Often, depression, sadness, anxiety, substance use and other avoidant strategies (e.g. overworking, gambling, food, and sex addictions), insomnia, conflict in relationships, isolation, and increased feelings of anger, agitation, impulsivity, and decreased self-esteem go unrecognized as symptoms of a trauma or stress related disorder, the most common of which is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). If you experience some of these symptoms, you may be experiencing PTSD.
Stressful and traumatic experiences in both childhood and adulthood can create significant changes in your brain keeping you frozen in a state of "fight or flight", making it difficult to find meaning and purpose in the present. Psychotherapy offers a unique opportunity to explore traumatic experiences so that they can be turned into memories containing wisdom and insight.
Today, there are a host of evidence based practices, that have been well researched and demonstrated to be effective in alleviating symptoms so that you can recover a sense of wholeness and wellbeing.
I am certified in two evidenced based practices for PTSD: Cognitive Processing Therapy(CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). Additionally, I am trained in mindfulness based practices and am informed by Schema Therapy, and Internal Family Systems amongst others. However, I believe that the most important element in any therapeutic relationship, is the relationship itself. I strive to nurture relationships with clients that are compassionate, kind, and non-judgmental, yet safe enough to tolerate direct but gentle confrontation. Together we will determine the approach and pace that will work best for you.