Welcome To Integrative NeuroCounseling

Innovative Strategies to Life's Challenges

PTSD, ADHD, Brain-Based Therapies, Training & Consulting

Firefighters, Police & Veterans, EMS, Nurses & Counselors

Firefighters, Police & Veterans, EMS, Nurses & Counselors

Specialized Help for First Responders: Neuroscience-Based Relief. Tackle reactivity, flashbacks, anger, and more to find relief from emotional turmoil. Complex traumas due to line of work, personal and interpersonal accumulation of challenges shift one's circadian rhythms, affect sleep, and complicate relationships. Reduce hypervigilance, disentangle injustice, and anhedonia. Shift away from the fluctuations between overwhelming emotions and feeling 'wired and tired.' Address Complex Traumas: Your line of work exposes you to unique challenges that accumulate both personally and interpersonally. This accumulation can disrupt circadian rhythms, impact sleep, and complicate relationships. Our specialized assistance is crafted to help you navigate and overcome these challenges. Restore Balance: Reduce hypervigilance, disentangle feelings of injustice, and combat anhedonia. We offer tools and strategies to shift away from the fluctuations between overwhelming emotions and the sensation of being 'wired and tired.'

NeuroCounseling & Mind-Body Therapies

NeuroCounseling & Mind-Body Therapies

Experience transformative healing with Neurocounseling and somatic therapies enhance self-awareness, foster a deeper mind-body connection, and promote personal awareness and growth. Shed the burden of overthinking, negative self-talk, toxic stress, remove emotional charge from flashbacks, and improve relationships.

PTSD, Trauma, Grief & Bereavement

PTSD, Trauma, Grief & Bereavement

Discover new tools for healing from trauma, loss/bereavement and life changes. Experience new ways to process emotional pain, honor yourself and loved ones, disentangle and reshape the inner narrative. Develop debriefing skills to ease physical sensations and shift core beliefs, all while positively affecting your neurobiology. Whether you're transitioning to civilian life or facing a life-altering event, I'm here to support you."

MBIT Live Training-  Winter 2023 NeuroTransformationalGroup.com

MBIT Live Training- Winter 2023 NeuroTransformationalGroup.com

Become a Certified Coach Trainer and unlock the transformative power of Multiple Brain Integration Technique (mBIT). With mBIT, you'll master a suite of tools and techniques to communicate with, integrate, and harness the potential of your three brains - head, heart, and gut. Our research has revealed that each brain possesses a 'highest expression' competency: Compassion (heart), Creativity (head), and Courage (gut). When these brains collaborate harmoniously, they unleash synergistic wisdom that elevates decision-making, relationships, and life. Whether you're pursuing personal development or seeking to empower others as a coach, counselor, consultant, or leader, mBIT holds the key to achieving remarkable results. With an mBIT certification, you'll gain even more- access to a vibrant global social media community, receive local engagement, networking and support. For Further Details: NeuroTransformationalGroup.com

HeartMath Coherence & Breathwork Training

HeartMath Coherence & Breathwork Training

HeartMath Coaching empowers you to align your physical, mental, and emotional well-being with precision. Discover the transformative potential of HeartMath breathing techniques using the Inner Balance™ Trainer. This user-friendly technology equips you with the tools to effectively combat stress, rekindle your energy, and restore mental and emotional equilibrium and resilience. By displaying your heart rhythm through Heart Rate Variability (HRV), you gain insights into how your emotional states influence your nervous system and overall well-being. HRV serves as a unique portal into the profound connection between the heart and brain, directly influencing your feelings and performance. Experience the reduction of anxiety, fear, worry, and trauma through HeartMath techniques.

Courses & Consultation with Applied Neurosience

Courses & Consultation with Applied Neurosience

"Feeling 'stuck' with your current systems? Discover the 'why and how' holding you back, unraveling the complexities of personality types and behaviors within your team. Foster intrinsic motivation, comprehend people's needs and obstacles, and elevate your value in your workplace and network. Acquire advanced applied neuroscience skills to unlock subconscious mechanisms, master leadership with a trauma-sensitive approach, and boost resilience through proven brain integration techniques. Elevate your self-awareness, and navigate business in a transformative manner."

