healing is possible

Therapy that Specializes in Trauma and Traumatic Stress

For adults in Oregon and Florida.

 

Do you feel anxious, stuck, or emotionally overwhelmed because you have been through a traumatic experience?

Maybe you have been doing all the “right” things in life, such as working hard, or starting a family, but still feel like you are not good enough. Or you, recently went through the end of a relationship and wonder why you keep choosing the wrong partner. Do you feel overwhelmed with feelings of abandonment or lack the ability to get close to someone emotionally? Whatever it is that you’re experiencing, you’re beginning to notice the negative impact in your life: 

Does this sound like you?

 You are often anxious and avoid certain places or people.

You do not want physical intimacy with your partner.

You are struggling to stay focused and productive at work.

You overreact or have angry outbursts, or want to isolate yourself from others.

Healing is possible

Trauma Therapy can help.

Trauma is the result of a painful experience that someone has gone through at some point in life. Trauma can be experienced during childhood or as an adult. Some traumas are more severe than others, and some people are more sensitive to trauma and its effects. It could be that you grew up in a home where your parents had issues such as alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness. Perhaps they faught a lot or divorced. Or maybe your parents were absent, unemotional unavailable, critisized you, or were physically abusive. This is called growing up in a “dysfunctional family”, and can cause childhood trauma. It is not about blaming your parents, but about recognizing childhood trauma and its long-term effects.

Additionally, if you grew up in a dysfunctional family, research shows there is a good chance you will be retraumatized as an adult. Being retraumatized as an adult could be in the form of an abusive relationship, military combat, or other traumatic events in life. Trauma symptoms and PTSD can be paralyzing and can severely limit your potential in life. You deserve to live life to its fullest without the debilitating effects of trauma.  

Trauma Therapy helps you do four things:

  • Understand the nature of childhood trauma, and how it continues to affect you as an adult;

  • Learn coping skills, including safety and self-care, and develop real self-love;

  • Grieve the losses from trauma, including the losses from not having your needs met in childhood, or from what was taken away during the traumatic event; and

  • Be empowered in your life by taking charge of your healing and growth.

    Incorporating body, mind, and spirit, I provide techniques such as mindfulness, grief work, trauma-sensitive yoga, and exposure therapy with an emphasis on personal safety and self-care. I will guide you through this process, tailoring each step to your unique needs and circumstances. My approach to trauma therapy comes from the concept of Healing into Wholeness: I believe your true self knows how to heal from past trauma. Given the right environment, including nurturing and support, you will find freedom from the debilitating effects of trauma so you can enjoy the freedom of living a fulfilling life. 

here is the truth:

You are not a victim. You were victimized. You have the ability to heal and be empowered.

You are ready to heal…

It may feel impossible now, but you can experience self-confidence and better relationships. You can feel loved and loving without anxiety and confusion. You can enjoy the freedom of living without the symptoms from traumatic stress. And I can help you get there.

Healing is possible.

Questions about therapy for addiction and recovery?

FAQs

  • We start by talking about your life now and what you are struggling with. Initially, the focus will be about safety and self-care, including coping skills that are tailored uniquely for you. Coping skills may include mindfulness and gentle yoga movements that are proven effective techniques for healing trauma. In time, we may or may not talk about the trauma, as this is up to you and should be taken slowly. Trauma therapy can include gentle suggestions for stretching your tolerance when appropriate. In trauma therapy with me, you are in charge at all times, and I will never require you to do or say anything that you do not want to, or feel ready to, do or say.

  • How long you will be in trauma therapy is different for everyone and is based on your individual needs and desires. However, because healing from trauma takes time, it is suggested that you do not rush and allow the process to unfold at a gentle pace. It is not uncommon for people to take breaks in trauma therapy and work on healing in layers. Typically, trauma therapy can take several years.

  • While research continues to make progress on the treatment of trauma and PTSD, there is still no “one size fits all” cure. As your therapist, I will make suggestions and provide support for your healing journey. Because experts agree that a combination of medication and talk therapy is the best approach for severe PTSD symptoms, it might be suggested that you seek medical advice to obtain support through medication. Trauma affects the body and mind. In therapy, there is an emphasis on self-care, including proper sleep and nutrition, as well as refraining from alcohol and drugs to help your healing progress.