Approach to Trauma Work
I am trained in several evidence-based trauma therapy modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE). While all three are effective in treating trauma-related disorders, each engages the brain in distinct ways to support healing. Each of these therapies engages different neural pathways and mechanisms to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences.
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help reduce hyperactivity in the amygdala, which is involved in the processing of emotions and is often overactive in individuals with PTSD, EMDR may facilitate the processing of traumatic memories in the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory formation and contextualizing events. Lastly, EMDR helps in enhancing the connectivity and functioning of the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in rational thinking and emotional regulation.
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Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) focuses on enhancing cognitive control and regulation by engaging the prefrontal cortex, which helps in re-evaluating and restructuring distorted thoughts related to the trauma. CPT can also improve functioning in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) which is involved in emotional regulation and error detection. While not directly targeted, changes in the prefrontal cortex can help reduce amygdala hyperactivity over time.
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Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) can help in reducing amygdala hyperactivity by habituating the patient to the trauma-related stimuli, decreasing fear responses. Like EMDR, PE can aid in contextualizing and processing traumatic memories within the hippocampus. PE enhances the function of the prefrontal cortex, improving emotional regulation and executive function.
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When I first met Dr. Nina I felt that I was broken beyond repair. I was able to, for the first time in my life, learn how to balance my rational and emotional brain, regulate my emotions... I learned to control my own impulses and was finally able to get my anxiety disorder under control. Dr. Nina brought to my awareness how there was a huge disconnect between my brain and body and how to reconnect them so that I could experience and embrace my hurt and pain in healthy ways. As opposed to trying to avoid or numb the emotional instability I've built a healthy relationship with it... I call Dr. Nina my psychological samurai.
-M.T., Male, 49
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Nina was an outstanding therapist for me. She helped me to be less shy in talking about my issues, and she was very understanding about my struggle with mental health and my incarceration history. When I was released from jail. Nina helped me transition into the community with less fear of going back to jail or fear of adapting to an unfamiliar lifestyle. I was fearful of relapsing with drugs but Nina also supported my transition to sober living. She taught me coping skills for anxiety and relapse prevention. We sometimes role played and practiced together which is very helpful. Since my release from jail, I am striving and successful.
-W.S., Male, 39