Nichole is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a National Board Certification (NCC). Her exceptional expertise extends to a Diplomate-level credential from the American Academy of Traumatic Experts (DAAETS). She's not only certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) but also holds a Neuroscience Certificate for Clinical Practice, and a Neuropsychotherapy Certification (NPT-C) reflecting her commitment to cutting-edge knowledge.

Nichole's toolkit includes specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Neurocoaching, bolstered by an NLP Master Practitioner Certification. Nichole's dedication to lifelong learning is evident in her intensive training in Somatic and Mind-Body Therapies. Specifically, Attachment-Based interventions, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Memory Reconsolidation, and Polyvagal Theory foster healing and personal growth. Her most recent accomplishments include becoming a Trauma-Sensitive HeartMath Certified Practitioner, achieving dual certification as a Multiple Brain Integration Technique (mBIT) Coach and Certified Trainer.

Her academic journey is equally impressive, featuring a Master of Counseling from Lindenwood University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Psychology from Central Methodist University. Nichole's early quest for knowledge also led her to the Lutheran School of Nursing and Liberty University for Philosophy and Religious Studies.

Nichole is a valued member of prestigious organizations, including The American Counseling Association, the International Association of Trauma Professionals, The Society for Neuroscience, the International Crisis Intervention Team, and The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Her extensive credentials speak to her unwavering commitment to excellence in counseling and trauma expertise.


Call Nichole Today! (314) 551.9221
Welcome,  Steve Brunk LPC imageWelcome,  Steve Brunk LPC image
Meet Steve, your trusted and compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor and mBIT Coach! With expertise in trauma, PTSD, and abuse, Steve is your valued resource for healing and recovery. But that's not all – he's also skilled in helping clients conquer addiction and substance abuse, as well as managing anxiety and depression. Steve caters to adult individuals seeking a path to wellness and offers individual and group therapy sessions. What sets him apart is his specialization as a Sound Meditation Therapist, Guided Imagery, Mindful Practices utilizing Jungian Theory, and trauma-focused techniques in Group Therapy making him uniquely qualified to assist first responders, police officers, firefighters, and veterans on their journey to mental and emotional well-being.

Steve holds a Master's in Counseling from Webster University Bachelors in Psychology. He was a founding creator of the Trauma-related Healing for Heroes program and has extensive experience in Inpatient Substance Abuse and Recovery. Additionally, Steve was a significant contributor at Harris House Foundation. Steve's therapeutic approaches, include Gestalt and Transactional Analysis, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, REBT, and CBT. This is offered in group settings and for personal engagements as well.

Steve is a dedicated Volunteer Facilitator at Raven (Batterers Intervention Program) and a notable Presenter at CenterPointe Spring CD Conference, demonstrating the use of CD and Himalayan singing bowls for enhanced mindfulness. Engaging Presenter at CenterPointe Fall Conference at Old Hickory Golf Course, highlighting mindfulness, singing bowls, and Native American flute for their healing potential. Furthermore, Steve's affiliation and membership include The American Counseling Association (ACA), The Mankind Project, and the New Warrior Training Adventure.

Embark on a transformative journey towards a brighter, healthier future with Steve's counseling and coaching services. Your path to healing and well-being starts here.  Call Today! (314) 724.0188

Counseling & Coaching Services

$150.00

Consultation Services

$225.00

4D Massage Chair With AI Technology

Mind-Body Relaxation

Experience ultimate relaxation with our Advanced 4D Technology massage chair featuring Intelligent Mechanical Hands, SL Track, Bluetooth Surround Sound, Deep Zero Gravity, Voice Control AI 'Michelle', Touch Screen, Full Body Airbags, and Health Monitoring with Heart Rate Variability and Blood Pressure Check. Enjoy Chinese Acupoint massage, Thai stretch, and more customizable settings. The chair's body scan, bi-lateral stimulation, and heating system promote circulation, lymphatic system health, muscle relief, stress reduction, immunity, and better sleep quality.

