Trauma can be defined simply as any adverse event that overwhelms one’s ability to cope/function, and has lasting negative impacts. There exists a spectrum of traumas ranging from child abuse to surviving war or a violent sexual assault. No two trauma’s are alike and therefore cannot be treated the same. It is important to work with a therapist who understands this fundamental idea. Your trauma is a unique experience and your treatment should reflect your personal preferences/needs.

Trauma Symptoms 

According to the four types of symptoms listed in the DSM-5

Avoidance Symptoms

• Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event

• Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt

Re-experiencing Symptoms

• Intrusive thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks

Hyperarousal Symptoms

• Anger, irritability, and hypervigilance

• Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm

• Sleep disturbances

Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms

• Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable

• Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event

• Change in habits or behavior since the trauma

Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma. It is important to explore all of the treatment approaches available before starting to engage in treatment. My approach to healing trauma is individualized and may include Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Somatic Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Narrative Therapy. I will honor your individual preferences and needs as we build a safe and trusting relationship that can help you to tell your story, work with the pain, and heal from your traumatic past. 

More often than not, drug addictions start with experimental use of a drug in social situations. And for some people, drug use becomes more frequent. As time passes, a person may feel the need to use more of a drug to get their desired high, and soon a person may need the drug to simply feel “good.” 

Drug addiction symptoms and behaviors include, among others:

• Feeling the need to use the drug regularly, which can be daily or multiple times a day

• Having intense urges for the drug

• Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect

• Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug

• Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities

• Doing things you wouldn’t normally do to get the drug, such as stealing

• Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the drug

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug

• Failed attempts to quit using the drug

If you can relate to any of the above symptoms or behaviors, it may be time to consider addiction counseling. As an addiction specialist, I will address the symptoms of your addiction and the related areas of impaired functioning, and together we’ll structure the time and content of your ongoing recovery. I believe that there are many paths to successful recovery that will work with your goals and desires, and ensure you can make the life changes you want to make. 

I specialize in providing compassionate counseling tailored to the unique experiences and challenges faced by women. My services address a wide range of women's issues, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, health, body shape, relationship challenges, self-esteem, food, eating disorders, and the various life transitions. I aim to create a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, gain insight, and develop effective coping strategies. My goal is to help you identify and connect with your personal power, your healthy self within, to embrace your strengths, navigate your journey, and achieve personal growth. Whether you are seeking support for a specific concern or looking to enhance your overall well-being, your needs matter and I am here to help. 

In 2010, I studied abroad in the West Midlands of England where I first learned about and studied EcoPsychology. That sparked a dream to one day open a green care farm where I support myself and other women in reclaiming and reconnecting to their natural cycles of being intimately connected to the natural world. I am beginning to offer eco-therapy counseling by harnessing the healing power of nature to support your mental and emotional well-being. My love for nature began as a child, often finding refuge from overwhelming emotions and difficult relationships out among the trees, grass, wildflowers, and birds. My approach combines traditional therapeutic techniques and individualized outdoor experiences allowing you to connect with the natural world as a source of inspiration and healing. Whether you are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or simply seeking to deepen your self-awareness, eco-therapy sessions provide a unique opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings in a serene, natural setting. Embrace the benefits of nature as we work together to cultivate resilience, foster personal growth, and enhance your overall mental health. Discover for yourself how the great outdoors can be a transformative ally on your journey toward wellness.