Trauma

I am a trauma-informed psychologist who provides a compassionate, evidence-based, and individualized approach to healing. I help clients who may have experienced a specific situation, have cumulative experiences, or past events. I help clients understand that the trauma response is a natural reaction to an unexpected or overwhelming situation. Our body has protective measures such as the limbic system, which automatically activates for our protection. Often, we experience symptoms which are normal to the survival process but do not feel good in our regular life, such as feeling agitated, fidgety, or on edge.

Traumatic experiences can take many forms, including workplace situations, motor vehicle accidents, birth trauma, physical, emotional, mental, or sexual abuse, as well as development and childhood trauma. Each person’s response is unique, influenced by their history, environment, and coping resources.

Many people seek therapy after noticing they feel different or “not themselves.” They may find they’re not reacting to situations the way they want to, or that family, friends, or colleagues have noticed changes. Clients often describe difficulty sleeping, feeling less happy, drinking more alcohol, or losing interest in activities or intimacy they once enjoyed. Some find they no longer feel comfortable doing regular activities, being in public, or going to restaurants, while others feel more irritable, agitated, or emotionally numb and checked out. At times, people may even engage in high-risk behaviors to feel something again.

In trying to make sense of these changes, many develop erroneous guilt and shame, which can lead to avoidance, isolation, and relational difficulties. I help clients understand that these are normal trauma responses—not signs of weakness.  I take time to explain the physiological and emotional processes involved, helping clients increase awareness, compassion, and a sense of control.