08/24/2026
Spent the last few days at the EMDR International Association conference learning, catching up with friends and colleagues, and taking in A LOT of information 💚
Dr. Mara Tesler Stein’s session with The Touchstone Institute was an important reminder that perinatal trauma can happen throughout the entire reproductive journey, from infertility and pregnancy complications to birth, NICU experiences, postpartum, medical trauma and loss.
We also spent time learning about Polyvagal Theory alongside EMDR and parts work, including how important it is to understand what is happening in the nervous system before jumping into the story. There is no one-size-fits-all way to do this work. We have to know the tools and adapt them to the person sitting in front of us.
Also appreciated the conversation around Indigenous perspectives on healing and the idea that healing can be relational and collective, not only individual.
I even managed to fit in Aaisha Alvi | Postpartum Psychosis Awareness Advocate/Author’ conversation about her lived experience with postpartum psychosis, with Katrina Furey, MD | Reproductive Psychiatrist, which felt especially relevant to the perinatal work we do at Hearth.
Plus, getting to spend time with people who have supported my own EMDR journey, including Erica | Spoonie therapist, biz owner, recovering over-achiever, and finally meeting some online EMDR friends like Jennifer Ann Counseling in person 💚
Lots to bring home with me, professionally.and personally.