BrainTap

Relax. Reboot. Revitalize.

Software Targeting your Heart Rate Variability (Sleep, Anxiety, PTSD, Health & Wellness) BrainTap’s neuro-algorithm produces brainwave training — the synchronization of brainwaves to a specialized sound — with no user effort. Using this matrix of neuro-activity, each of BrainTap’s sessions is encoded differently to ensure maximum neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, resulting in a flexible and resilient brain.

HRV DIAGNOSTICS - BRAINTAP

Measure HRV, sympathetic and parasympathetic response, psycho-emotional state, and adaptation receptivity. Diagnostic Device used for measuring heart rate variability. This technology checks for a variety of neurological responses such as, sympathetic and parasympathetic response, psycho-emotional state, and adaptation receptivity.

HEART MATH EMWAVE PRO

Heart & Mind Coherence

The Inner Balance™ Trainer teaches techniques to manage stress, revitalize energy, and restore mental and emotional balance and resilience. Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which indicates how emotional states affect your nervous system and how you feel.

EMDR BY NEUROTEK

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Equipment

EMDR is an extensively researched integrative psychotherapy proven "gold standard" for trauma treatment. EMDR utilizes eye movements, bi-lateral sound or pulsations to stimulate both hemispheres of the brain. Traumatic memories are stored in parts of the brain where they can’t be processed then images, sounds and emotions related to the memory become “frozen in time.” EMDR “unfreezes” these memories, as this occurs, the memory loses its emotional charge and becomes less distressing.

APOLLO NEURO

Wearable Touch Therapy for Stress Relief

Apollo Neuro is scientifically sound, wearable touch therapy that you wear on your ankle or wrist. Apollo's silent, soothing vibrations speak to your nervous system, telling you that you’re safe and in control. Developed by neuroscientists and physicians, it’s a non-invasive, effective stress relief tool for adults and children, without drugs or side effects.

FOCUS CALM

Reduce Stress & Improve Focus

Learn how to control your mindset with guided meditations, simple neuro games and content from experts to help you discover new tricks and techniques for calming your mind. Build a daily routine to practice your skills. Staying calm, even when life gets chaotic, can help you be more productive and feel less burnout. FocusCalm's focus games engage your brain as you try to keep your stress low.

Neurofeedback Coming Soon!

NeurOptimal & BrainAvitar

purchase your own Braintap today!!!  imagepurchase your own Braintap today!!!  imagepurchase your own Braintap today!!!  image
Purchase Your Braintap Today!!!  Buy with me for a package deal!

Experience BrainTap – a revolutionary technology embraced by global wellness practitioners. With gentle light pulses and synchronized sounds, it induces deep relaxation and heightened states of consciousness. Research confirms its effectiveness in stress reduction, neurological enhancement, improved sleep, and more. Achieve optimal mind-body balance, focus, and accelerated learning with BrainTap – your key to productivity."

In a single session:
~ 38.5% Improvement on the stress index scale
~ 27.3% Improvement on overall neurological markers
~ Increased heart rate variability
~ Increased parasympathetic activity
~ Improved quality of sleep (sleep efficiency)
~ Decreased frequency of migraines and more
~ Decreased stress, worry and Improved brain health (episodic memory)


Get all the facts at: braintapresearch.com

Psychotherapy Modalities  image
As an Integrative Therapist I utilize numerous theories of human functioning and psychotherapy based on developmental research. Integration in counseling refers to the bringing together the whole person-affective, cognitive, behavioral, physiological and the spiritual dimensions within each individual.

I incorporate Brain-Based Therapy and Practical Neuroscience to improve attachment, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindful practices, and memory reconsolidation which is faster than just traditional talk therapy.

The Humanistic Approach focuses on individual uniqueness and consciousness. The personality is studied and explored from your personal experience and worldview. The study of self, human potential and Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. "YOU" are the expert in your story, I am the facilitator.

