Kase & CO Blog
Welcome! We are glad you are here. Check out our latest blogs below. Our team hopes you find these helpful and valuable.
Understanding and Harnessing the Power of the Vagus Nerve for Better Health
In today’s fast-paced world, understanding and managing our body’s response to stress and environmental stimuli is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health.
Rebecca Kase’s Go To Physical Health Habits
In a world that often prioritizes productivity over well-being, Rebecca Kase’s approach to physical health shines as a beacon of holistic wellness.
Why Mindset Matters
In the latest episode of Thrive, the Podcast hosted by the multifaceted Rebecca Kase—a trauma therapist, author, yoga instructor, and a testament to the power of healing—we delve into a topic that sits at the very heart of personal transformation: “Why Mindset Matters.”
Expanding Horizons: Kase & CO’s New Trauma-Informed Training Courses
Understanding and treatment of trauma are more critical than ever, Kase & CO Training and Consulting stands at the forefront of a significant shift in mental health education. Founded on the principles of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training, Kase & CO has carved a niche as a premier provider of advanced clinical courses for trauma therapists. However, recognizing the pervasive impact of trauma across all segments of society, we are proud to announce our evolutionary leap forward: expanding our curriculum to offer comprehensive trauma-informed training courses accessible not just to professionals in the psychotherapy space but to the general public as well.
Integrating Polyvagal Theory (PVT) and EMDR: A Guide to Healing
The intersection of Polyvagal Theory and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) presents a fascinating and powerful approach to therapy, yet the practical integration of these two cutting-edge models has remained an uncharted territory, until now. As a seasoned EMDR therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker who delved into Polyvagal Theory in 2018, I have personally witnessed the transformative synergy between these approaches. This is exactly what led me to build a bridge for my fellow EMDR therapy practitioners, yearning for a more robust and compassionate approach for applying the 8 phases of EMDR and bilateral stimulation. I felt called to write Polyvagal Informed EMDR: A Neuro-Informed Approach to Healing, (Published in 2023, Rebecca Kase) to offer a bridge between these two practical models and to better use the knowledge of neurobiology as a guide in the trauma recovery and healing journey.
The Thrive 5
With a rich tapestry of personal experience, neuroscience, psychology, and spirituality, Rebecca unfolds a framework designed to shift individuals from the shadows of survival mode into the luminous realm of thriving. “The Thrive 5” isn’t just a set of guidelines; it’s a holistic approach that beckons listeners to actively engage in shaping their lives through a series of habits, behaviors, and actions.
What Is Trauma?
Through a blend of neuroscience, psychology, spirituality, and heartfelt personal narratives, Rebecca opens a window into the nuanced world of trauma. This exploration is not just academic; it’s a beacon of hope and understanding for anyone touched by trauma’s far-reaching shadows. As we unfold the layers of trauma’s definition, impact, and the pathways to resilience, this blog post aims to mirror the episode’s comprehensive approach, providing readers with a holistic view of trauma informed by science, empathy, and real-life experiences.
Befriending & Working With Your Nervous System
Befriending and understanding your nervous system:
By delving into the science, psychology, and spirituality of our body’s response systems, we embark on a journey to unlock the secrets of thriving in the face of life’s challenges, ensuring a foundation for a life lived with intention, resilience, and harmony.
Permission for Pleasure
What’s your relationship with pleasure? Notice what thoughts, feelings, and sensations come up for you when you sit with the word.
Addressing Common Myths About EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) stands as a transformative approach to healing trauma. Yet, despite its proven effectiveness, EMDR therapy often finds itself shrouded in myths and misconceptions that can hinder a true understanding of its potential.
Tips For Marketing Your Private Therapy Practice
In the landscape of therapy practice, effective marketing has become an indispensable tool for therapists looking to connect with their target audience and build a thriving private practice.
Are You Surviving or Thriving?
