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.
We work heavily with complex PTSD. This diagnosis is often experienced by many of our patients. We approach this diagnosis with care, compassion, and patience.
Safety plays a key role in trauma and PTSD, and it is just as critical in the healing process. Whether we realize it or not, our body's response to these experiences is often a safety mechanism. However, after time, it can get in the way of recovery. It is imperative that I create a safe environment for patients in order to better understand their personal experience(s) and support them moving forward.
Trauma can leave lasting emotional scars, but healing is possible. At Mission Connection, we specialize in treating trauma and PTSD with evidence-based therapies like EMDR and trauma-focused CBT. We offer a safe, compassionate space where you can process your experiences and begin to heal, helping you regain control over your life and emotions.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, CDWF, CEQP
Sometimes the brain does not process intense or disturbing life events or stressors. This can lead to post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI, aka PTSD). A person with PTSI may experience anxiety, depression, physical pain, flashbacks, nightmares, heightened startle response, hypervigilance, and a host of other issues that make life difficult if not unbearable. I can assist in reducing or even neutralizing those effects through targeted therapy that helps the brain effectively process past events. My most-used modality is EMDR followed by Lifespan Integration, certain hypnotherapy techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapies. Let's talk if you are tired of living on the edge.
Dr. Pinedo has worked with trauma and PTSD resulting from critical incidents (accidents, assault, war, abuse). she was trained in EMDR, critical incident debriefing, Thought Field Therapy and takes a multi-theoretical approach with clients. services provided in English and Spanish.
Unresolved trauma is a ghost that haunts us in every part of our lives. Mental, emotional and even physical consequences manifest from our past experiences, even if we don't remember them. We don't want to "go back there" yet we remain stuck, either consciously or unconsciously, until we tap into the body's innate ability to heal from the past. Together we'll work on connecting with a sense of safety and security in the present moment and work on tools for you to manage anxiety and depression. Then we'll gently begin revisiting the unprocessed trauma, bit by bit, until we've processed it through and you are free of the 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 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.