Online Trauma and PTSD therapists in Bountiful, Utah UT

Dr. Houben has extensive advanced training in complex trauma.  

Trauma and PTSD can leave lasting effects on your sense of safety, emotions, and relationships. I work with individuals to gently process traumatic experiences, reduce distressing symptoms, and regain a sense of control and stability. Therapy offers a trauma-informed, supportive space to build coping skills, foster healing, and move forward with greater resilience.  

Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can significantly impact an individual's emotional and psychological well-being, often leading to persistent feelings of fear, anxiety, and isolation. Therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals can process their traumatic experiences and learn effective coping strategies. Through various therapeutic approaches, such as EMDR and mindfulness techniques, clients can gain insight into their reactions, reduce symptoms, and develop healthier ways to manage their emotions. With professional guidance, therapy can empower individuals to reclaim their lives, fostering resilience and a sense of hope for the future.  

I suspect that for many psychotherapists trauma seems to be the universal ingredient in most, if not all, mental disorders. There are an increasingly growing number of models or approaches for diminishing the impact of trauma on a person's mental health. I have learned three of them, and have seen remarkable successes. In case you already know which one you want to try, I will name the three I use: Lifespan Integration, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and more recently, Flash Technique for Trauma. Cognitive Processing therapy is highly researched and listed as one of the major approaches for dealing with PTSD.  

Living with trauma or PTSD can feel like carrying a weight that others can’t see. At Balance, providers like Davonna “Dee” Wilson, DNP, FNP, PMHNP, specialize in helping patients find safety, healing, and hope. Dee understands how trauma affects both mind and body. She creates a space where patients can share their experiences without judgment, then works with them to build a treatment plan that may include therapy collaboration, medication, and practical strategies for daily life. With compassion and expertise, Balance providers walk alongside patients—reminding them they don’t have to face trauma alone.  

Trauma can leave your nervous system stuck in survival mode long after the danger has passed. Using trauma-informed approaches, we work at your pace to help you process what happened and reconnect with a felt sense of safety in your body and your life.  

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.  

I am trained in EMDR and incorporate this with other modalities to treat trauma and PTSD.  

Many of my clients come with trauma histories and are looking to better understand how trauma has affected their experiences, especially relationship experiences. I work to help clients understand how trauma affects the brain and body using polyvagal and somatic therapies. I specialize in interpersonal trauma as well as a chronic stress and complex trauma.  

I support clients experiencing trauma and PTSD by providing a safe, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space where they can process their experiences at their own pace. I help clients understand the effects of trauma on the mind and body, including symptoms such as hyperarousal, intrusive memories, avoidance, and negative beliefs about self or others. I use evidence-based interventions, such as trauma-focused CBT, IFS, and grounding techniques, to help clients process traumatic memories, reduce distress, and develop healthy coping strategies. I also teach skills for emotion regulation, mindfulness, and safety planning to manage triggers and anxiety. Throughout therapy, I provide validation, support, and empowerment, helping clients rebuild a sense of control, safety, and resilience while working toward healing and post-traumatic growth.  

Therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat trauma (including the clinical manifestations of PTSD). In a context of warmth, patience, and care, I use an evidence-based and strengths-based approach to help people heal from and learn to better manage the impacts of trauma.  

Trauma can leave you feeling stuck, on edge, or disconnected from yourself and others. Even experiences from years ago can continue to affect your emotions, relationships, and sense of safety. Using EMDR and a warm, steady approach, I help clients process painful memories and reduce the emotional intensity of the past so you can feel more settled, supported, and present in your life today.  

I specialize in trauma and PTSD. I am completely trained in EMDR as a tool to help, along with other trauma informed modalities such as IFS, EFT, Rapid Eye Technology, and CPT.  

Trauma's effects can extend into various aspects of an individual's life, often increasing the likelihood of developing depression, substance dependence, emotional dysregulation, and significant relationship challenges. As a specialist in trauma recovery, I take a collaborative and comprehensive approach, tailoring evidence-based treatments to your unique needs and preferences. My goal is to empower you to build a more fulfilling life.  

