Clinical/Somatic Psychologist
Licensed Certified Social Worker
Certified Group Psychotherapist
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
SE™ Advanced Level Assistant
Let's face it, early life events shape our present, and contribute to a loss of connection to ourselves, family, others, and the world. A recovered sense-of-self is a prerequisite for empowerment to address these issues. And, because this disconnect initially occurs in earliest childhood, traditional "talk" therapy alone is not a sufficient approach. I am a therapist shaped by a myriad of life roles and events, including my own trauma history. I intentionally sought and hold a PhD in clinical psychology with a specialty in "somatic psychology" to underscore my own personal therapeutic experience. Somatic psychology studies how the "body" informs and provides clues to our emotional responses linked to childhood.
Therefore, I began to specialize in and practice "somatic psychotherapy" by combining traditional psychotherapy with various "body-based" techniques (e.g., Gestalt, Sensory Awareness, Movement, EMDR, TRE) in the process of personal growth and change. This holistic approach was uniquely effective for helping client needs ranging from trauma to common challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, and relationship issues. I subsequently completed the Somatic Experiencing (SE) Professional Training as an adjunct speciality to further support and reaffirm this early personal and professional education and clinical experience. Post SE™ training includes Dave Berger’s Relational Bodywork and Somatic Education™ (BASE™), Steven Terrell’s Transforming the Experience-Based Brain (TEBB), and Raja Selvam’s Integral Somatic Psychology™ (ISP™).
Lastly, I am passionate about what I do, and have known I've wanted to do this since I was 8 years old laying in my bed "frozen in fear," as I listened to my parents fight. So, I understand the difficulty to acknowledge when our ability to cope, be in relationship, or simply be happy, has diminished. Moreover, the courage required to seek help. As your therapist, I assure you, I will not take you anywhere I have not been. Nor, will you be alone on the journey.
Hillcrest Clinic Inc.
3000 Kavanaugh Blvd., Ste. 206A
Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205
Phone: 501.680.4239
eiphelps@comcast.net
Types of Insurance Accepted: Ambetter and Blue Cross Blue Sheild
Testimonials
"Somatic Experiencing or SE therapy is helping me connect with my true self. I spent many years trying to ignore overwhelming feelings of anxiety. Everyday activities would sometimes send me into a panic. I’m honestly not sure how to describe the experience of some sessions. Oftentimes there aren’t even many words involved. Exploring the connection between emotions and the physical self has elicited powerful, visceral responses throughout my body, radiating a sense of warmth and healing that is hard to put into words. Sometimes we’ll be focused on events that I don’t consciously recognize as highly traumatic or impactful, and then next thing I know, the tears are streaming and rinsing away what feels like years of pent-up tension.
After nearly eight months of this therapy, the positive impact on my daily life is undeniable. I feel lighter overall, and when anxiety does pop up, I’m now better equipped to recognize and deal with its effects. I regularly recommend SE to friends and to anyone interested in fostering a deeper connection with themselves. This journey of self-discovery and healing has been transformative and has equipped me with valuable tools to understand the complex emotions we all experience." Daniel
"I found Dr. Phelps from a simple Google search, as my history with traditional “talking” therapy hadn’t really done much for me. I was not totally aware of what Somatic Experiencing was but I’m thankful I’ve learned. For years, I’ve had inexplicable stomach issues that have dramatically improved since my first appointment. The body-based therapy has helped me tremendously since my first appointment a few months ago. The heavy amount of sadness, and guilt, and burden that I’ve carried around for so many years recently no longer feels like dredging through my own emotional mud. The exercises that I’ve learned and implemented in my daily life has made such an impact on me - mentally, emotionally, and physically. Traditional therapy never did much for me but Somatic Experiencing and body-based therapy has allowed me to process my experiences and traumas in a new way that is actively increasing my quality of life." Alex
“I was a little skeptical about seeing a psychologist let alone someone who specializes in Somatic Experiencing. I saw a difference after the very first session. Prior to my first session i would cry myself to sleep, not understanding WHY the events in the world were happening, including the loss of my dad. After the first session— I went home— didn’t even realize I went straight to sleep that night. This was unbelievable because I’ve tried everything, including taking medicine. I can’t believe how far I’ve come. This is hands down-THE BEST — reverse psychology on the planet… Thanks Dr Phelps.” Tiffany.