Logotherapy & Existentialism is a philosophical approach seeking deeper meaning, exploring human capacities, helping you examine patterns, while shifting towards purpose, finding meaning in suffering and altruism.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)  Is influencing brain behavior "neuro," through the use of language, "linguistic," and non-verbal communication to enable a person to "recode" the way the brain responds to stimuli "programming." Neuro-Linguistic Programming: focuses on the relationship between positive patterns and the subjective experiences increasing self-awareness, effective communication, and underlying subconscious mechanisms.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an extensively researched integrative psychotherapy proven "gold standard" for trauma treatment. EMDR utilizes eye movements, bi-lateral sound or pulsations to stimulate both hemispheres of the brain. Traumatic memories are stored in parts of the brain where they can’t be processed then images, sounds and emotions related to the memory become “frozen in time.” EMDR “unfreezes” these memories, as this occurs, the memory loses its emotional charge and becomes less distressing.

Brainspotting is known to harnesses the body’s innate self-scanning capacity using peripheral vision. It is known to release the maladaptive homeostasis modes more commonly known as the fight, flight, or freeze reactions in the body. The eye position, paired with external and internal windows pair with experienced reflexive responses, a "Brainspot"  holds an attentional focus on the body’s “felt sense” of that issue or trauma stimulates a deep integrating and healing process within the brain.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an integrative approach that combines systems thinking with the view that mind is made up of subpersonalities each with its own viewpoint and qualities. IFS is composed of three parts: managers, exiles, and firefighters. Each individual part has its own perspective, interests, memories, and viewpoint. The IFS method promotes internal connection, harmony and integration.

Gottman Couples Counseling is an approach that includes a thorough assessment of the couple and integrates research-based interventions with intensive longitudinal studies. Interventions are designed to help couples strengthen their relationships in three primary areas: friendship, conflict management, and creation of shared meaning. The goals of Gottman Method are to disarm conflicting verbal communication, increase intimacy, respect, and affection, remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy in conflicting situations, and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding.

Attachment Based Therapies  looks at the connection between an early attachment experiences with primary caregivers and aims to build or rebuild a trusting, supportive relationship that will help prevent or treat anxiety or depression. An attachment-based approach can be used in individual and couples therapy, it helps clients mend or recover from fractured/dysfunctional family relationships. Those who may benefit from attachment-based therapy include adoptees, children in foster care, children of depressed mothers, alcoholic parents and victims of trauma.

The Polyvagal Theory Explains the biology of safety and danger, the balance between visceral experiences of our own bodies and the voices and faces of the people around us. It explains why a kind face or a soothing tone of voice can dramatically alter the way we feel. It clarifies why knowing that we are seen and heard by the important people in our lives can make us feel calm and safe, and why being ignored or dismissed can precipitate rage reactions or mental collapse. It helped us understand why attuning with another person can shift us out of disorganized and fearful states. In short, Porges’s theory makes us look beyond the effects of fight, flight, freeze and Porges’ put social relationships front and center in our understanding of trauma. It also suggested new approaches to healing that focus on strengthening the body’s system for regulating arousal.” ~Bessel Van Der Kolk

Somatic Experiencing is a form of alternative therapy aimed at relieving the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Complex and/or Developmental Trauma by focusing on the client's perceived body sensations (somatic experiences) An element of SE therapy is "pendulation" -the movement between regulation and dysregulation. This relieves the fight, flight and freeze state while expanding the "window of tolerance."  Resources are defined as anything that helps the client's autonomic nervous system return to a regulated state of homeostasis. This might be the memory of someone close to them, a physical item that might ground them in the present moment, or other supportive elements that minimize distress. In the face of arousal, "discharge" is facilitated to allow the client's body to return to a regulated state. The intention of this process is to reinforce the client's inherent capacity to self-regulate and integrate the mind-body connection.



