Difficult Life Experiences
When you have been through something difficult it can be hard to get it out of your head. You find yourself thinking about it more than you would like, feeling unable to quiet your mind. Uncomfortable thoughts creep their way in when you do try to relax and have fun. You feel a sense of anxiety and pressure, that doesn't ever seem to ease. You find yourself not being fully present and engaged at home, at work, and in your relationships. You're sick of living like this, you want to feel free. You want to enjoy your daily life and not feel overwhelmed and controlled by what you have been through.
Whether something happened to you, or someone you care about, I offer a space where you can begin to process the experience, develop coping skills, and consciously create the future that you want. I have expertise in working with individuals who have been through difficult life experiences, including physical, sexual, and emotional trauma.
As a Trauma Specialist, I have advanced training in integrating talk therapy (TF-CBT, Internal Family Systems) with mind-body techniques such as Trauma Focused Yoga (TCTSY) to help you heal, reconnect with yourself, and move forward. We work collaboratively, moving at your pace, and adjusting treatment to meet your unique preferences and goals.
Trauma and Relationships
Whether you experienced trauma 20 years or 2 weeks ago, it can hold a strong grip on your life and relationship.
Trauma can show up in many different forms in your relationship. You may feel disconnected and emotionally withdrawn, overly anxious and worried, or frequently react with anger. You may question your partner’s every move, or make impulsive decisions that put your relationship in jeopardy.
In individual or couples therapy we work to manage trauma’s effects on your relationships. By helping you, or you and your partner, understand the neurological and psychological impacts of trauma, we build a foundation for healthy coping and healing strategies. From this place of understanding and growth we focus on building the relationship that you want.
Trauma Focused Yoga (TCTSY)
Being as trauma is an experience of your body, it is difficult to try and think or talk towards feeling better. Research shows that mind-body interventions can help with trauma symptom relief. Trauma Focused Yoga is one way to begin to understand and process trauma’s effects on your body.
TCTSY aims to give you a real-time experience of being present in your body. You practice noticing sensations and emotions that arise from taking different yoga forms. TCTSY does not usually look like “typical” yoga. It can be done sitting in a chair, standing, or on a mat. Anyone can do TCTSY.
You are in complete control as to which yoga forms you do or don’t take, how fast or slow you move, and there are no hands-on assists or corrections. TCTSY is an opportunity for you to exercise control and agency over your own body.
Even people who do not identify as having experienced trauma may find TCTSY useful. It can help you tune into your sensations and emotions, as well as your internal judgements and self-talk. In a couples therapy setting, TCTSY can help you understand your own boundaries and choices. The practice can be a unique and enlightening experience.
I am currently completing a 300-hour program to become a Certified TCTSY Facilitator. Upon your request, Trauma Focused Yoga can be incorporated into your regular individual or couples therapy sessions or used as a separate add-on treatment.