“I have had a positive experience with Dr. Phelps. The method of Somatic Experiencing or SE to help me relieve stored trauma works. SE gets to the root cause of my emotional challenges. I did talk therapy, and though it did serve a purpose at the time, nothing compares to the emotional release of the Somatic Experiencing method. Dr. phelps is compassionate and caring. I recommend this method for anyone on the healing of emotional trauma.” Karen
"I just recently began working with Dr. Phelps using Somatic Experiencing. It is a significant departure from any therapy that I have previously received. Learning to feel before I speak and locate what is going on in my body has been a completely transformative process for me. In just a few sessions I can tell I’m making progress and I look forward with great anticipation to the freedom and healing that this process will bring. I highly recommend Dr. Phelps and the Somatic Experiencing therapy." Jason
"In my past I’ve suffered several misdiagnoses. I was freely prescribed medications that caused my mental and physical health to decline further. I suffered panic attacks, night terrors, severe chronic depression, constant anxiety and even suicide attempts. I tried many types of therapy and general talk therapy. It sometimes proved beneficial and other times quite the opposite.
Finally, I found Dr. Phelps and Somatic Experiencing Therapy. Dr Phelps. and his use of Somatic Experiencing Therapy changed everything for me. The work I have done with him has truly helped me in the transformation of my life. For the first time since I can remember, I am able to leave my house without going into fight or flight. His work and guidance has helped me to truly heal the root causes and traumas that have sustained my long suffering. I am amazed as I see myself come back to life. Somatic Experiencing Therapy with Dr. Phelps is one of the single best decisions I have made for my mental health and wellbeing. On top of that, he takes my insurance!" Blair
"One Somatic Experiencing or SE session, I came in with the usual after work stress, and brought up that I had a sharp pain in my side. Through being patient and curious of the pain, I was brought back to a childhood experience of almost drowning. Dr. Phelps was there to listen, and help guide me through the SE process of working through that trauma providing time and space. I was able to sit in the space of the room speaking of what I was noticing in my body. But mostly with the mental resources I had from past SE sessions, there was little talk of the problem, and more moving that old trauma energy. It felt like I was trying to break myself free from what was keeping me down. I focused on that energy (as my arms literally began to move on there own in the session to push my older male cousin off of me who was dunking me under water) until I actually felt in my muscles that I defended myself, and swam back to the surface. It was one of the most empowering and fulfilling SE sessions I had had. I was 4 years old." Marleigh
"Dr. Phelps uses somatic, body oriented, psychotherapy therapy methods and provides comprehensive care and treatment without a focus on pharmaceuticals. My involuntary body movements subsided dramatically; stammering and stuttering speech pattern has normal rhythm and tempo. I have made substantial progress in a short time. I am empowered to deal with stress and to leave past trauma behind me." Angela
"I've been seeing Dr. Phelps for a few years. He is an excellent trauma specialist with a specialization in the physical manifestations of trauma. Dr. Phelps is always professional, caring, and understanding with me and my family that has come to visit him as well. Highly recommend him for help learning our bodies and how trauma impacts them (an the resolution of that trauma)." Amy
"I have been an RN for 33 years. Major PTSD related to death of son by suicide. Was a little skeptical about Somatic Experiencing at first, although willing to give it a try. Dr. Phelps is a lifesaver. His calm, comforting demeanor and guidance through SE has created a definite reduction in PTSD symptoms for me. For the first time in 20 years, I can truly see light at the end of the tunnel. Flashbacks are now non-existent, and nightmares are gone as well. I would highly recommend anyone suffering from trauma symptoms to let Dr. Phelps and Somatic Experiencing help to make you whole again." John
"I have had years of traditional talk-based therapy and meds. Yet, I felt stuck and frustrated at my lack progress. A friend gave me Dr. Phelps' number and told me about Somatic Experiencing (SE). Dr. Phelps has gently led me with SE to understand my body's response to trauma. He talks about Fight, Flight, and Freeze as responses to trauma. Then, he helps you understand how you have been responding to trauma. He shows you how to release trauma safely. I have healed more in the last 4 months than in the past 15 years. I highly recommend Dr. Phelps to anyone looking for true, lasting healing." Beth
"In my most recent SE session with Dr. Phelps, I connected with my past trauma without reliving it. I was able release the old fear and anger through SE techniques. It allowed me reshape the memory. Each SE session moves me one step closer towards inner peace." Lori
"I saw Dr. Phelps after a twenty-year struggle with daily flashbacks from a violent attack which began to manifest in additional physical symptoms and anxiety. Over several sessions, my body learned to process the unprocessed trauma it had been carrying for two decades, and my brain learned to trust my body again. Since we completed our first cycle of sessions together, I’ve not experienced a single flashback in the same manner as before; instead, the attack feels past tense rather than present. I entered the Somatic Experiencing therapy not knowing what to expect. I’d experienced more traditional therapy, based in talking, in the past, and while beneficial to me in many ways, that focus on the verbal story of what happened to me left me stuck. Through Somatic Experiencing therapy in a safe and comfortable environment, Dr. Phelps allowed me to come to physical terms with the memories and reactions stored in my body. I recommend Somatic Experiencing therapy to anyone experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, or physical symptoms that might be linked to past trauma. For me, it was life changing, and I continue to utilize the tools I learned in therapy for self-care, balance, and mental health." Bryan