Experiencing traumas can change the brain in profound ways, affecting the way a person perceives the world & reacts to triggering situations. The brain stores traumatic memories in a way that the person perceives the memory as being still in process. Through the use of Thought Pattern Management, Hypnotherapy, & Hypnotherapy, traumatic memories can be processed in a way that enables the brain to change the way it stores these memories, allowing the person to recognized that the event is in the past & that they are now safe. The person is then free to heal & grow, leaving the pain somewhere in the past.
In my work with individuals, couples and families, I am passionate about helping my clients explore what is holding them back from living their best lives. I am an active and supportive listener and will help you identify and meet your own goals for health and happiness.
Trauma can leave lasting scars, but healing is possible. I offer a safe and supportive environment to process traumatic experiences, develop coping skills, and move towards post-traumatic growth. You are not defined by your past.
If you've had significant physical, sexual, or emotional trauma in your life, it may still be the case that parts of you are stuck in those situations. I will help you gently access those parts of you - compassionately and at your own speed - and help those parts get un-stuck, relax, and heal.
I have earned certification as a clinical trauma professional (CCTP) and I have extensive experience in working with mitigating the effects of trauma as an emergency medical technician, a combat medic and as a counselor and ecotherapist. Trauma, post-trauma stress and posttraumatic stress disorder does not just effect veterans, trauma can be lived, witnessed or even learned vicariously and it can have lasting effects on the mind and body. There are many ways of which to approach trauma and I will walk with you as you process your trauma experiences at your pace.
I specifically focus on people with religious trauma. You might not have thought about your trauma as religious. But did you have a tough time growing up in a strict church environment? So did I. Maybe you didn't even realize the effect it had on you until much later in life.
I use Internal Family Systems therapy, which is an approach used specifically for trauma. However, it is not a PTSD approach. If you suffer from severe PTSD symptoms, I'm probably not the right fit for you. If you're not sure, schedule a free consultation. I can provide you with referrals to PTSD specialists if we decide that's appropriate.
I use a trauma-informed approach throughout my practice because trauma is unfortunately so common throughout the world. I focus on symptom reduction, supporting my clients to better understand how their experiences affect them in the world, and help Clients develop concrete skills to keep their energy in the present and the future rather than in the past.
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.