Understanding Allostatic Load: The Hidden Toll on Your Health Mind-Body Connection

  •  09/03/2023 10:19

Allostatic load is a concept in stress physiology that encompasses the cumulative impact of chronic or repeated stress on the body as it adapts to life's challenges. This concept underscores the intricate connection between mental health and physical well-being, demonstrating that while acute stress is an adaptive response, chronic stress can lead to the overexposure of stress hormones, resulting in various physiological changes that affect overall health. Coined by neuroscientist Bruce McEwen, allostatic load represents the physiological consequences of the body's efforts to adapt to stressors. Its impact varies among individuals due to factors such as personality traits, life experiences, enculturation, and neurobiology. For instance, personalities with higher neuroticism or anxiety sensitivity may be more vulnerable to stress-related health issues. Traumatic events, adverse childhood experiences, cultural factors, and an individual's genetic and epigenetic makeup can all shape their unique allostatic load.

Building Resilience: A Guide to Personal Transformation with Interpersonal Neurobiology

  •  08/20/2023 19:43

Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) is a multidisciplinary framework developed by Dr. Dan Siegel that integrates various fields such as neuroscience, psychology, and biology to understand how human relationships shape the brain and, consequently, our mental and emotional well-being. IPNB emphasizes the interplay between brain development, relationships, and the mind, highlighting the importance of social connections for holistic health. Key Principles of Interpersonal Neurobiology are Integration: The brain's capacity to develop and function optimally relies on the integration of different neural circuits and mental processes

Polyvagal Theory: The Catalyst for Mind-Body Transformation in Coaching and Counseling

  •  08/01/2023 19:36

Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, provides insights into the autonomic nervous system's response to stress and trauma. It has valuable applications in coaching and counseling, particularly in understanding the physiological responses of fight, flight, and freeze, as well as ways to improve interoception, exteroception, proprioception, and nociception. Fostering authentic relationships begins with how coaches and counselors can leverage Polyvagal insights to cultivate meaningful connections and trust. Discussing how Polyvagal Theory informs anxiety from a biological and helpful lens, without judgment. Exploring how Polyvagal Theory can enhance coaching outcomes by promoting sustainable and lasting behavior change by helping clients manage stress and promoting relaxation responses, and enhancing clients' emotional resilience.

Anger Deconstructed & Skills Sheet II

  •  07/25/2023 10:02

Anger is influenced by various factors, including enculturation, personality, temperament, attention and learning styles, parental impact, interpersonal relationships, historical and systemic events, war, and religious upbringing. Let's explore how each of these factors can play a role in shaping an individual's experience and expression of anger:

Anger Deconstructed & Skills Sheet I

  •  07/25/2023 09:52

Anger is considered a secondary emotion, which means it often masks or covers up other underlying emotions. When people experience certain primary emotions or vulnerabilities, they may respond with anger as a defense mechanism to protect themselves from feeling more vulnerable or exposed. Some of the primary emotions that can be hidden underneath anger include

How to Prepare for the Fourth of July with Fireworks and PTSD

  •  07/02/2023 20:39

Celebrating freedom in the USA on the Fourth of July is a significant and patriotic occasion. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, it represents the birth of the United States as an independent nation and the principles upon which it was founded. The Fourth of July can hold different meanings for different groups of people, such as veterans, first responders, firefighters and civilians. Navigating these varied perspectives can involve showing respect, understanding, and empathy toward one another. The meaning behind this celebration revolves around the core values of freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for many who have served. It symbolizes the rights and freedoms that American citizens enjoy, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.

How to Support Someone with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

  •  06/27/2023 08:24

Supporting someone with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) requires empathy, understanding, and patience. PTSD can significantly impact a person's life, causing distressing symptoms and affecting their relationships, work, and overall well-being. Here are some strategies to help someone with PTSD to reduce reactivity, hypervigilance, and other symptom reduction suggestions

Uncovering the Impact of Enmeshment

  •  06/21/2023 20:54

Enmeshment typically occurs when family members have overly diffuse boundaries and a lack of individual autonomy. Enmeshment often manifests as a high degree of emotional fusion, where individual identities become entangled and the needs and emotions of one family member are excessively enmeshed with those of Enmeshment refers to a dysfunctional pattern of relating within a family or close relationships, where boundaries between individuals become blurred or nonexistent. Enmeshed families tend to have limited privacy, autonomy, and personal boundaries, leading to a blurring of roles, emotions, and decision-making processes. Additionally, unhealthy attachment styles can develop and should be considered.

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