Trauma and Abuse

We grow up feeling in control, capable, and convinced that if we live a good life we won’t be touched by harm. Then the unexpected occurs. In the midst of it all, one can easily be overwhelmed by fear, helplessness, and loss of control.

It is often common to experience shame when a trauma literally knocks us off our axis. Thoughts of “I should have known better” and “did I somehow cause the trauma” are predictable.

The human psyche has a tremendous capacity for recovery and even growth. Trauma feelings cannot be repressed or forgotten. If they are not dealt with directly, the distressing feelings and troubling events replay over and over in the course of a lifetime, creating a condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you’ve gone through a traumatic experience, you may one moment be struggling with upsetting emotions, frightening memories, or a sense of constant danger, and the next moment feel numb, disconnected, and unable to trust other people.

Types of Abuse and Trauma

• Victims of Domestic Violence
• Sexual Abuse/Assault of Children and Adults
• Children and Families who have experienced Incest
• Witness to Violence
• Families who have experienced High Conflict Divorce or Separation
• Victims of a Catastrophic event
• Traumatic Death of a Loved One

When to Seek Help

A number of risk factors make people susceptible to emotional and psychological trauma. People are more likely to be traumatized by a stressful experience if they’re already under a heavy stress load or have recently suffered a series of losses. Whatever inner resources people need to mobilize for recovery, they still cannot accomplish the task alone. Depression and trauma are disconnective disorders. They do not improve in isolation. To fix them you have to be connected to others. It’s a good idea to seek professional help if you are:

• Having trouble functioning at home or work
• Suffering from severe fear, anxiety, or depression
• Unable to form close, satisfying relationships
• Experiencing terrifying memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
• Avoiding more and more things that remind you of the trauma
• Emotionally numb and disconnected from others
• Using alcohol or drugs to numb out

Psychotherapy Services and Specialization

I have extensive experience in treating abuse and trauma and utilizing proven and established treatment models, including:

• Sexual abuse treatment and evaluation of adults, teens and children
• Domestic violence treatment for victims
• PTSD assessment and treatment for victims of violence
• Divorce adjustment for children and adults
• Individual, relationship, and family therapy
• Family of origin issues
• Co-dependency in relationships and substance abuse families
• Individual treatment related to anxiety, depression and life transition
• Specialized trauma treatment utilizing EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)
• Specialized behavioral disorder treatment utilizing CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

My Commitment to You

Psychotherapy that is focused on helping people work through traumatic events is all about trying to make the world safe again — to re-create the world, sometimes from the ground up. In treating trauma, the quality of the therapeutic relationship is essential to recovery. With me, you will be treated ethically, regarded with dignity, and respected for your boundaries and vulnerabilities that are certain to arise during the therapeutic process. Whether the traumatic event happened years ago or yesterday, I am committed to helping you re-discover your sense of safety, self-respect, and confidence in your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Perhaps you are considering counseling but still have some questions or concerns. Click here to read the FAQ.

Open Your Door To A Brighter Future

Many people describe therapy as a journey and welcome the chance to become more conscious about their inner world, to awaken their potential, and to Open Doors to new opportunities in their interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships.

I can help you manage difficult decisions and navigate challenging life changes with confidence. Contact me for a free 30 minute video consultation.