The longer you live, the more likely it is that you have experienced trauma. Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, and diminishes the sense of self and the ability to feel the full range of emotions and experiences. Trauma does not discriminate and is estimated to impact almost one-third of the population. Emotional symptoms of trauma include sadness, fear, anger, denial, and shame, which in turn can lead to nightmares, insomnia, difficulty with relationships, and emotional outbursts. Common physical symptoms resulting from a traumatic experience include nausea, dizziness, changes in appetite, headaches, and altered sleep patterns.

Though there is no cure or quick fix for traumas and the suffering associated with them, there is hope. As a trauma-informed therapist, I use a number of evidence-based approaches when working to alleviate symptoms, improve desensitization, and restore balance. In my work, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help change the thought and behavioral patterns associated with heightened physical and emotional symptoms. Somatic therapies, including Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Psychology, are used to help the body process and release the manifestations of trauma.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic technique that can successfully remove deeply-held beliefs about the self and the world, beliefs caused by trauma, which can manifest themselves in depression, anxiety, and shame. EMDR is then used to install positive, helpful, and accurate beliefs about the self and world. Often, removing the “interference” of blocking beliefs allows individuals suffering from depression to begin to be open to other forms of effective treatment.  Dr. Schaefer-Schiumo is trained in the use of EMDR, and has used this to quickly and successfully guide clients away from feelings like “I’m worthless,” “It’s all my fault,” “the world is cruel,” and “I don’t deserve to be happy,” and toward a fully-realized self.

Over the years, I have dedicated myself to the practice of holistic psychology. This way of being and working honors the reality that the mind affects the brain, body and the emotions and the body affects the emotions and the mind. This focus led me to stumble an additional effective set of treatment and tools called Brainspotting™ (BSP).

Brainspotting is defined as a powerful approach to healing and wellness that meaningfully combines what we know about the mind/brain into therapy, particularly in resolving old wounds or traumas. Throughout my years of practice, I have witnessed brave individuals “doing their work” to heal past negative experiences. Here is what I have learned to be true; many people move forward, heal and lead successful, peaceful, and fulfilling lives. Trauma–informed interventions are helpful for many individuals and I continue to use those approaches in my work every day.

BUT, there is always a piece of the trauma that cannot be accessed and healed through language or body-based work completely separated from the brain; there is a piece of the healing where language fails… always. This is where Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Brainspotting come in, allowing the psychologist to work gently and collaboratively with the client to access, reorganize, and heal the trauma encapsulated in the brain. When this happens, the prior activation, felt possibly as anxiety, depression, or inattention, lessens, and the person feels and functions better. I look forward to meeting with you to see how Brainspotting or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing could be of value and meaning in your life.

If you’re searching for trauma relief in New York, take comfort in knowing that effective tools and therapies are available for healing. Together, we’ll utilize proven approaches to help process your trauma, shift negative patterns, and restore balance to your life.

Take the first step toward overcoming the effects of trauma. Contact me for more information.

Over the years, I have dedicated myself to the practice of holistic psychology, which serves as the foundation of my work. As part of this journey, I trained in Brainspotting, an incredible therapeutic tool that honors the mind-body-emotion connection. This approach recognizes that the mind affects the body, the body impacts emotions, and in turn emotions influence the mind.

Brainspotting™ (BSP) is a powerful, science-backed therapeutic method that integrates knowledge of the brain and body into therapy. It is particularly effective in addressing unresolved emotional traumas and old wounds. Throughout my years of practice, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless individuals take brave steps toward healing, processing past pain, and ultimately leading peaceful, fulfilling lives.

While trauma-informed interventions are valuable and continue to be part of my work, there are limits to what language and traditional body-based therapies alone can achieve. Certain elements of trauma are stored so deeply within the brain that verbal expression cannot fully access or resolve them.

This is where Brainspotting takes center stage. It provides a gentle yet effective way to access, organize, and heal trauma that is encapsulated in the brain. As we work together, Brainspotting allows us to process and resolve the emotional pain, triggering feelings of anxiety, depression, or inattention. Through this method, psychological activation decreases, leaving individuals feeling lighter, calmer, and more functional in everyday life.

Brainspotting can help with:

This holistic, compassionate, and empowering approach helps you heal in ways traditional therapy may not achieve.