Treatment



Depression, Anxiety Disorders, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

I believe that depression and anxiety are often normal reactions to abnormal events; cues in the mind telling you something is wrong in life and needs to change. I work with women who have experienced trauma and need help in healing, reclaiming identity, and putting life back together again or into place for the very first time.

If your traumatic experience was (or is) interpersonal, you may find it hard to trust and feel safe around others. You may have developed a pessimistic view of humanity, and thus not allowing yourself to get close in new relationships. A pattern may have been established where you unwittingly attract abusive people or you may be unsure how to disentangle yourself from those who violate your boundaries.

A common misconception about trauma is that bodily harm or near possible death experience must have occurred, but research is showing this is not always the case. For example, survivors of emotional abuse, harassment, or bullying have no physical wounds to show for all that they have suffered. Their symptoms include:

  • Humiliation and shame
  • Low self-esteem and confidence in one’s self
  • Emotional pain
  • Poor performance at work or low participation where it’s happening
  • Paranoid thoughts of others’ intentions
  • Fear of trying again in relationships, low trust
  • Feeling like one has no control over the situation
  • Depression, low energy and or motivation
  • Feeling alone, not belonging

My Treatment Approach

In therapy with me, I hope you will feel safety, understanding, and respect.

My job is to help EMPOWER YOU to break free from any kind of toxic relationship or environment you may find yourself in. I know if it were that easy, you would have done so by now. But I am here to listen, to let you know that I get it, and for you to know you are not alone in this!

My goal is to build safety in our sessions together so that you feel comfortable enough to talk about those things which have weighed heavily on you. We’ll examine how past experiences may have shaped current situations and what you would like to see change in your life.

I believe treatment planning should be collaborative and that therapy should provide you with positive outcomes you can feel and see in your life. I will check-in with you to get your feedback about our work together and the progress you are making towards your goals.

I utilize a combination of therapy modalities: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Person Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Meditation & Relaxation Techniques, Exposure Therapy, Brief Solution Focused, Psychoeducation, Relationship and Communication Skills, and tailor treatment based on your unique needs.

Working with me can help you to:

  • Know that your feelings are valid and that you are not alone
  • Process difficult experiences and perhaps derive new meaning from your story
  • Calm your mind
  • Identify your strengths and abilities
  • Develop an improved sense of self
  • Identify patterns that are getting in your way and overcome negative thinking
  • Improved energy and motivation
  • Overall reduced symptoms
  • Strengthen your relationships
  • Develop a support system with healthy people
  • Set personal boundaries
  • Manage stress and practice self-care
  • Forgiveness
  • Self-compassion

“We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know.”

CARL ROGERS