"The paradox of trauma is that it has both the power to destroy and the power to transform and resurrect." — Peter A. Levine
Trauma can leave lasting traces—on your body, your mind, and your sense of safety in the world. Whether it stems from a single event or a long history of harm, trauma often shows up in ways that are confusing, overwhelming, or hard to talk about. These responses aren’t signs of weakness — they’re survival strategies that once made sense. In therapy, we can begin to gently make sense of what happened, reconnect with your inner resources, and move toward healing at your own pace.
Understanding Trauma
How trauma impacts the body, mind, and relationships
Trauma isn’t defined only by what happened — it’s also about how your nervous system was impacted, and whether you felt overwhelmed, powerless, or alone. What’s traumatic for one person might not be for another. What matters is how it lives on in you.
Some trauma stems from a single event — like a car accident, an assault, or a natural disaster. Other trauma builds slowly, over time: ongoing abuse or neglect, systemic discrimination, or the chronic stress of feeling unsafe in your body, home, or relationships.
You may find yourself:
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Reliving painful memories or emotions without warning
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Struggling with sleep, trust, or connection
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Feeling on edge, numb, or disconnected from your body
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Reacting strongly to things others might not understand
These are not signs of weakness or failure — they are your body and brain doing their best to protect you. The good news is, healing is possible. Understanding how trauma affects the nervous system is the first step toward feeling more grounded, safe, and whole.
Different Forms of Trauma
Trauma doesn’t always look the same. Some people experience a single traumatic event that leads to intense reactions like flashbacks, nightmares, or anxiety tied to that specific moment. This is often referred to as simple PTSD and can result from experiences such as a car accident, sudden loss, or violent assault.
Others live through trauma that unfolds over time. Complex PTSD can develop from ongoing abuse, childhood neglect, or repeated exposure to unsafe environments. This kind of trauma can affect self-worth, emotional regulation, and the ability to form healthy relationships. In children, it’s often referred to as developmental trauma, and it can shape a person’s worldview well into adulthood.
Whether your trauma was sudden or cumulative, visible or hidden, your response is valid. Recognizing the shape your trauma has taken is a powerful step toward healing.
A Compassionate Approach to Healing
What to expect from trauma-informed therapy
Healing from trauma isn’t about “fixing” you — it’s about creating safety, building connection, and gently working with the parts of you that had to adapt to survive.
My approach is grounded in the principles of trauma-informed care: safety, choice, collaboration, trust, and empowerment. These values guide everything we do — from how sessions are paced to what areas we explore.
Together, we’ll work at your pace, respecting what feels possible in the moment. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of where to begin, therapy can offer a steady place to land.
I draw from a range of evidence-informed, somatic and narrative-based therapies, including:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
A body-oriented trauma therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) to help process and reframe distressing memories. It allows the nervous system to release stored trauma and supports a return to emotional balance and safety.
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
SE is a gentle, body-based approach that helps you tune into physical sensations in a safe and regulated way. By tracking the body’s natural responses, it supports the release of trauma energy and fosters nervous system resilience.
Narrative Therapy
Witnessing your story — within a safe and compassionate presence — can be a powerful part of healing. We might explore how trauma has shaped your identity, relationships, or beliefs, and work together to re-author those stories in ways that center dignity, meaning, and self-compassion.
“Recovery unfolds in three stages. The central task of the first stage is the establishment of safety. The central task of the second stage is remembrance and mourning. The central focus of the third stage is reconnection with ordinary life.”
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