Trauma and PTSD therapists in Whiteville, North Carolina NC

I have experience treating trauma and PTSD, and know that as difficult as this work can feel, it also feels so empowering to shift your narrative and heal from the trauma.  

Experiencing relational trauma can be incredibly challenging, and the wounds it leaves can affect every aspect of your life. In therapy, I'm here to offer a helping hand to individuals seeking healing from relational trauma. We'll create a safe and understanding space where you can process the pain and confusion caused by past experiences. Together, we'll explore how these traumas have impacted you and work on building resilience, self-compassion, and healthier ways of connecting with others. Healing is a personal journey, and I'm here to walk alongside you, offering support and guidance as you rediscover a sense of safety, trust, and meaningful connections in your life. Your path to healing begins here.  

Using EMDR, IFS-informed, and somatic (body-based) strategies, we will collaboratively explore what you need and want to feel safe to continue on your healing journey. Your body is wise and many habits were likely effective coping strategies in the past but are now no longer serving you. We will work together to help your body recalibrate its sense of safety and enjoy a regulated nervous system.  

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.  

Have you experienced a traumatic event that continues to impact your daily life, causing anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or panic attacks? I have over 24 years of experience and specialized training to help individuals overcome emotional challenges stemming from past adverse experiences. I specialize in supporting individuals struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), trauma-related anxiety, panic responses, as well as intrusive thoughts and memories. I utilize various evidence-based approaches, including CBT, A.R.T., and EMDR, tailored to your unique needs, to help you reduce distress and emotional reactivity; process and heal from trauma; and develop coping skills to equip yourself with tools to manage triggers and build resilience. If you're ready to begin healing and move towards a life with greater peace and resilience, reach out to me today for a free consultation.