Trauma

Healing is not the absence of suffering but the presence of love and compassion toward yourself in the midst of it.
— Tara Brach

Trauma affects everyone, whether the wounds are visible or invisible. It can take many forms, such as sexual, physical, emotional, financial, or generational trauma, and can significantly impact your mental and emotional well-being. Trauma can be primary, secondary, or tertiary, depending on whether it directly happens to you, affects someone close to you, or occurs within a larger community context.

The emotional toll of trauma often leaves people feeling isolated, with painful memories that are hard to process alone. Whether it’s experiencing abuse, gaslighting, or societal persecution, trauma can deeply affect a person’s sense of self and their ability to function in daily life. Some individuals may also face additional challenges from generational trauma or war-based trauma, which can be particularly difficult to express due to its deep-rooted impact.

Regardless of the trauma experienced, therapy can offer support to help process emotions, alleviate distress, and break the cycle of suffering. It’s important to recognize that trauma is personal and varies widely from person to person. Whether your trauma stems from personal experiences or is something you’ve witnessed, therapy provides a space to explore how your past may still affect your present life and help you move toward healing.

I understand that trauma can feel like a heavy weight that you carry, often without others seeing its impact. My approach to working with trauma is focused on building trust and safety in the therapeutic space. I believe in taking a gentle, yet consistent approach to help you process the emotional and psychological effects of trauma, while working at a pace that feels right for you. Together, we can explore how past experiences continue to shape your present life, with a focus on understanding your emotions and responses rather than forcing you to relive painful memories prematurely.

In therapy, I work with you to develop strategies for managing the triggers and emotional responses that arise from past trauma. Instead of just focusing on the trauma itself, I help you recognize how it influences your day-to-day experiences and relationships. We will identify the coping mechanisms you’ve developed over time, whether they’re helpful or not, and work to replace any that may be keeping you stuck or feeling overwhelmed. I aim to empower you to regain control over your emotional and mental well-being, helping you feel more grounded, connected, and resilient.

As we work together, I emphasize building a sense of self-compassion and self-acceptance. Trauma often leaves people feeling disconnected from themselves, and part of the healing process involves rediscovering who you are beyond the impact of the trauma. By fostering a safe space where you can explore these layers of your experience, we can build your inner strength and resilience, helping you reclaim your sense of agency and peace. You don't need to face your trauma alone, and therapy is here to help you navigate this journey of healing, one step at a time.

Disclaimer

Engaging with trauma-related content may evoke strong emotions or memories.

If you find that reading about or discussing trauma causes distress, please take a break as needed.

If you feel unsafe or in crisis at any time, please seek immediate support from a trusted person or contact a crisis hotline:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK

National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE

Feel ready to process your past and move forward?

Click here to contact me.