Are You Surviving or Thriving? There’s a big difference between surviving and thriving. Don’t you agree? If you’re in survival mode, you probably aren’t thriving. You’re likely going through the motions and getting by but not feeling fully satisfied and fulfilled with life. I bet it’s a struggle to find
Beyond PTSD: EMDR’s Role in Treating Complex Trauma
Complex trauma is a term used to describe prolonged, repeated exposure to traumatic events, often beginning in childhood and affecting an individual’s overall development. Unlike a single traumatic incident, complex trauma encompasses a range of experiences such as abuse, neglect, and community violence, which can have lasting effects on a person’s emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being.
The Science Behind EMDR: Understanding the Neurobiology of Healing
In the realm of psychotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) stands out as a powerful and widely embraced approach to trauma treatment. Behind its success lies a fascinating interplay between the therapeutic process and the intricate workings of the human brain
What is EMDR & Benefits of Doing EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach that has gained popularity in recent years for its effectiveness in treating trauma and other mental health issues. EMDR utilizes a combination of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, and cognitive processing to help individuals process and heal from distressing memories and experiences.
Did You Know The CO in Kase & CO = Community
Did you know that the CO in our name, Kase & CO isn’t for company? It’s for community. Because being part of a supportive, inspirational, compassionate community is, well…priceless.
Reflection, Gratitude, and Intentions
Reflection, Gratitude, and Intentions It’s that time of year when we reflect on the past, harness the goodies and lessons learned, and look forward to the future. I always find the end of the year to be an interesting time in which we’re looking backward and forward simultaneously. I’m
Let’s Talk About Busyness
Busyness can be like a drug- addictive and hard to quit. We hate being busy but we also hate being bored. Can you relate? The distraction, the push, the urgency, the energy…they can feel like a weighted warm blanket, making you sweat profusely because it’s too hot and you’ve been under it for too long. But even though you’re a hot mess and totally uncomfortable, you don’t have the energy to take it off and get some air.
Imposter Part … hey you!
Oh hey, you imposter. I see you’re back. What do you have for me to learn this time?
This is what I’ve been saying to myself every morning when I wake up with my imposter part screaming in my ear. Ever since the launch of my book, that part of me has been loud and intrusive in my head and heart. I call her Ida the Imposter, and it’s hard to love her…but I try.
Holidays & Grief – Let’s Talk About It
Holidays and grief: The holidays are here and they come with some complex emotions for many of us. Grief is one of them.
EMDR and Somatic Experiencing
EMDR and Somatic Experiencing Healing trauma starts within the body. EMDR and Somatic Experiencing are modalities proven to help process difficult memories, emotions, and trauma patterns. Because of this, mental health professionals have more resources than ever before to help address a multitude of trauma responses that clients may have.
How Community Mental Health and EMDR Training Prepared Me for Private Practice
How Community Mental Health and EMDR Training Prepared Me for Private Practice December 3rd, 2021 In the midst of the pandemic, I took the leap into private practice. A leap I was unsure I would ever take! I am so grateful I did. I always admired the recent graduates who
Polyvagal Theory… and why it’s so amazing!
Why Polyvagal Theory Is as Amazing as It Seems September 9th, 2021 Why Polyvagal Theory? What’s so amazing about it? How does it help my EMDR practice? Here’s the simplest way I can answer this. PVT offers insights into the functioning of the autonomic nervous system and helps to describe
I Came Out As Non-Binary and Here is Why
I Came Out As Non-Binary and Here is Why June 10th, 2021 I grew up in a world centered around a binary in one form or another, like most of us. You are either a boy or girl. You either dress feminine or masculine – most likely coinciding with the
What Is EMDR and Why Should I Get EMDR Trained?
