Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Drama Therapist
Traumatic experiences can have long-lasting effects on our lives, and we might find it distressing even to talk about what we experienced. We can start slow. I am a Registered Drama Therapist trained in the therapeutic use of drama and other expressive arts. I feel passionate about supporting and empowering survivors of trauma/abuse, and I would love to help you.
Traumatic events can have long-term effects on an individual. When someone experiences a traumatic event, the primitive, part of their brain becomes overactive, which can lead to a persistent state of hypervigilance. Therapy can help process the trauma a, become aware of the triggers that get set off because of the trauma, and learn skills to self-regulate, self-soothe, and overcome the grip the trauma has on you.
Because the profound effects of trauma, complex trauma and PTSD can impact our sense of trust and ability to feel safe in our own bodies, collaboration is key. We will work together toward gaining awareness around safety, building resilience, and understanding your physiological responses to trauma. One of the modalities I use is Brainspotting, a brain-body based therapy that uses the visual field to process trauma.
PTSD represents a unique set of causative circumstances which are accounted for in the creation of a treatment plan directed at the specific needs of the client through such approaches as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and psychodynamic therapy.
All the clinicians in the practice have had significant experience in working with trauma and PTSD and are skilled in helping clients work through trauma, including childhood sexual abuse, adult sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and other life trauma. We also conduct forensic evaluations in civil litigation matters relating to trauma and abuse.
Trauma and PTSD treatment are a core part of our practice. With most of our providers having trained in the VA Hospital, we believe trauma work is at the core of mental health treatment. We primarily utilize skills from Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure to help individuals cope with trauma and it's various components, including the hypervigilance, depression, intrusive thoughts, and avoidance.
I strive to not make assumptions, but to listen to you with an open mind, to respect you and your feelings, to be sensitive yet objective and flexible, honest, and direct. My challenge is to craft a treatment specifically for you and your unique needs and to keep you clearly in my focus.