Trauma and PTSD therapists in Springfield, Illinois IL

The UCEBT Trauma, Stress, and Resilience (TSR) Program provides expert care in the treatment of stress and trauma-related issues. Most people at some point in their lives will experience a trauma or other difficult event, such as a loss of a loved one, medical illness, financial stressors, work burnout, divorce, etc. Depending upon our unique past and current circumstances, these events impact each of us differently. In the aftermath, some may develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, grief, or experience other life challenges. In spite of our best efforts, sometimes the problems persist and common coping strategies (like isolation, working long hours, alcohol, etc.) can create new problems. Fortunately, there are now several proven therapies to get people unstuck and tap into our natural human ability to heal after a painful life event. Our center is committed to offering the most effective treatment options for both supporting you during a difficult period as well as long-term skills to foster resiliency for the future. There are several gold standard evidence-based treatments right now for trauma. Our clinicians in this program have formal training and expertise in: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Cognitive Processing Therapy -- CPT is a therapy that focuses on helping individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs related to their traumatic experiences. It aims to promote cognitive restructuring and reduce distressing symptoms. CPT has been recommended as treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA/DoD). This episode of This American Life does a great job capturing what to expect in CPT and illustrating its effectiveness: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/682/ten-sessions Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Interventions -- TF-CBT is a structured therapy that focuses on helping individuals process and cope with traumatic experiences. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with trauma-specific interventions. TF-CBT has also been widely recommended as a treatment PTSD by the APA and the VA/DoD. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) -- This modality uses eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help individuals process traumatic memories and reduce distressing symptoms. In contrast to the "top-down approaches" listed above, this is a "bottom-up approach," meaning that it starts with addressing the physiological and sensory aspects of an individual's experience before moving on to cognitive or higher-order processes. This approach recognizes that trauma can have a profound impact on the nervous system and bodily sensations. The goal is to help individuals process and release traumatic experiences by accessing the body's wisdom and resources. By directly targeting the limbic system (the feeling center of the brain) and sensory receptors throughout the body, a bottom-up approach aims to undo trauma's imprint on the body and promote healing. It acknowledges that trauma responses are not solely cognitive but also involve physiological and sensory aspects. Prolonged Exposure -- PE is a type of therapy that involves gradually and systematically exposing individuals to trauma-related memories, situations, or objects that they have been avoiding. The goal is to help individuals confront and process their traumatic experiences, reducing avoidance and fear. PE has also been recommended as a treatment for PTSD by the APA and the VA/DoD. The Gottman Method for Couples Therapy Written Exposure Therapy (WET) -- Sometimes, flashbacks can be so debilitating and spike our SUDS so suddenly, that all of the above-mentioned modalities end up doing more harm than good. This modality is a brief, trauma-focused talk therapy that involves a series of [typically] five 30- to 45- minute sessions. The therapy involves writing about the thoughts and feelings experienced during the traumatic event, which allows individuals to engage with the memory and potentially overcome shame or embarrassment associated with the experience. The goal is to help individuals find new ways to think about their traumatic experiences and gain relief from PTSD symptoms. There is little 'down time' between sessions, meaning an individual could schedule all five sessions back-to-back and effectively stop flashbacks or other reexperiencing symptoms within a week, which no other modality can match in terms of efficiency.  

Experiencing trauma/PTSD can really affect people with addictions, relationship problems, or depression. For example, someone who's been through a tough experience might start using drugs or alcohol to cope. Trauma/PTSD can also make relationships harder and can make depression worse. To help someone dealing with this concern, I'd create a caring environment, listen to them, and suggest healthy ways to cope.  

My background as a licensed psychologist and a trauma survivor uniquely positions me to offer compassionate and effective support to individuals who have experienced trauma, whether it be abandonment or physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. My personal journey through trauma has given me firsthand insight into the complex and often challenging process of healing. This, combined with my education and professional experience, enables me to approach therapy with deep empathy, understanding, and a genuine connection to my clients' experiences. I believe in the power of resilience and the potential for growth in the face of adversity, and I am dedicated to helping survivors on their path to recovery and empowerment. With EMDR as my primary treatment modality, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise in guiding individuals towards trauma healing. My approach focuses on collaboratively identifying trauma targets for processing while also prioritizing resourcing techniques to reestablish a sense of safety and inner peace. Through EMDR therapy, I help clients transform the way traumatic memories are stored in the brain, ultimately freeing them from flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance patterns associated with trauma. My commitment is to support individuals on their journey to reclaim their lives and find lasting relief from the effects of trauma.  

I've been working with trauma survivors since prior to graduate school, beginning in 2004. While I have experience in treating a wide range of traumatic related symptoms, I've found that I'm most effective in treating first responders (healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters), ministry leaders and volunteers serving in crisis management roles, and those who've experienced single incident traumas (car accidents, medical trauma, physical assault, natural disasters). I also specialize in helping individuals who've experienced traumatic grief/loss (those who witnessed a traumatic event). I've completed training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) through the Veteran Affairs Medical Center and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) through an EMDRIA approved trainer. I use several different approaches to prepare clients for the hard work of facing their pasts. When you're ready, we will work together to decide what treatment will be most effective for you.  

I have been working with individuals who have trauma and PTSD for over 20 years. For many years this was my main focus and as a evidence-based therapist I learned many different ways of treatment and developed a hybrid approach that I taught to other therapist for years. I start by helping you reduce your symptoms, then if your willing we re-process your trauma and help you look at it in a different way by identifying what is your "stuck point" and working to move that along. That in itself can also reduce remaining symptoms. With what is left, I help you move forward with your remaining symptoms and do what make you happy, despite of your symptoms. It may make you anxious to do something but at the end of the day, the joy you felt makes it worth it. Again, remember, you would be doing this with much less anxiety than when you started therapy. This a is a proven approach that has worked with so many individuals with trauma.