Trauma is a chronic disruption of connection.

Unfortunately, trauma knows no borders and can occur at any stage of life.

When we are young, a traumatic event is termed developmental as it rewires our brains in significant ways, thus impacting our developmental trajectory. If the harm is perpetuated by a person who was in a caregiving role, that is called complex trauma. The main message being one of ambivalence; we don’t know if we should move toward or away from this person whose role was our safe keeping and guidance. And this can create a complicated cascade of personal and relational challenges later in life.

Relational harm (the harm done to a person by another person), and shock trauma (which may be something like a bike or car accident) are all quite life changing, with their own unique impact and resulting difficulties. Fortunately, there is a way through these overwhelming life events.

My therapeutic focus is to support folx reshape the impact of traumatic events. This includes working with your nervous system, your belief system, as well as addressing your most important relationships. You don’t need to suffer in silence or pick yourself up all by yourself, there is help and a life waiting for you.

I am specifically trained in and honored to work with folx who have experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), relational harm, sexual trauma, and/or developmental trauma and abuse.

These experiences often lead to complex challenges such as substance overuse, unwanted behaviors, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, grief, and struggles with mood. Therapy with me is one pathway toward finding the full power of your agency, voice, choice, joy and pleasure. I look forward to helping you get there. 

My work with couples and intimate partnerships is heavily informed and influenced by my formal training in neurophysiology, and how our brains & bodies have learned to adapt in the face of traumatic experiences. These adaptive strategies (learned within our family of origin) are carried forward like an invisible backpack into our adult relationships. Often what helped us survive then can get in the way now. And a new way of relating to our beloved partner(s) is needed. 

And when one or more partners has a background of trauma, adverse experiences, or distress, the interpersonal complexity increases. Especially when it comes to one’s sense of safety and connection. This shapes how partners interact with and respond to one another’s needs, desires, and wounds. Think of an infinity loop and fill in the blank: The more I _____, the more my partner _____. 

By centering somatic, relational, and attachment-based therapy, all parties are invited to explore how their nervous system was shaped through early life experiences, what is/isn’t working now, and to ask; what am I willing to do here? We will explore how you learned about relationships, who were your teachers, what emotions were allowed and disallowed, what messages you received about yourself, and key topics such as: intimacy, sex, friendship, religion, politics, money, death, gender roles, responsibility, work, parenting, and much more. You will be encouraged to make conscious choices about what you want to let go of, and what you want to carry forward in your relationship. 

I am trained in and deeply committed to working with relationships and trauma. I am sex-positive, non- pathologizing and affirm partnerships and lifestyles of all kinds. I work with people through a systems-aware, culturally humble lens.

Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) focuses on how best to support a birthing person before, during and after a pregnancy / birth. This includes support for pregnant and birthing people, as well as their partners, spouses and family circles. 

For those who are also trauma survivors, this stage of life will be full of varying intense emotions, responses and experiences, including an immense remodeling of the brain and hormones. Shifts in moods are occurring in a time of great change for the birthing parent and, as baby is born, in a time of crucial relational development. Parents’ moods matter greatly and my role is to support them to get the care they need to show up for their baby, growing family, each other, and themselves. 

I am trained through PostPartum Support International in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders to provide assessment and treatment. Often this includes a partnership between myself, your OB-GYN and sometimes a psychiatrist. 

Teens and young adults are at a pivotal time of their lives- which presents its own unique opportunities for growth and challenges. It is in youth where we naturally begin to negotiate numerous aspects of Self, Relationships and Society. Questions and concerns about identity and relationships, and how they fit into the current social milieu, are some of what may be brought into therapy.

Teens who have experienced abuse, neglect, accidents, loss, or distressing events may additionally struggle with anxiety, depression, anger, or withdrawal. These types of trauma experiences can affect the brain & body’s development, particularly areas responsible for emotional regulation and impulse control. It can change how a teen feels, thinks, and connects with others. 

Adolescence & young adulthood can be a time of both excitement and fear. Like the beautiful Russian matryoshka dolls, this new stage in life is nestled between what came before (childhood) and what is yet to be (the long path toward ‘adulthood’). 

Calling in a trusted adult at this time aids teens and young adults to become the conscious, active driver of their own lives, rebuilding the confidence and emotional safety needed after difficult experiences, and helping to define how they want to be in the world.

Often people come to therapy because things don’t feel quite right. Some have a sense of loneliness or disconnection that doesn’t seem to subside- leaving one feeling lethargic, apathetic, and hopeless. 

This can oftentimes be accompanied by experiences of panic, overwhelm, and racing thoughts with nowhere to go. You can find yourself in extreme spaces, either having too many feelings or no feeling at all. This is your system’s attempt to regulate itself and find safety. It's a tough place to be. And there is a way through.

The beginning of feeling better is to have your struggles and stories seen, heard, and held by a compassionate other. Combining a relational and somatic approach allows me to gently listen to the wisdom of your body, help to regulate your nervous system, uncover new patterns and hidden strengths, and reinforce the resilient nature of your intelligent being.