP offers a pathway towards profound healing and a revitalized self of the core self.

“Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. EMDR therapy, 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. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies. Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic memories and events. This process involves communication between the amygdala (the alarm signal for stressful events), the hippocampus (which assists with learning, including memories about safety and danger), and the prefrontal cortex (which analyzes and controls behavior and emotion). 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 an overwhelming feeling 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.”

Polyvagal Theory sheds light on the intricate workings of the autonomic nervous system, a key player in our daily experiences that significantly influences our sense of safety and our ability to connect with others. This groundbreaking theory introduces essential concepts such as hierarchy, neuroception, and co-regulation, revolutionizing our understanding of how the autonomic nervous system functions.

Guided by Polyvagal Theory, we gain a fresh perspective on how life experiences shape the nervous system and the pathways leading to healing. Armed with this updated map of the autonomic circuits governing connection, mobilization, and collapse, we now have practical tools to help clients identify and disrupt protective patterns. Additionally, we can employ strategies to guide their systems toward a regulated state of safety and connection, a vital foundation for successful treatment.

Polyvagal Theory provides a valuable framework for navigating the complexities of the autonomic nervous system, offering practical insights and strategies to foster healing and promote a sense of safety and connection in the therapeutic journey.