Trauma Therapy
Traumatic events, in whatever form, can do a lot of damage to our lives. You might have symptoms that have been around for a long time, don’t make sense to you, or seem impossible to change.
Trauma recovery is hard, and you have courage for even considering it. Together, we can navigate the path to feel more safe and present in your life.
I use a combination of CBT, DBT, person-centered, part work/IFS, narrative therapy, and art therapy to focus on trauma healing and recovery. I tailor my approach to fit each person, since all trauma is different.
Dissociation
Sometimes after going through trauma, you go on “autopilot”. You might feel like the world around you isn’t real, you’re “adrift”, you’re living in a video game or movie, you’re not real, you “zone out” a lot, you can’t remember very much, or you don’t know who you are. Generally, we call these types of symptoms dissociation.
I frequently work with clients who have some level of dissociation, including derealization and depersonalization. I also work with clients who’ve tried other trauma therapies but haven’t found them effective because they frequently dissociate.
My approach to trauma treatment is focused on reducing dissociation, helping you feel connected and grounded, and safe in your body and environment.
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
At its core, Dissociative Identity Disorder is a coping skill for many types of trauma. If you have nobody safe to rely on, you rely on yourself(s).
DID, although intended by our minds to be helpful when facing trauma, can be pretty debilitating and difficult to manage. Some people with DID don’t even know they have DID, but instead often feel confused, have memory problems, “mood swings”, and can hear voices.
I have multiple years of clinical experience working primarily with clients with DID. I am certified in a specific DID therapy called Trauma Model Therapy. This approach, although tailored to your unique needs and situation, focuses on the goals of internal communication and collaboration between all parts. My goal is NOT to integrate all parts into one. Every part is part of the system that is you, and deserves to be treated with kindness, respect, and empathy.
Healing is possible. I have seen systems improve, be able to do more things they want, and parts have healthy, loving relationships. Together, we can get there.
