Trauma & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Trauma has a profound impact on people’s lives, often lingering long after the events that caused it. Whether it stems from the aftermath of a natural disaster, the scars left by invasive surgery, the haunting memories of a car accident, the weight of past sexual or physical aggression, the horrors of rape, the echoes of street violence, or the struggles arising from feeling "othered" due to race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or culture, trauma can reshape one’s nervous system responses, disrupt emotional and physical well-being, and undermine one’s sense of balance. This is what trauma work addresses.

Within our physical selves resides much unresolved dissonance and trauma inherited from our ancestors. For individuals of color, this physical embodiment of historical experiences is further compounded by the persisting hostility, discrimination, and sense of being marginalized due to their racial identity. This intersectionality has a distinct and profound impact on the whole person and consequently on the treatment of trauma.

Everyone trying to heal from trauma needs a foundation of trust and safety. My foremost priority is to establish this security for my therapy clients. Trauma work includes learning about the cognitive, emotional, and physical effects of trauma to understand why an individual acts, responds, and feels the way they do. This work can help people regain a sense of control and autonomy.

I frequently look to somatic experiencing (SE) as a key tool in healing from trauma. SE, an "embodiment," or mind-body, practice, is a naturalistic and neurobiological approach that taps into the wisdom of the body, facilitating a profound and effective healing process. Alongside SE and talk therapy, I employ a variety of techniques and tools tailored to each person’s unique needs. As the work unfolds, the ability to safely process and integrate experiences can grow. The hope is that by embracing this transformative process, one can transcend the constraints of the past and forge a path toward resilience, empowerment, and a brighter future.