Trauma Therapy

Trauma And PTSD Therapy Offers Hope For A New Path Forward

As a therapist who specializes in trauma, I recognize the courageous step you’re making when considering counseling. If you have survived physical or sexual abuse or childhood trauma, the idea of talking about your trauma in therapy may seem intimidating. However, studies have found that between 77 to 100 percent of patients who attend trauma therapy sessions will see a reduction in their symptoms. [1] By combining evidence-based modalities with trauma-informed care, I ensure the treatment you receive will address unresolved trauma and PTSD symptoms effectively and compassionately.

For trauma and PTSD counseling to be successful, it’s important we form a connection based on trust, openness, and mutual respect. In therapy sessions, I aim to create a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment that nurtures a sense of safety so you will feel comfortable opening up about difficult topics.

What To Expect In Sessions

Initially, our focus will be on your current experiences. This will help you develop self-awareness about your thoughts and feelings and learn useful tools to control your emotions. We may also explore how past experiences impact your thinking and how these thoughts affect you emotionally and physically. In particular, bringing awareness to your subconscious that often drives thoughts and behaviors can be beneficial. It’s also helpful to identify the primary emotion—usually fear or sadness—that underlies secondary emotions, like anxiety or anger.

In the long term, we will collaborate on setting goals that focus on your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. This holistic approach ensures that therapy supports you in mind, body, and soul.

The Modalities I Use In Trauma Counseling

To address trauma and PTSD, I use EMDR therapy, an evidence-based treatment that can effectively diminish the emotional intensity associated with traumatic memories. [2] EMDR gently guides your body and mind to process the trauma that has gotten “stuck.” This enables you to release fear-based physical reactions, such as muscle tension and increased heart rate. EMDR can also reduce emotional responses to traumatic memories, like feeling anxious or depressed, to restore a sense of safety.

In conjunction with EMDR, I may also incorporate:

• Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge and reframe negative core beliefs, such as "I'm not good enough,” “I’m unlovable,” or “I’m not in control" and find alternative thoughts to reduce anxiety, anger, and fear;

• Solution-focused therapy (SFT) for trauma and PTSD to help you break out of negative outlooks and envision a better future by noticing the good things that are currently happening;

• Parts work based on Internal Family Systems (IFS) to recognize and heal the wounded aspects of self impacted by trauma;

• Jungian therapy to acknowledge and accept the shadow self that is steeped in shame;

• Trauma-informed breathwork, mindfulness meditation, and visualization exercises to manage stress and release tension so that you feel more present and peaceful.

By providing you with empathy, warmth, and a genuine connection, together we can unpack the memories that keep a part of you stuck in the past and instill hope for the future. Therapy can help you resolve the trauma that’s been weighing you down and impeding how you relate to yourself and the world around you. When you’re no longer functioning in survival mode, the possibilities are endless.