Every year, more than 8 million people in the United States struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) along with another 350 million people worldwide. PTSD can occur in people who have experienced or even witnessed a severe trauma, and it affects areas of the brain connected to managing difficult emotions, especially fear and anxiety. PTSD can create intense physical, emotional, and mental distress, and if left untreated, it can lead to long-term psychological and physiological damage. Thankfully, energy psychology – specifically acupoint tapping -- can help! More Potent Than Other Therapies Tapping on acupuncture points while bringing the memory of a traumatic event to mind sends signals to emotional centers of the brain, specifically the amygdala and other areas of the limbic system. This can counter the body's threat response. Acupoint tapping has been shown to reduce: Exaggerated responses to triggers Hyperarousal in the limbic system Insomnia Elevated levels of cortisol and other stress hormones Impaired immune functioning Distortions in learning and memory, and Imbalances between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity The 7 Advantages of Acupoint Tapping in the Treatment of PTSD Advantage #1: Fewer Treatment Sessions Cognitive-behavioral therapies are the treatment of choice in most conventional mental health settings. They average between 12 and 16 sessions for treating PTSD. Nonetheless, up to two-thirds of those completing the treatment still carry the PTSD diagnosis after treatment. Meanwhile, a study of the use of EFT for treating PTSD in a public health facility in Scotland authorized patients to receive up to 8 treatment sessions. Voluntary termination of treatment occurred, however, after an average of 3.8 sessions, with strong positive outcomes on post-treatment measures. A landmark study by Dawson Church and colleagues found that 86% of 49 war veterans no longer scored in the PTSD range after 6 hour-long EFT sessions. The study has been replicated with similar outcomes. Advantage #2: Lasting Results Studies reporting treatment effects for the use of acupoint tapping and energy psychology in PTSD typically show significant overall reductions in symptoms and their impact, and these improvements tended to stand the test of time. Advantage #3: Low Risk of Negative Side-Effects Existing evidence strongly suggests that energy psychology and acupoint tapping can be safely used to treat PTSD. Advantage #4: Minimal Training Needed A seasoned clinician can learn and begin applying a basic tapping protocol very quickly. Even people who don’t have extensive mental health backgrounds can be effective with the method as long as they understand the boundaries of their scope of service. For instance, several studies used life coaches rather than licensed mental health professionals to use tapping sessions in the treatment of PTSD and found they were nearly as effective. Advantage #5: Effective for Groups Unlike many psychotherapy methods that require one-on-one sessions, acupoint tapping can be highly effective when delivered to groups. This makes it suitable for combat battalions returning from deployment, refugees living in camps, caregivers returning from humanitarian missions, and children in classrooms. Advantage #6: Improves Quality of Life and Reduces Medical Costs When PTSD is not successfully treated, it produces adverse changes in the brain, and the impact extends beyond the patient and their family. If symptoms persist, the data shows increased lifetime hospitalization, disease burden, and medical costs. By helping people overcome PTSD, acupoint tapping positively impacts their quality of life and society's medical costs. Advantage #7: In-Person Sessions Not Required A study focused on the effects of EFT delivered by phone versus in-office sessions showed that just 6 phone treatment sessions could effectively alleviate clinical PTSD symptoms in 67% of patients. In another study, 26 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia showed significant improvement in symptoms such as pain, anxiety, depression, vitality, social function, activity level, and performance problems following their participation in an online EFT treatment program. This makes it possible to utilize electronic media to offer acupoint tapping treatments to underserved populations or others who cannot access conventional in-person therapy, such as military personnel in combat zones and those living in rural areas. For millions of people with PTSD, energy psychology -- specifically acupoint tapping -- offers much-needed hope and relief. As discussed in this article, acupoint tapping can help large numbers of people relatively quickly. It is a powerful intervention that is proving to be an effective antidote to living with the pain of PTSD. As a survivor myself, I've spent a lifetime studying the effects of trauma on the body and the brain. I specialize in helping people understand the ways trauma impacts their lives, their relationships and their emotional and behavioral experiences. Trauma takes place as a singular event or many events that overwhelm a person's ability to cope. Unresolved trauma is complicated and it causes many in-the-present life problems. This is confusing because we often have no idea why we are getting upset about something, feel certain ways or have unexplainable anger. Whether it be to heal with the impact of discrete traumatic events or complex interpersonal trauma, I use a combination of techniques from Energy Psychology such as Emotional Freedom Technique (or Tapping, as most people know it), Tapas Acupressure Technique, RIM Hypnotherapy, EMDR, Cognitive-Behavioral techniques, DBT, grounding and centering techniques and Shamanic soul retrieval to help you build safety and seIf worth. I teach emotion regulation skills and we use the therapeutic relationship itself so that you can feel more grounded and secure in connection with yourself and others.  

Life is overwhelming and can lead to trauma responses that harm our health and happiness. Through the use of integrative practices, I will work with you to reduce the impact of your traumas, and build upon your capability and strength to improve your life. Hi. I'm Sheana, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Functional Medicine and Trauma Specialist. I engage with clients from a whole health perspective, considering mental, physical, and social health as equally important parts of a balanced life. I can't wait to meet you!  

Trauma can leave the body and mind stuck in a state of constant survival, making the present moment feel unsafe. I use a trauma-informed approach to help you gently reconnect with your sense of agency and calm your nervous system. Together, we will work at a pace that respects your boundaries, moving through the past so that it no longer dictates your future.  

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) are highly effective approaches for supporting individuals with trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder by addressing both relational wounds and internal emotional experiences. EFT helps individuals identify and transform patterns rooted in fear, disconnection, and attachment injuries, creating a sense of safety and secure connection that is essential for trauma healing. These corrective emotional experiences can reduce hyperarousal and help regulate the nervous system. At the same time, IFS supports individuals in gently exploring and understanding the parts of themselves that carry traumatic memories, shame, or protective responses such as avoidance or hypervigilance. By fostering compassion and self-leadership, IFS allows these parts to be witnessed and healed without overwhelming the individual. Together, EFT and IFS create a safe internal and external environment that promotes integration, resilience, and a renewed sense of stability after trauma.  

I understand trauma responses as the nervous system’s adaptive attempts to cope with overwhelming experiences, rather than simply symptoms to be eliminated. Healing occurs through safe, supportive relationships that help restore a sense of connection, regulation, and trust. I work collaboratively with children, and families to build understanding, strengthen resilience, and support meaningful growth.  

Trauma doesn't just stay in the past; it lives in your present-day nervous system, keeping you hypervigilant, reactive, and emotionally exhausted. Even if you completely understand the history behind your symptoms, your body may still feel trapped in survival mode, leading to sudden outbursts of anger, deep self-criticism, or relationship strain. Using evidence-based trauma therapy and EMDR, we go beyond traditional talk therapy to actively process how your body stores stress. You can clear these deep-seated blocks, find physical relief, and safely step into a life defined by emotional safety.