Trauma
Trauma encompasses a wide range of experiences and has affected most people on this earth to varying degrees. It can present in overt forms such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, war, witnessing violence, car accidents, natural disasters, the death of someone close to you, a threat to your own life, and more. Trauma can also manifest in more covert forms, including emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, enmeshment, false empowerment, and others.
Even though these experiences may have occurred long ago, they can continue to impact our daily lives, causing distress and disruptions to our wellbeing. If you find yourself feeling hopeless, withdrawn, numb, on edge, easily startled, having racing thoughts, experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, unfulfilling relationships, or feeling lost in life, you are not alone. I can help you navigate these difficult symptoms.
Let’s work together to help you find the peace you’ve been searching for and create the life you deserve. Trauma can lead to deep suffering, but there is hope for healing.
There is a concept called post-traumatic growth, which has been studied in psychology. It suggests that, after healing from trauma, one can find greater meaning, purpose, and appreciation for life. I am here to help you unlock the gifts and freedom that come from embarking on a healing journey in therapy.
First Responders and their Families
I am a former firefighter EMT who has experienced firsthand the havoc PTSD can cause. After healing through my own therapy, I realized I had a unique opportunity to help others navigate their own healing journey as a therapist. I am passionate about supporting first responders and their families.
I understand the unique challenges of the job and want to help first responders navigate the mental and emotional impact of their work. There is so much stigma and shame associated with mental health in the world of first responders, but you are not alone. I can help you process the difficulties of what you’ve seen on the job. You are not broken or defective — you are deserving of help.
You don’t have to carry that pain alone anymore. It can get better. The first step in healing is simply asking for help.
Addiction
Addiction is a disease, not a reflection of your character. I am here to help you break free from the cycle of addiction that can cause so much destruction in your life and to those you love. Addiction can manifest through substances, but it can also be related to behavioral processes such as work, food, gambling, sex, shopping, and more.
I can help you identify your triggers, implement healthy coping skills to use when triggered, develop relapse prevention plans, and address the chaos and unmanageability your addiction has caused, so you're less likely to reengage with it. The opposite of addiction isn’t just abstinence (although abstinence is necessary for substance use); the true opposite of addiction is connection — to yourself and to others.
Addiction is often a way to numb the pain we’ve been running from, but when we numb, we also disconnect from ourselves and others. I can help you identify and process the root causes of your addiction. I’ve helped many people reconnect with themselves through my work at The Meadows in residential care. It’s a beautiful thing to watch people finally find the connection they've been searching for, and I know the same is possible for you, too.