THERAPY FOR TRAUMA

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Trauma doesn’t just stay in the past—sometimes it can ripple into the present, affecting how you think, feel, and respond to stress. For many, this often looks like:

• Hypervigilance and feeling “on edge” – You might constantly scan for potential dangers, even in safe environments.
• Avoiding reminders of the trauma – Certain places, situations, or people might feel unbearable, and you may go out of your way to avoid them.
• Emotional numbness or disconnection – You might struggle to feel joy, connection, or even sadness, as if you’re on autopilot.
• Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts – These unwelcome reminders of the trauma can make it hard to stay focused or grounded.
• Difficulty trusting yourself or others – Relationships may feel strained, or you might feel like you have to handle everything on your own.

Even if you’re managing to “hold it all together,” the internal toll of trauma can leave you exhausted and longing for relief. Therapy is a space to unpack these challenges and work toward healing.

Trauma rewires the way your brain and body respond to the world, but the good news is that you absolutely have the capacity for healing. My approach to trauma therapy is heavily informed by my extensive training within the VA Healthcare System, supporting countless clients who have experienced various kinds of trauma throughout their lifetimes. As such, my approach is rooted in evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy, combined with elements of other evidence-based treatments as appropriate for your individual needs. Together, we’ll work on:

• Understanding the impact of trauma – Exploring how your experiences have shaped your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
• Processing and reframing painful memories – Learning how to confront your trauma in a safe, controlled way to reduce its power over your present life.
• Regaining a sense of safety and trust – Reconnecting with yourself and others without feeling guarded or distant. I call this "recalibrating your safety meter."
• Managing triggers and overwhelming emotions – Building tools to respond to anxiety, anger, or sadness in healthy, effective ways.
• Reclaiming your identity and goals – Moving beyond survival mode and start living a life that aligns with your values, dreams, and strengths.

Therapy isn’t about erasing what happened—it’s about helping you find freedom from its grip so you can move forward with clarity, strength, and self-compassion.