Exploring Trauma Healing and Therapy Techniques
A few weeks ago, we sat down with Evena Pierre to discuss her work supporting individuals through trauma and the healing process. Today, we’re revisiting that conversation with new insights into some of her methods, her personal recommendations, and how her clients can integrate these tools into their daily lives.
Q: What is EMDR therapy, and what can someone expect from it?
A: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy designed to help people process and heal from trauma. It’s most commonly used for PTSD but has also been effective for anxiety, depression, and phobias.
During EMDR sessions, clients focus on a distressing memory while following guided eye movements. This process helps the brain reframe the memory and reduce its emotional charge. It’s a powerful tool that allows healing to happen at a client’s pace.
Q: What is Polyvagal Therapy, and how does it help in therapy?
A: Polyvagal Therapy focuses on understanding the autonomic nervous system and how it responds to safety or stress. It’s a bottom-up approach that starts with physiological regulation, helping people feel more grounded and able to engage with the world.
Some techniques include breathing exercises to calm the nervous system, somatic awareness to notice how emotions manifest in the body, and gentle movement or stretch to promote regulation. Co-regulation with a therapist is also key—creating a safe, trusting space is foundational for healing.
This method is beneficial for individuals dealing with emotional dysregulation, chronic stress, or trauma.
Q: How do your certifications influence your work?
A: I’ve been certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD and trained in Polyvagal Theory, CBT, and DBT. These approaches work together to address different aspects of a client’s needs.
For example, Polyvagal Theory focuses on body regulation, CBT addresses thought patterns and Cognitive Processing Therapy helps reframe trauma-related beliefs. This range of tools allows me to personalize therapy based on where a client is in their journey.
Q: What are some practical methods you teach clients for everyday use?
A: I often teach techniques from Polyvagal Theory, such as breathing exercises or grounding practices, alongside mindfulness strategies and principles from Cognitive Processing Therapy. These methods help clients build awareness of their emotions and regulate their nervous system throughout the day.
The goal is to provide simple but effective tools—something clients can use in the moment to manage stress or overwhelming emotions.
Q: Are there any books or authors you often recommend?
A: Definitely! I often recommend Safe People and How to Be an Adult in Relationships. Both are excellent for understanding boundaries and creating healthy, balanced relationships. Depending on the client’s needs, I may suggest other resources, but these two tend to resonate with many people.
Approaches like EMDR and Polyvagal Therapy help clients move toward healing with practical tools and personalized care. If you’re interested in learning more or scheduling a session, visit!
