Specialized Care for Children and Adults with:
Stress-Related Symptoms
Stress-Related Symptoms
Stress-Related Symptoms
Migraine or chronic daily headache
Dizziness, vertigo, fainting
Anxiety, panic attacks
Sleep problems
Tics
Chronic pain
Chronic fatigue
Non-epileptic events
Conversion disorder
Functional neurological disorder
Trauma
Stress-Related Symptoms
Stress-Related Symptoms
Anxiety, sleep problems, chronic pain or numbness in the body, social disconnection...
These are just some of the symptoms of traumatic stress that can be treated with Brainspotting, HeartMath and Somatic Practices whether you are aware of a traumatic event or not.
Chronic Conditions
Stress-Related Symptoms
Chronic Conditions
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Lyme Disease
Long CoVID
Fibromyalgia
Post-concussion syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Autoimmune disease
What is Nervous System Dysregulation?
The latest research indicates that chronic stress and trauma affect our physical health, as well as our mental health. When we experience stress, the body triggers "Fight or Flight" and "Faint or Freeze" responses within the nervous system. If these responses persist, the body adapts to this activated state, establishing it as the new baseline. This adaptation disrupts healthy functioning of the body, and over time, gives rise to multiple symptoms associated with nervous system dysregulation:
· Cognitive challenges involving attention, learning, memory, "brain fog"
· Sleep disturbances, including insomnia, frequent night wakings
· Anxiety, panic attacks, depression, emotional numbing or overwhelm
· Chronic pain or numbness in the body
· Chronic fatigue
· Digestive problems including constipation, heartburn, nausea
· Dizziness, fainting, exercise or postural intolerance
· Frequent infections, hormonal imbalances, inflammation
Nervous system dysregulation is not only a consequence of trauma or chronic stress, but can also be a contributing factor in post-concussion syndrome or chronic medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Individuals with nervous system dysregulation often experience many symptoms over time, leading them to seek help from various specialists and utilize different treatments with only temporary improvement. Traditional diagnostic testing typically yields normal results, leaving patients feeling frustrated and powerless.
However, there is hope when we learn to "regulate and rewire" the nervous system, and it doesn't require medication. Therapies such as heart rate variability biofeedback, breathing techniques, and other self-regulation practices work by re-establishing messages of safety and regulation within the nervous system, and provide immediate symptom relief. Additional treatment with Brainspotting therapy is often helpful to address underlying trauma or issues that may feel "stuck", as these also contribute to underlying dysregulation. Within a few weeks to months, the body can establish a healthier baseline leading to more energy, improved sleep, and greater overall health and well-being.
Check out this article!
The Guardian recently wrote an article about nervous system dysregulation (March 4, 2024)
Check out this article!
The Guardian recently wrote an article about nervous system dysregulation (March 4, 2024)
Testimonials
“Dr. Elbers provides life-altering therapy. There’s no other way to phrase it. I chose to see Dr. Elbers because of a multi-year struggle with debilitating anxiety in which I tried every form of talk therapy, allopathic medication, naturopathy, as well other holistic medicines and treatments, to no avail. However, after just a handful of Brainspotting sessions, as well as Heartmath work, I felt completely transformed. I was able to move past emotional and psychological barriers that had prohibited me from enjoying life for years. Dr. Elbers’ unique skill set, clinical knowledge, as well as her personable and empathetic approach, allowed me to feel completely safe while undergoing treatment. She is a remarkable healer in every sense of the word.”
- PB, Santa Cruz, California
"I can't say enough good things about Dr. Elbers. She helped me get through one of the most challenging periods of my life. My condition improved in a short period of time. Her approach to healing is unique, and I had great results from the few visits I had with her. She is a doctor that has empathy for her patients and is kind and caring. I highly recommend Dr. Elbers if you need special care and resolve with your health issue. I am grateful to have been in her care."
- SH, Santa Cruz, California
"Dr. Elbers is wonderful and working with her to get the care we need for our son is unlike any other experience we've had. She responds to emails and returns calls promptly, coordinates with our child's other providers, and was able to get our son in with the specialist he needs at Stanford. Having a doctor of her caliber available locally is such a benefit. She is able to accomplish more in one visit then we've been able to accomplish in the past 6 months within our medical plan. I absolutely recommend her to any parent needing high quality pediatric neurology services for their child!"
- LW, Santa Cruz, CA
"I brought my son here and Dr. Elbers was so incredible with him. She is very knowledgeable and takes her time. She looks for the solutions outside of medicating kids. Our community is lucky to have this practice."
- MS, Santa Cruz, CA
"I spoke with Dr. Elbers about some questions we had in the pediatric neurology arena. She is very experienced and knowledgeable, and it's clear that she cares about her patients and her work. She is very professional and quick to respond and it was easy to setup a time to speak. She is an excellent go-to expert on a wide range of child related issues, and I would highly recommend anyone with questions in this area to reaching out and speak with her."
- AG, Scotts Valley, California
