Counselor/Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Personal Coach
I work with clients recovering from trauma, whether it is something recent or from long ago. Trauma can leave a long lasting stain on our thoughts and behaviors which shapes our unconscious behaviors. This can have a disturbing impact on our current day relationships as we react when we are unknowingly triggered. Your time with me is your safe, confidential space to release the stranglehold past hurts have had on your life.
So many of us don't even realize that we have been through trauma or don't want to call it that. Truth is everyone has been through some sort of trauma. Some of those traumas are what we refer to as little T's, which may not resonate with most as traumas yet they have a significant impact on our lives and have the potential for attaching to a negative belief. Others of us have experienced what we refer to as big T's, which are the ones that most people think of when they think of trauma.
Regardless of whether it is a big T or little T, together we can navigate the healing process that needs to occur in order to process those memories so that they no longer have the power that they have now. When we bring things into the light, it no longer has the power in the darkness.
I know that it won't be easy and that there is a part of you that does not even want to face it. You will not be alone and you do have the power inside to overcome these negative beliefs.
My hope is to provide a space where you feel safe to begin or continue your journey toward healing and restoration.
My clients will learn to become aware of their physical, emotional, and thought behaviors in order to manage their responses
to triggers from past trauma and perceived threat. Once the healing has begun, we can explore spirituality and how it can be incorporated in order for the client to experience a fulfilling life wholeheartedly. To that purpose, I use Eastern and Western practices to assist in the healing process including CBT, DBT, and ACT as well as meditation, breathwork, and yoga.
I can guide the client to better understanding of their PETS: physical response, emotional response, and thoughts by exploring the triggers and learning to manage our responses to perceived threat. Once healing has started, we can explore spirituality and how it can be a tool for recovery into true inner peace and self-empowerment. To that purpose, I use positive psychology, integrative holistic theories and practices, meditation, and breathwork so that my clients can experience a fulfilling life and become the authentic person they've wanted to be.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW-S, CCTP, TIYT
It's not your fault! That overwhelming feeling that you just want to crawl out of your skin... The challenges you experience communicating and socializing with others... Your thoughts racing and feeling stuck in the past... Feeling emotionally overwhelmed by the smallest of things... Not being able to sleep at night. None of it's your fault.
I specialize in helping men and women heal from their traumatic past... and guess what! I'm not going to make you talk about it... definitely not at first... and maybe never. The first thing we are going to do is get clear on your symptoms and triggers and work together to help you rewire your trauma-response so that you can feel at peace, calm and happy again. First, I help you to understand what's happening with your nervous system, and then we utilize holistic evidence-based somatic and CBT techniques to bring your body, mind and emotions back into balance. Then, once you feel strong, steady and an ability to achieve calm whenever you like, and if you like, we can revisit the past. Don't worry, the past is not where we start. We start in the present. We help you feel safe so that you are no longer afraid of falling apart.
Give me a call. I offer a free 20 minute phone consultation!
I will help the client become aware of the thoughts, emotions, and physical responses when the client feels threatened or triggered in order use the tools I can teach them to calm the nervous system and soothe the mind. As the healing begins, we can start exploring spirituality as a possible source of comfort and wisdom to help with recovery.
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC, E-RYT500
With a trauma-informed approach, Dr. Thornhill has extensive experience and specialized training dedicated to recognizing the impact of past experiences on current well-being. She is committed to providing a safe and empowering space for clients to navigate their healing journey.
Trauma impacts every area of our lives - how we see ourselves, others and the world. It can destroy our sense of safety, trust, esteem, intimacy, and power/control. We create stories that are untrue and cause ourselves pain. I enjoy adding Expressive Arts Therapy to Cognitive Processing Therapy. Expressive arts can be a way to express oneself non-verbally which has helped many clients access their connection to their body and emotions. Trauma creates a disconnect from the mind and body. Almost as if we become a floating head. I have witnessed several clients reconnect to their feelings and body through keeping an art journal and sharing in session. In addition, overtime they were able to access their own insight and inner wisdom. Working on trauma is scary for many people. There is no pressure to follow a prescribed course or use art. I understand how difficult it is to share the story and trust a new therapist. I work at a client's comfort level and pace.