MHNRN | Apple Podcasts | Spreaker | Episode #14
Hey listeners! Today, I had the pleasure of talking with Stephanie Davis, a licensed professional counselor specializing in lifespan integration. We explored this neuroscience-based trauma therapy, which helps clients heal by integrating their experiences across their lifespan. I can’t wait to share how lifespan integration works and how it’s making a difference in trauma recovery!
[01:10]
I shared my excitement about having Stephanie on the show and gave her the chance to introduce herself. She told us that she’s a Missouri native, a fan of the Royals and Chiefs, and now lives in Birmingham with her husband and two kids. Stephanie owns a private practice specializing in grief, women’s issues, and lifespan integration. She became a consultant and trainer in LI after discovering it in 2019 and is now focused on spreading the word throughout the Southeast.
[03:15]
I shared that I had never heard about lifespan integration therapy until I met Stephanie, and she made me a believer! Stephanie went on to explain how Lifespan Integration (LI) helps integrate experiences throughout the lifespan, particularly trauma. She mentioned how the therapy works with neuroscience to help people heal from traumatic events. The primary tool for Lifespan Integration is a timeline of memories, and it’s a narrative-based therapy, which aligns with her approach to helping clients.
[05:00]
We dove into a discussion about the types of trauma that LI can treat. Stephanie explained that trauma is a broad term and doesn’t always refer to violent or extreme experiences. It can be anything deeply distressing, even experiences from childhood that people often overlook. She shared her favorite phrase: “There’s a timeline for that,” emphasizing how LI can be used to address a wide range of traumas.
[06:40]
I asked Stephanie whether Lifespan Integration could be beneficial for neurodiverse individuals, like those with ADHD or autism, who might struggle with expressing emotions. She said absolutely! While Lifespan Integration won’t change how their brains are wired, it can help resolve trauma and develop a stronger sense of self. She stressed the importance of building a treatment team to meet each client’s unique needs.
[08:20]
We compared LI to other trauma modalities like EMDR and brainspotting. Stephanie noted that while she isn’t trained in those methods, she sees all these modalities as part of a family tree. Each one has its strengths, and it’s about finding what works best for the client. She shared her experience with EMDR, where she found the bilateral stimulation overwhelming, but Lifespan Integration felt more aligned with her practice style.
[10:10]
I asked about the length and number of sessions required for Lifespan Integration. Stephanie typically schedules one-hour sessions, but the therapy is tailored to each client’s goals. Acute trauma can often be resolved in a single session, while more complex trauma might take longer. However, there’s always a clear plan, and they work diligently through the timeline.
[12:00]
I wrapped up by asking what Stephanie is doing to bring LifespanI into the mainstream. She shared that as an instructor in the Southeast, she’s doing a lot of in-services and lunch-and-learns with therapy practices. The growth of LI has been grassroots so far, and she’s helping spread the word so more therapists can get trained in it.
[13:30]
I thanked Stephanie for joining the show, and we ended the episode on a positive note, excited about how many people Lifespan Integration can help heal.
These were my favorite takeaways from the conversation with Stephanie—her passion for LI and her dedication to bringing this powerful healing tool to more people.
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HEY SIS!
As a devoted pediatrician, specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders, my focus is on guiding and supporting families who have received an autism or ADHD diagnosis.
I am a PCCI trained life and leadership coach.
– Dr Mary
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