Kristen Muche

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that has been successful in helping people who suffer from trauma, anxiety, panic, disturbing memories, nightmares, etc. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) while the client attends to memories and triggers to decrease or eliminate emotional distress connected to the memory.

Parts work makes space for the conflicts between parts of the self. For instance, there are times when you might be attempting to work through a challenging or traumatic memory within therapy.

Although you feel ready to heal, there might be a part of you that interferes with the process to protect you from vulnerable feelings that threaten your sense of self. Parts work can also look at the “inner child” part(s) that still carry pain that is stuck in time. Parts work is very effective in making clients feel seen, heard, and attuned. This may be a modality to consider if you have been in therapy for many years without much success.

The T.R.I.P approach involves working with trauma and its impact on the person as a whole. This approach recognizes that frequently memories are implicit and stored at a body level. The assumption of T.R.I.P is that the body, brain, emotions, beliefs, sensations, and relationships need both regulation and integration for the person to feel alive, and live in the present.

The T.R.I.P model has been influenced by the ideas, theories, concepts, and practices of the following therapies and seeks to integrate key aspects of each of these therapies:

1. OEI – One Eye Integration/Observed & Experiential Integration
2. IFS – Internal Family Systems
3. SP/SE – Sensorimotor Psychotherapy/Somatic Experiencing
4. EFT – Emotionally Focused Therapy
5. Developmental Attachment theory – Dr, G. Neufeld (Neufeld institute)

Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) is a trauma-focused, evidence-based approach that helps individuals process and integrate traumatic memories into a coherent life narrative. Using a chronological “lifeline,” clients recount their experiences in detail, reducing PTSD symptoms by anchoring fragmented memories within their broader life story. Originally designed for survivors of war and violence, NET is structured, brief, and adaptable across diverse populations and cultural contexts.

Prolonged exposure teaches individuals to gradually approach their trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations. They presumably learn that trauma-related memories and cues are not dangerous and do not need to be avoided.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps individuals with PTSD challenge and change unhelpful trauma-related beliefs. CPT fosters a new understanding of traumatic events, reducing their negative impact on daily life. It is a highly recommended treatment for PTSD caused by various traumatic experiences.

TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment approach shown to help children, adolescents, and their caretakers overcome trauma-related difficulties.

Harm reduction encompasses practical strategies to minimize the negative effects of drug use and is rooted in a social justice movement that respects the rights and dignity of people who use drugs.

Seeking Safety is an evidence-based counseling model designed to help individuals achieve safety from trauma and/or addiction. It is present-focused, avoids delving into past trauma, and can be used in groups or individually with clients of all genders and ages. Suitable for any treatment setting, it requires no special licensure or training, though training is available.

Expressive Arts Therapy is a multimodal therapeutic approach that uses writing, drama, dance, painting, and music to help individuals explore their emotions and insights. Guided by a trained therapist, it emphasizes creative expression over artistic skill, making it accessible and beneficial to everyone.