Methods

»The goal is not to stop feeling.
The goal is to feel safely.«

Jessica Baum

Evidence-based practices are essential to my work. That is why I combine elements from bilateral stimulation techniques (EMDR), Polyvagal Theory and inner parts work.

Due to its neurological mode of action, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has proven to be one of the most effective therapeutic methods [14, 2, 7, 8] but can also be used in coaching and counselling contexts [10, 13, 4] – as well as in online settings [6, 9, 12].

The Polyvagal Theory [11] describes the role of the autonomic nervous system in bonding, communication, and emotional regulation. Not only does it provide valuable insights into various disorders but also offers innovative routes to stabilization [1, 5].

Inner Parts Work helps uncover internal dynamics that regularly lead to disturbances in daily life. By engaging in mindful dialogue with different parts of the self, access to previously hidden resources and problem-solving strategies is gained. Research shows that this method can significantly improve mental health [3].

[1] Bornemann, B., & Singer, T. (2017). The polyvagal theory and the treatment of depression and anxiety. Current Opinion in Psychology, 15, 1–7. 

[2] Chen, Y. R., Hung, K. W., Tsai, J. C., Chu, H., Chung, M. H., Chen, S. R., Liao, Y. M., Ou, K. L., Chang, Y. C., & Chou, K. R. (2014). Efficacy of eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing for patients with posttraumatic-stress disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLOS ONE, 9(8), e103676. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0103676

[3] Hodgdon, H. B., Schuttler, J. O., Davis, J. N., Anderson, S. L., & Spinazzola, J. (2021). Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among survivors of multiple childhood trauma: A pilot effectiveness study. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma. Advance online publication

[4] Foster, S., & Lendl, J. (1996). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Four case studies of a new tool for executive coaching and restoring employee performance after setbacks. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 48(3), 155–161. https://doi.org/10.1037/1061-4087.48.3.155

[5] Kaiser, D. A., & Miskovic, V. (2022). Applying polyvagal theory to understand and treat psychopathology. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 44(1), 34–46. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-021-09853-4

[6] Kaptan, S. K., Kaya, Z. M., & Akan, A. (2024). Addressing mental health need after COVID-19: A systematic review of remote EMDR therapy studies as an emerging option. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, 1336569. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1336569

[7] Khan, A. M., Dar, S., Ahmed, R., Bachu, R., Adnan, M., & Kotapati, V. P. (2018). Cognitive behavioral therapy versus eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Cureus, 10(9), e3250. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.3250

[8] Mavranezouli, I., Megnin-Viggars, O., Daly, C., Dias, S., Welton, N. J., Stockton, S., Bhutani, G., Grey, N., Leach, J., Greenberg, N., Katona, C., El-Leithy, S., & Pilling, S. (2020). Psychological treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder in adults: A network meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 50(4), 542-555. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291720000070

[9] Mischler, C., Hofmann, A., Behnke, A., Matits, L., Lehnung, M., Varadarajan, S., Rojas, R., Kolassa, I. T., & Tumani, V. (2021). Therapists‘ experiences with the effectiveness and feasibility of videoconference-based eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 748712. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.748712

[10] Parnell, L. (2024). EMDR-informed coaching for transformative growth: Taking EMDR outside the therapy room. EMDR Therapy Quarterly, October 2024. https://etq.emdrassociation.org.uk/2024/10/28/emdr-informed-coaching-for-transformative-growth-taking-emdr-outside-the-therapy-room

[11] Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company.

[12] Rosser, B. A., Agostinis, A., & Bond, J. (2023). Online eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy for chronic pain: A pilot controlled trial. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 17, 186–199. https://doi.org/10.1891/EMDR-2023-0009

[13] Weiland, F. P. G., Rathschlag, M., & Klatt, S. (2021). Anxiety reduction and improved concentration in schoolchildren through Wingwave® coaching. Children, 8(12), 1102. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8121102

[14] Yunitri, N., Kao, C. C., Chu, H., Voss, J., Chiu, H. L., Liu, D., Shen, S. T. H., Chang, P. C., Kang, X. L., & Chou, K. R. (2020). The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing toward anxiety disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 123, 102–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.01.005