Counseling, Supervision and Trauma Therapy for Transformative Growth

Specializing in Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting and EMDR Modalities

 

Located in Bellingham, WA, I specialize in trauma-focused, restorative counseling to help you and your loved ones decrease triggers and increase resilient, adaptive responses to life’s stressors.

 

 
“Changing the memories that form the way we see ourselves also changes the way we view others. Therefore, our relationships, job performance, what we are willing to do or are able to resist, all move in a positive direction.” ~ Francine Shapiro…

“Changing the memories that form the way we see ourselves also changes the way we view others. Therefore, our relationships, job performance, what we are willing to do or are able to resist, all move in a positive direction.”

~ Francine Shapiro, PhD, EMDR originator and developer

 
 

I believe our present-day distress derives from complex origins.

It is a relationship between powerful systems of oppression and how our nervous systems respond to issues of safety and attachment. When we subconsciously internalize the messages from these systemic forces, or when we do not have the tools and resources to handle the situation we’re presented with, we may experience physical and emotional distress. No matter the size of the trauma - a humiliating moment in 5th grade, a history of abuse, racial or gendered microaggressions, a recent car crash, war trauma, a lifetime of PTSD - pain happens to us all, and it can creates thoughts that we unconsciously live by and reinforce in our relationships. Thoughts like, “I’m a failure… I’m never enough… I’m not safe… I have to be in control… I’m too much…”

When daily life triggers these thoughts to surface, we become stuck in the loop again and our nervous system becomes overwhelmed. We have nightmares or physical complaints. We turn inward on ourselves, shaming ourselves with what we should’ve done. Or maybe we externalize our negative self-talk and project it onto others. Maybe we turn to substances to distance ourselves. We become anxious or depressed.

It’s important to know that these responses are what have allowed us to get to today - they are normal responses to abnormal situations. They were the tools we used to survive at the time of the trauma - we didn’t know how to respond any differently.

Typically, trauma occurs alongside other people, and so does the healing. In therapy, we gently honor the parts of ourselves still living out the pain and invite them to show up at the table. We use grounding and centering tools, mindfulness and containment to create a place for you to land. We re-imagine your past as fuel for personal growth and recovery and incorporate neuro-based, “bottom-up” therapies like Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, and EMDR to put those memories to rest.

Through this deep work, you are able to access internal resources that were not available to you at the time of the trauma. You are able to view those experiences as something that happened to you a long time ago. You start recognizing periods of expansion as well as contraction. You learn to bring compassion to yourself and say, “I am doing my best.”

 

Counseling and Supervision Services

 
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Individual Counseling

I integrate Somatic Experiencing (SE), Internal Family Systems (IFS), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, grounding and mindfulness practices, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), relational cultural therapy, systemic and feminist frameworks that recognize the significance of intersectionality and impacts of dominant culture on our varying identities. Bottom-up approaches differ from CBT and other talk-therapy modalities, and sessions help develop a solid relationship with your internal bodily experience, or felt sense.

I accept private pay only. Superbills are available for self-reimbursement from your insurance.

Intake: $175 // Individuals: $150 // Couples: $175

EMDR Consultation

I am a Certified EMDRIA therapist and consultant-in-training. As such, I can provide 15 of the 20 needed hours for EMDR therapists seeking EMDRIA certification.

In addition to standard protocol, I have training in Recent Traumatic Events Protocol/Group Traumatic Events Proctor (R-TEP/G-TEP), Ad de Jongh and Susie Mattheison’s EMDR 2.0 and C-PTSD, and FLASH Technique. I integrate teachings from Dolores Mosquera, Robin Shapiro, Jim Knipe, April Steele, Sarah Paulson, Katie O’Shea, and more. I consider parts work and somatic approaches to be integral in successful re-processing.

Consults billed at hourly rate of $150.

Counseling Supervision

I love working with other therapists. I am a resource junkie and love to share! My style is non-hierarchical, person-centered, justice-oriented and reflective. Of course, associate-level therapists receive support around core practice areas, including culturally responsive case conceptualization and treatment planning; theoretical development; record keeping; legal and ethical issues and responsibilities; insurance billing and private practice business development.

Associates seeking EMDR certification hours can also get those through our supervision, so you can get some cost savings that way (2 for 1!).

Supervision billed at hourly rate of $150.

 

About Trauma Therapy Approaches

 

This video outlines Peter Levine’s groundbreaking therapeutic modality, Somatic Experiencing. It helps resolve symptoms of trauma, and often resolves symptoms that were thought to be unrelated to the original trauma.

Brainspotting (BSP) was discovered in 2003 by David Grand, Ph.D. Over 15,000 therapists across the world have been trained in BSP.

“Where we look affects how we feel.” Brainspotting makes use of this natural phenomenon through its use of relevant eye positions. This helps the Brainspotting therapist to locate, focus, process and release a wide range of emotionally and bodily-based conditions. It has been shown that Brainspotting taps into and harnesses the body’s natural self-scanning, self-healing ability. When a Brainspot is stimulated, the deep brain appears to reflexively signal the therapist that the source of the problem has been found. Brainspotting can be used to find and strengthen our natural resources and resilience. Brainspotting is designed as a therapeutic tool that can be integrated into many of the healing modalities, and can also be used for performance and creativity enhancement.

 
Learn about how EMDR therapy works, what it is like, and how widely it is recognized.
 

Kendall Cline (she/they)

  • National Certified Counselor

  • Certified Brainspotting Therapist

  • Certified EMDR Therapist and Consultant-in-Training

  • Somatic Experiencing, Advanced, Year 3

  • Member, EMDR International Association

  • Member, Washington Mental Health Counseling Association

 

About Kendall Cline, MA, NCC, LMHC

I am passionate about working with folks on their healing journey. I graduated from Saybrook University with a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Specialization. I practice from a trauma-informed, systemic, person-centered perspective. I incorporate Somatic Experiencing and brain-based modalities of Brainspotting and EMDR. I’m a member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). I have worked in the community agency setting and have a private practice in Bellingham, WA, where I work with adults. I have a past life as a graphic + web designer, small business owner and creative director. I am deeply committed to unpacking my privilege and engaging in social justice. I’m queer, and I love supporting queer/trans/NB individuals and couples. I’m also body- and sex-positive.

Outside of sessions, you will find me running, playing piano in the jazz orchestra, reading, meditating, on a trail, doing yoga, playing games and spending time with my loved ones and furry friends. I continue to engage with my own therapy through SE, EMDR and Brainspotting, and I can attest to the life-changing nature of it - I wouldn’t be who I am today if not for this investment.

I believe in the natural healing power of the mind and body when we turn to it in gentleness and compassion. I believe that we are stronger together. I believe that we can heal from tragedy, and from this comes resilience.

Ad astra per aspera… From adversity, to the stars.

 

"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."

— Maya Angelou

Call (503) 506-8782 or email me for a free 15-minute consultation.

“The path is made by walking.” -Antonio Machado