Avalon Derlacki Prentiss, M.S., LPC

I work with a variety of people and tend to focus on issues concerning a loss of sorts, those who feel stuck in unhelpful patterns of behaving and thinking, or those who have experienced acute / chronic trauma(s). I know deeply that change is difficult and can feel uncomfortable at times. Processing life's ups and downs requires a commitment to deep work, one that can produce more growth than before. I have had the opportunity to witness individuals process trauma, gain lasting coping skills, and thrive not despite their suffering, but because of it. After an unpleasant event occurs, our brain and body can respond in a variety of ways. Possibly, the world feels like a threatening, unsafe and chaotic place. Maybe the stress manifests as feeling worn out, constantly on edge, or maybe it's masked as physical discomfort (racing heart, shallow breathing, trouble concentrating, etc.). These physical symptoms are cues that our bodies need something different. Luckily, our brain and body are wired for healing. The path towards healing may involve deepening the mind-body connection through breathwork, Brainspotting, EMDR, increased nervous system awareness, curiosity, and self-compassion. If you find yourself experiencing physical manifestations of emotional disturbances, you have come to the right place. With the use of trauma-informed talk therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting, and somatic awareness, change can begin to take place. When I began my journey as a therapist, I vowed to continually learn and stay up to date on current research regarding the importance of the brain-body connection. I appreciate how important taking time for myself is - and I too continually work to regulate my nervous system by integrating my mind and body through running, yoga, grabbing coffee with loved ones, and alone time reading.