What Is EMDR and Why Should I Get EMDR Trained? August 12th, 2021 EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. It’s a long name so we just refer to it as EMDR. EMDR is evidence-based for PTSD, however has been shown to be effective for a number of other
My Bipolar II Disorder Is Not a Blessing or a Curse
My Bipolar II Disorder Is Not a Blessing or a Curse May 27th, 2021 Long before I was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, I was constantly labeled as an “Old Soul”, a “Sensitive Soul”… Not that my diagnosis and these descriptors have a correlation, but it was something that I
5 Reasons Why You Need to Do EMDR Training
5 Reasons Why You Need to Do EMDR Training May 21st, 2021 EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, was discovered by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the 1980s. This evidence-based therapeutic orientation focuses on the storage of memory as it may contribute to wellness or dis-ease. EMDR facilitates the reprocessing
Perfectly Imperfect
Perfectly Imperfect April 27th, 2021 The image of this day will forever be burned into my brain. I walked into my daughter’s preschool office prepared for what I thought would be a typical parent-teacher meeting. My daughter had been in preschool for only a few months. What could they really
Observing The Observer
Observing The Observer April 8th, 2021 Developing an observer self is a helpful vehicle for mindfulness and healing. Observing the experience and all of its thoughts, feelings and sensations, allows one to shift perspective and awareness. To notice and observe also requires connection to the prefrontal cortex and the Ventral
You Don’t Need to Be a Yogi to Learn This
You Don’t Need to Be a Yogi to Learn This March 16th, 2021 In yoga, we often call upon something called a dristi, which translates to “focused gaze”. This may be a point on the wall, a spot on the carpet, or even a point within the body such as
Somatic Experiencing and Social Media
Somatic Experiencing and Social Media March 3rd, 2021 I noticed my first unintentional, somatic experience with social media a few years ago after leaving an emotionally abusive relationship. Any time I would go on Instagram or Snapchat I would feel a pit in my stomach, my body temperature rise, and
The Beginner’s Mind: Letting Go of Therapy Ego
The Beginner’s Mind: Letting Go of Therapy Ego The beginner’s mind is Buddhist concept, which refers to practicing with a sense of openness, humility, and a sense of newness. That is, rather than approaching life or experiences as an expert, can you cultivate a beginner’s mind by dropping preconceived notions
Asteya and The Therapist Burnout Pandemic
Asteya and The Therapist Burnout Pandemic Asteya is the Sanskrit word for “non-stealing”. It is one of the “guidelines” of yoga, outlined in the Yoga Sutras, or “how to be” attitudes of yoga practice. We can all resonate with this, as it’s similar to guidelines or commandments found in other
Why Trying So Hard Isn’t Working
Why Trying So Hard Isn’t Working I was always doing it. People pleasing and hyper-focusing on productivity to feel worthy of something. Anything. That insatiable drive to do more, be more, produce more was slowly eating away at my soul and sanity. I was unaware of the exhaustion that enveloped
A Mindfulness Practice for Self-Compassion
A Mindfulness Practice for Self-Compassion Self compassion. Something that seems so simple, yet so complex. Simple, in that we know it’s an antidote to suffering. Complex in that learning how to practice self-compassion can be challenging, confusing, and even triggering if it rubs up against some of our core wounded
Building Capacity
Building Capacity If you read my previous blog post “The Season of the Slow Burn,” you may know that this year I have experienced burnout. It was not in the obvious way of waking up and looking in the mirror with the realization “I am feeling slightly burned out.” This
The Season of the Slow Burn
The Season of the Slow Burn Those of us in the mental health profession are not new to stress or hardship nor are we immune to it. In fact, most professionals in our field have experienced painful life experiences, thus drawing us into a profession that entails walking alongside others
5 Things I Am Grateful for As a Mental Health Professional
5 Things I Am Grateful for As a Mental Health Professional In a year full of grief, loss, worry, stress, and too many unprecedented circumstances to count, finding things to be grateful for can be a challenge. However, as we know from the gratitude research, practicing gratitude can be a
Hindsight 2020
Hindsight 2020 Unprecedented uncertainty seem to be the buzz words of 2020. This has been a roller coaster of a year full of sickness, death, grief, societal unrest, racial injustice, climate catastrophes and constant chaos amongst those running the country. Your nervous system has likely had enough; Because unprecedented uncertainty
The Humble Therapist
The Humble Therapist Be humble, be brave. These 4 words are a road map for life. For how to be; personally, professionally, humanly. When we humble ourselves, as healers, we approach our work with clients with a greater sense of empathy and compassion. We recognize that we do not
