I have treated many adult survivors of abuse, many of whom suffer from PTSD. Anxiety, depression, substance abuse and sleep disorders are extremely common among survivors of trauma. Somatic oriented therapy, combined with analytic psychotherapy and hypnotherapy where appropriate is extremely effective at helping clients heal the psychic wounds that stem from trauma and abuse.
Trauma and PTSD are responses to distressing or deeply impactful events, often resulting in intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, mood changes, and heightened arousal. As a therapist, I provide compassionate support and utilize mindfulness techniques and other evidence-based interventions to assist clients in processing their experiences, developing coping strategies, and restoring a sense of safety and control. Through therapy, individuals can embark on a journey of healing, resilience-building, and reclaiming their well-being after experiencing trauma.
Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified IMAGO Relationship Therapist, MFT, and EMDR
Certified In EMDR trauma therapy in 1994 a preferred method by veterans, police, firefighters and medical teams around the world. Proven in research studies to Be brief ( often in just 3-12 sessions) and effective.
Human beings probably predominate on the planet because we are so easily traumatized. We are an adventurous and creative species, and we find ourselves in unique situations never before seen, all the time and over and over again. And we get hurt in those situations, and then we tend to stop growing. We can heal – starting with talking with someone about what troubles us, and how it troubles as, and discovering that we are not ill, but hurting and afraid – and that can change.
Trauma may be something horrific or something that you tell yourself "it wasn't so bad, others have it worse." We often make light of the things that hurt or scared us or made us feel less than, however, your struggles matter just as much as anyone else's. When trauma is severe, we develop patters that you might call "PTSD"- patterns of fear, hopelessness, constantly being on edge, having to avoid so many things. Trauma is stored in our bodies and our bodies remember. But there is hope and help is available. Therapies like EMDR (which I am fully certified in) heal both the body and mind. Adding in other treatments like polyvagal based exercises or mindfulness can go even further. I have been through it myself and I know that transformation is possible.
The links between trauma and achievement spotlight the success stories of people who've endured difficult pasts. Through resilience and resourcefulness, some persevered and found success as an outlet for improving self-esteem. How else could you have filled the void of highly critical, emotionally unavailable parents? The trouble is that success may be tough to integrate and truly celebrate as your own, no matter how impressive your resume gets. Fortunately, recovery from trauma is very possible and with time, can foster post-traumatic growth which leads to a more fulfilling life and meaningful relationships. My clinical approach includes Internal Family Systems which explores how different parts of you protect and serve you. Trauma-Focused CBT also helps unravel core-beliefs that may complicate your relationship with yourself, your ability to trust others, or see the world as a safe place.
I enjoy helping clients accept and like themselves, organize around strengths, achieve greater emotional presence, think clearly, and let go of shame, guilt and old habits of emotional survival. I believe therapy should lead to better decisions, as well as improved quality of life and relationships.
Something bad happens, nothing good follows, and everyone pretends it's okay. This simple series of events can lead to lasting emotional and physical symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms make us feel crazy. Let me assure you, you are not crazy and you are not alone. I am trained in a trauma treatment technique called eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), that can allow for integration of traumatic memories into one's healthy and coherent narrative. I would be honored to provide you a safe space to work through the painful experiences that just won't seem to go away.
My clinical experience with trauma includes a specialization in graduate school of Psychological Trauma Studies and a completion of training of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). Being trauma-informed has significantly informed how I practice therapy. Together we can practice coping skills, help with nervous system regulation, distress tolerance, improve your relationship with others and yourself.