Is trauma therapy the right approach for you?
You may be experiencing acute stress following a threatening event, or you may have developed symptoms after repeated, cumulative stress. Whatever has led you here, if you are distressed because your sense of safety in the world has been compromised, then trauma therapy as an element or as the focus of your sessions may be right for you.
Some types of trauma I treat:
- Interpersonal violence and domestic violence
- Physical and sexual assault
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Childhood abuse and neglect
- Relational and attachment trauma
- Traumatic grief and loss
- Life-threatening accidents and illnesses
- Medical trauma including awareness during anesthesia
- Experiences of systemic oppression
- Immigration trauma
- Historical, generational, and inherited trauma
- Complex PTSD
Some of the symptoms I help with:
- Heightened stress reactions to trauma triggers
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Nightmares and sleep problems
- Depression and anxiety
- Feelings of guilt and shame
- Feeling disconnected from others
- Loss of trust in yourself and your instincts
- Being vigilant or on alert when there is no immediate threat
- Feeling hopeless and struggling to find purpose or meaning
Trauma-Informed Treatment Methods:
As a trauma recovery therapist I aim to help you address the root causes of your symptoms, and reconnect with a sense of peace in your mind and body, even after the most difficult and life-altering events. My treatment methods include:
Somatic Experiencing Therapy (SE)
I incorporate this body-based Somatic Experiencing approach with other trauma-informed therapies to treat acute stress, developmental trauma, and posttraumatic stress. I also invite body awareness into sessions focusing on other issues including generalized anxiety, depression, insomnia, relationships, grief and loss, and personal growth and identity issues.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is blended throughout my work and is a helpful complement to somatic therapy. CBT helps us notice patterns between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Once we are aware of these connections, we can use cognitive skills to help shift those patterns. Add present-moment body sensation awareness, and we’re able to address your therapy needs in a holistic way.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I weave Internal Family Systems or “parts work” into most sessions. It includes elements of mindfulness, body awareness, and emotional processing that can help with resolving inner conflicts, making tough decisions, and deepening your understanding of yourself and how you relate to others.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is another mindfulness-based approach that incorporates cognitive elements. ACT focuses on helping us change our relationship to our thoughts and feelings, and begin to accept them as they are. We can then focus energy on taking action in ways that improve our lives and prioritize what is truly important to us.
And most importantly, you are unique! I therefore tailor my approach to fit your needs. A key part of this process is developing a trusting relationship, and over time we’ll explore what kind of support is most helpful for you.