How We Work

Therapists at The Sanctuary integrate the tried-and-true with the cutting edge. The innovative approaches we use are theoretically grounded in recent research in cognitive neuroscience - the science that explores how the brain organizes the contents of consciousness. You and your therapist will choose the methods that seem most right for you, given your goals and preferences. The approach may be counseling, psychotherapy, or a combination. Counseling involves talking about your problems and coming up with solutions. Psychotherapy is a deeper engagement where you will be asked to pay attention to (be “mindful”) of what’s going on inside you, in real time—thoughts, feelings and body sensations—for the purpose of moving stuck material to an adaptive resolution. For more information on the difference between counseling and psychotherapy, click here.

For clearing trauma-related material, Dr. Killian may use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). which is now supported by an extensive body of research. It is one of only three therapies currently regarded by the American Psychiatric Association and the Veteran’s Administration as effective for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (the others are Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy). EMDR incorporates a process known as "bilateral stimulation," thought to be an active agent in the EMDR treatment protocols. While research is still going on to help us understand the exact mechanism of change, it does seem to create conditions in the brain that allow for rapid, permanent reconstruction of problematic neural networks.

Our therapists co-consult regularly and, when there’s a clinical reason, co-refer for specific services, like EMDR, DBT, yoga, energy work, or mindfulness training. Our groups and classes may also offer experiences that complement and expand upon your individual sessions. Some groups and classes might be covered by your insurance, but some may not. Financial concerns will therefore also be a factor in treatment planning.

Recent research in the neurobiology of trauma and attachment points to the importance of the relationship between mind and body. For this reason, we also incorporate somatic (body-focused) treatment methods into our work. Vicky Kolasinski brings expertise in the integration of yoga and psychotherapy. All of us use body-based methods known collectively as Somatic therapies. These are based on mindful attention, attunement, non-judgmental acceptance, and intention. These methods are particularly effective for the kinds of difficulties we treat—eating disorders and trauma-related disorders—because of the way these disorders directly impact the physical body. n addition, Dr. Killian has trained in both Reiki and Spring Forest QiGong. These methods bring an added dimension of healing at the spiritual/energetic level to her work with her clients.

We are network providers for:

BCBSMN
Anthem BCBSWI
Aetna
Medica
United Health Care
Group Health of EauClaire

If you don't have insurance, ask us about our sliding scale.