Being a trauma therapist means I’ve dedicated my practice to understanding and treating the impacts of trauma in a deep, holistic way. I’ve intentionally focused my continuing education on trauma-informed approaches, ensuring I can offer effective tools and techniques to help clients on their healing journey.

Some of the training and certifications I’ve completed include:

• Certified in Brainspotting, a powerful brain-body-based modality for processing trauma.

• Completed Level 1 of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, with plans to continue advancing in this transformative somatic approach.

• Certified in the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), an evidence-based listening therapy for nervous system regulation.

• Active member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), currently pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Complex Trauma and Dissociation.

• Completed Healing Trauma: IPNB Clinical Strategies for Applying the 9 Domains of Integration toward Deep Therapeutic Growth through Dan Siegel's Mindsight Institute.

I also regularly engage in individual consultation with other professionals in these fields, collaborate with colleagues to practice and refine skills, and stay up to date with the latest research and techniques.

Many of these modalities are best learned by experiencing them myself, so I’ve taken the time to explore and embody these approaches in my own work. This commitment allows me to not only better understand what my clients might experience but also create a safe, informed, and compassionate space for healing.

What is trauma-focused therapy?

Trauma-focused therapy is a collaborative process designed to help you heal from the effects of trauma in a way that feels safe, supportive, and empowering. In my approach, I follow a three-phase roadmap for change:

1. Establishing Safety and Stability
   The first step in trauma therapy is helping you feel grounded and secure. This includes creating a safe space for our work together and developing tools to regulate your nervous system. We'll focus on building resources to support you through the process, so you feel empowered and in control.

2. Processing Trauma
   When you're ready, we’ll begin exploring the effects of trauma at a pace that feels manageable. My focus is not solely on the details of your story but on how trauma has impacted your body, mind, and emotions. Somatic work is a key part of this process, helping us work with what’s happening in your body and nervous system to release what’s been stuck or overwhelming.

3. Integration and Growth
   The final phase focuses on creating lasting change by integrating the progress we've made. This involves fostering resilience, strengthening your sense of self, and supporting you as you move forward with greater ease and confidence in your life and relationships.

Trauma-focused therapy emphasizes process over content, meaning you don’t have to relive every detail of your story for healing to happen. While hearing and holding your story is important to me, my approach centers on helping you listen to what your body and emotions are telling you, gently working with what arises, and moving toward a sense of wholeness.

This type of therapy isn’t about rushing—it’s about honoring where you are and helping you reconnect with a deeper sense of safety, strength, and self-compassion.

Trauma therapy can feel challenging because it asks us to confront parts of ourselves that have been overwhelmed, shut down, or even hidden away for a long time. Trauma affects not just our thoughts but also our bodies, emotions, and sense of safety. When we start to untangle those threads, it’s normal to feel a mix of vulnerability, discomfort, and even resistance.

It’s hard because trauma doesn’t just live in our memories—it’s stored in the body and nervous system. That’s why things like certain sounds, smells, or even feelings can trigger a response that doesn’t seem to match the present situation. In therapy, we work to gently explore these responses, which can stir up emotions or sensations you’ve been avoiding to protect yourself. That’s tough work! But it’s also where healing happens.

Another reason trauma therapy feels hard is that it requires patience and self-compassion. Trauma is a slow process to unwind because it’s deeply woven into how we think, feel, and interact with the world. It can feel frustrating to take small steps instead of diving straight into the “fix.” But those small steps build the foundation for real, lasting change.

What makes trauma therapy possible—and worth it—is that you’re not doing it alone. My role is to guide and support you through the process, ensuring that we move at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you. Along the way, we’ll celebrate every bit of progress and build the resources you need to feel resilient and empowered, even when the work feels hard.

Healing from trauma takes courage, but that courage grows as you start to feel the benefits: greater connection to yourself and others, more capacity to regulate your emotions, and a deeper sense of peace. And while it’s hard, it’s also one of the most rewarding journeys you can take.

Trauma therapy offers more than just relief from painful memories—it helps you build a life that feels safe, connected, and fulfilling. When trauma impacts your nervous system, emotions, and relationships, it can leave you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself and others. Trauma therapy provides a space to process these experiences while equipping you with tools to regain a sense of control, resilience, and self-compassion.

In trauma therapy, you'll learn how to calm your nervous system and recognize the patterns your body and mind have developed to cope with the trauma. These patterns might look like fight-or-flight responses, shutting down emotionally, or feeling stuck in intrusive memories. Through somatic work, mindfulness, and relational exploration, we gently help your body and mind reconnect, creating space for healing and growth.

The benefits of trauma therapy include:

• Improved emotional regulation: Learn to manage overwhelming emotions like anxiety, anger, or sadness without feeling consumed by them.

• Deeper self-awareness: Build a stronger connection with your body and emotions, allowing you to understand your triggers and patterns with curiosity instead of judgment.

• Healthier relationships: Develop the capacity to set boundaries, communicate effectively, and connect with others in a way that feels authentic and safe.

• A greater sense of safety and control: Feel more grounded and present in your daily life, even in situations that used to feel overwhelming or triggering.

Trauma therapy isn’t about erasing your past—it’s about integrating those experiences in a way that allows you to move forward with confidence and wholeness. Whether you're struggling with complex trauma, PTSD, or the lasting effects of a challenging experience, therapy can be a powerful step toward reclaiming your life.

If you're curious about how trauma therapy might help you, reach out through my Contact page to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll explore how I can support you in your healing journey.