Free from Limitations... Live Fully in the Present
Our Team
The creative genius of Gigi Torres has been invaluable in the process of taking my vision and making it a reality. I so appreciate your generosity, insight, amazing energy and eye for making things look stunning. I am also forever indebted to all the friends that have stood by my side on this journey, especially when I was my least present self, and have been so unwavering in their support, belief in and encouragement of my ability to pursue my dream. Who else could I count on to tell me to do something about it and that the net will appear when I take the leap? You all are amazing and I can't thank you enough for being my loudest cheerleaders! To my family, you are also amazing and my heart is full of gratitude for all that you give! You are my foundation and have given me this amazing platform to grow from. Your love, support, friendship and loyalty keep me going. EMDR Empowerment is dedicated to an exceptional friend, Dave McKeown, for seeing how excited I was every time I talked about EMDR and gently reminding me that was where I needed to invest my energy.
"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." ~ Thornton Wilder
Thanks to Dr. Laurel Parnell for being a pioneer in the field of EMDR and for courageously modeling EMDR in an attachment focused, client-centered way that allows people to feel safe and empowered in their healing process. Your passion for EMDR is an inspiration and I feel tremendously lucky to have been trained by such a compassionate, nurturing and client-centered healer.
There are not enough ways or words to express the depth of my appreciation for two exceptional EMDR therapists, Erika Masak-Goldman, LMFT and Harriet Sage, LCSW, LMFT. Thank you so much for your unwavering support, encouragement and investment in my growth. You are the best mentors I could have asked for and you have taught me the intricacies of being an effective EMDR therapist. To Taquelia Washington, LCSW thank you so very much for inspiring me to be a therapist before I knew where my passion was and for believing in my abilities before I believed in myself. I have been so inspired by Allison Shotwell's, LMFT enthusiasm for EMDR and am so grateful for the opportunity she gave me to learn and grow as part of her team while teaching me the details of operating a successful business. I feel so grateful to have been able to work, learn and grow with other amazing EMDR therapists that are just as enthusiastic about EMDR at Parnell trainings, practicums and networking opportunities.
With Gratitude
I am filled with immense gratitude for all the experiences, people and support that have been a part of my journey; my thanks go far beyond what could adequately be captured in words. Without a doubt, my utmost gratitude goes out to all the clients that I have the honor of working with and who are excited to try EMDR and give me the opportunity to be a part of their transformative journey. I am always amazed and inspired by your strength, inner wisdom, growth and the courage with which you embrace change. Your triumphs and the investment in living your lives to their fullest are so exciting. For me, it is so fulfilling to be able to see people transition into their most empowered, authentic selves and I am so honored to be able to share the space with you in this process.
Free from limitations...Live fully in the present
Heather Dinneen, LCSW 64854
Certified EMDR Therapist
It takes enormous courage to seek out support through therapy and to open oneself to the process of growth and change. It is a tremendous honor to be given the opportunity to work with clients that are invested in their healing and growth process and are committed to making positive and healthy changes that promote their relief, well-being and sense of fulfillment.
I am constantly amazed and inspired by the resourcefulness and resilience of the mind, body and spirit, and constantly find myself in awe and inspired by what a profound and powerful tool EMDR is when working to address both single incident and complex traumas. It is inspiring to watch clients release negative beliefs that have shaped so much of their existence, and watch EMDR give them a newfound sense of freedom and empowerment.
I have had the honor of working as a therapist and case manager providing services to individuals, children, teens, young adults, families and groups. My professional experience includes providing therapy for victims of intimate partner violence and their children, providing individual therapy and case management, and providing therapy for school based mental health services at an elementary and continuation high school. I received a Masters in Social Work from San Jose State University and a BA in Psychology from San Francisco State University. I have specialized training in EMDR Levels I, II and III and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW 64854.
Emily Herlehy, BSW
Director of Care
As the Director of Care, I have the privilege of tending to the needs of clients from the start of their therapeutic journey with our team and throughout their time here. My job extends beyond scheduling and billing; my mission is to make healing the client's main priority by alleviating any potential issues with the behind-the-scenes process. If EMDR is a new therapeutic modality, there may be fear or excitement associated with the unknown. I am here to answer any questions concerning the process, the type of therapy, and the flow of our office.
My passion has always been ignited by caring for others. After graduating with my Bachelor's in Social Work, I have had the privilege of working in nonprofits, education, and other social work settings. Helping others has been my heartbeat throughout. Presently, I am honored to work for an organization that focuses on empowering clients through EMDR. I have a deep-seated desire to support the community of clients here, and it is such a privilege to bring awareness to EMDR's transformative nature.
Personally, EMDR changed my life in the most significant and beautifully unexpected way. It allowed me to reclaim my life in ways I never expected would unfold. I have seen life regain color and fulfillment, and it is my hope to invite others to a space of reclamation for themselves. Our bodies are capable of magnificent things when we provide them with the time and tools to heal, and I am honored to be a part of others’ healing here.