Individual Therapy for Survivors
SPECIALTIES + AREAS OF FOCUS
Specialities and areas of focus
I specialize in trauma therapy, particularly sexual assault, using research-based tools to support clients in processing the pain that comes with trauma. Trauma occurs when the brain and body become so overwhelmed with an event (or series of events) that it does not have enough time or resources to process and integrate the experience(s). Trauma then lingers in the body, the body stuck in survival mode.
Unintegrated trauma can present itself in a myriad of ways, manifesting through emotional, cognitive, somatic (body) symptoms, and more. Depression, anxiety, mood and personality "disorders" are oftentimes symptoms of underlying, unresolved trauma.
Sexual Assault and Trauma
Survivors of sexual abuse or assault often experience profound changes in nearly all aspects of life. It can feel like life totally derailed and you are no longer yourself. Difficulties around intimacy, sense of safety, persistent hypervigilance, isolation, shame, and guilt, complete loss of trust, and flashbacks or numbing are all common, normal responses to sexual violence and harm.
Together, we can begin to address or process the sexual trauma at a pace that respects your capacity, agency, and personal goals.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can develop after a single event that overwhelms the body. Trauma can change the way we experience ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. You may feel constantly on edge, emotionally numb, easily overwhelmed, or like you are reliving the past. These survival responses are often your nervous system's way of adapting to experiences that were overwhelming, scary, or threatening.
I use a trauma-informed, somatic approach to support trauma survivors in developing self-regulation tools and resolving trauma.
Together, we can explore and process the traumatic event(s) to release the trauma stored in your body so that you can feel more at peace in the present moment with your mind and body.
Complex Trauma (CPTSD) and Childhood Trauma
Our childhood experiences often shape and imprint how we see ourselves and relate to others in adulthood. Complex trauma (CPTSD) often occurs during developmental years (childhood) and is relational in nature.
If you grew up feeling unseen, unworthy of love, responsible for everyone else's emotions, hurt by your inner-critic, or that you carry immense shame, you may still carry those patterns today without realizing it. Therapy offers an opportunity to better understand your early experiences, grow self-compassion, and cultivate new ways of relating to yourself and others.
Somatic therapy brings attention to unconscious patterns from childhood that might be holding you back. We might explore how body movement, posture, memories, or belief systems helped you survive in the past, while also updating your mind and body to live and respond to the present day so you feel more joy and happiness.
Dissociation
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Sometimes trauma doesn't leave us feeling overwhelmed.
Sometimes it leaves us feeling disconnected - from yourself, others, the world.
You may feel numb, detached from reality, or not here. Or maybe you feel concerned about memory gaps. These experiences can be confusing and scary, and they are often protective responses developed during overwhelming stress or trauma that helped you survive.
Together, we can gently work towards helping you reconnect with yourself and live more fully in the present moment.
Additional Areas of Focus
As part of my treatment of these conditions, I also work with those who suffer from painful reactions due to:
Attachment injury and wounds
Inner child healing
Adverse childhood experiences (ACES)
BIPOC experiences (e.g. oppression, microaggression, systemic racism, children of immigrants, ancestral trauma)
Childhood trauma, abuse, or neglect
People-pleasing, self-esteem and self-worth issues
Mood dysregulation
Assessment and gender-affirming surgery letter for trans and gender diverse adults
Don't see what you're experiencing here?
You're still welcome to reach out. If I'm not the right fit, I may be able to connect you with a therapist I know and trust.
“When you heal yourself, you heal the world.”
Yung Pueblo
Starting Therapy is a Courageous Step
Some people come to therapy after a significant life event. Others have been trying to escape from what's been haunting them for years, but know somewhere deep down that they want things to change.
You don't need to know where to begin or what to say to get help.