COUNSELLING SERVICES AT TWINRAVENS

Our primary counsellor at Twinravens is Michelle Hrynyk MSW, RSW. She has over 20 years experience working with Indigenous peoples, has a degree in Indigenous social work, and is a certified Brainspotting practitioner. Michelle specializes in trauma counselling.

About Michelle

My approach to life is based on my observation that the world is a complex mystery. 


I am convinced that sometimes life is hard and sometimes we lose ourselves along our way. I believe at these times we can benefit from having allies who can see us, hear us and support us in re-integrating our own personal wisdom. 


My counselling style is holistic and embraces all life. For me, it is important to listen with the heart along with the head. 


Unconditional positive regard and respect are cornerstones in all of my work. Accordingly, a physiological tool/treatment which has profound psychological, emotional, and physical consequences. 

 

WHAT IS BRAINSPOTTING?

Brainspotting is a powerful, focused treatment method that works by identifying, processing and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation and a variety of other challenging symptoms. 

 

Brainspotting gives us a tool, within a clinical healing relationship, to neurobiologically locate, focus, process, and release experiences and symptoms that are typically out of reach of the conscious mind and its cognitive and language capacity. 

 

Brainspotting works with the deep brain and the body through its direct access to the autonomic and limbic systems within the body’s central nervous system. Brainspotting is accordingly a physiological tool/treatment which has profound psychological, emotional, and physical consequences.

WHY BRAINSPOTTING WORKS

Trauma is an experience not an event. When we experience an emotionally intense, frightening or traumatic event, it may overwhelm us. If that overwhelm does not naturally resolve, the experience gets ‘stuck’ in the body (the central nervous system) leaving us overly-sensitive and overly-reactive. It also then diminishes or distorts our sense of self.

Brainspotting works with those stuck memories so they can resume being naturally processed and it seeks to repair and strengthen our sense of self. In the end, you will still have the memories, but they will no longer be as upsetting; you may still have present-day situations which are challenging, but they will no longer be triggering; rather situations will feel more manageable because you will feel more grounded, balanced and empowered. Brainspotting can be used to treat:

Anxiety
Depression
Flashbacks
Nightmares
Panic Attacks
PTSD
Complex PTSD
 

Brainspotting is a physiological treatment which has profound psychological, emotional, and physical consequences. Brainspotting works with the deep brain and the body through its direct access to the autonomic and limbic systems within the body’s central nervous system.

HOW DOES BRAINSPOTTING WORK? BY DR. MARK GRIXTI
PHONE & ZOOM SESSIONS

Telehealth that is Secure and Private

Sometimes, it is not always practical or possible to meet in person for face-to-face counselling. Twinravens offer phone along with Zoom online meetings for counselling so you can also receive help right where you are.  


Zoom is designed to protect your privacy and anonymity. The program is very easy to install and can be used through your web browser. Please ensure that you're in a space where you can have the privacy to speak freely and that is quiet, so we can both focus on your needs for the duration of the time. Online video therapy can be used on its own or in conjunction with your in person visits. 


Zoom communications are established using 256-bit TLS encryption and all shared content is encrypted using AES-256 encryption. 

Healing does not mean that the damage never existed.
It means the damage no longer controls our lives.