I see children, teenagers, and adults. My primary client base is people who have experienced trauma in their life. Before an appointment is made for children (under age 6), it will depend on the ability to communicate and with what symptoms the child is presenting. I am an ally for LBGTQIA2S+. 

 

Areas of Treatment

Trauma

Anxiety

Anger

ADHD

Attachment Issues

Behavioral Issues

Depression

Divorce

Family Conflict

Grief & Loss

Life Changes and Challenges

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Self-Esteem

Stress Management

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What is Trauma?

Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes their sense of self and their ability to feel a full range of emotions and experiences.  It is an emotional response to terrible events like natural disasters, accidents, abuse, rape, and witnessing violence, to name a few.  Our body and brain have automatic responses to trauma, which are fight, flight, or freeze. The body and brain will respond by fighting back or fleeing from dangerous situations. Long-term reactions may include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, difficulty in relationships, and physical symptoms, like headaches or stomach issues.  There are three types of trauma:  acute, chronic, and complex.  Acute would be when a single dangerous or stressful event occurred.  Chronic is when there have been repeated or prolonged exposures to different traumas. (For example, someone living in a domestic violence or child abuse situation).  Complex trauma is when there is exposure to multiple traumatic events.  (For example, someone who may be living in a domestic violence situation, grew up in a home were there was child abuse, witnessed crime, and have been in a natural disaster).  You CAN heal from trauma, but it takes time and patience.  Your body will need to learn to regulate emotions and not be in a state of fight, flight, and freeze.  Establishing safety and trust are important parts in the healing process.  

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Interventions Used

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that often focuses how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. CBT helps you recognize negative or unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. It helps you to begin to reframe your thoughts in a more positive and helpful way so you feel better and you have positive behaviors.  

 

Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a components- based treatment model that incorporates trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive, behavioral, family, and humanistic principles and techniques.  This can be done with individuals between the ages of 3-21.  (I often use different components from this therapy with people I see).

 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy that enables you to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of trauma and disturbing life experiences. EMDR is intensive and uses bilateral stimulation to unlock the trauma and get rid of the yuck you feel.  It helps to heal the neural pathways again.  Before EMDR is used preparation and resourcing occurs in order for you to feel present in processing.  I am an EMDRIA EMDR Certified Therapist.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a very important part of therapy. Your story is yours and I am honored that you choose to share your experiences with me. I want you to trust me when you come to my office, as well as the children and teenagers I see.  It is important that you feel safe in knowing your information stays within my office.  There are times I would have to break confidentiality because of safety concerns, such as:  you are a harm to self, you are threatening harm to others, or someone is hurting you.  It would be my job to ensure I get the assistance from outside sources, possibly Child Protection Services, Law Enforcement, or family members.