Trauma Therapy

I am a certified Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. I work from within a trauma lens and perspective. I help clients to work through and process traumatic events. I understand that trauma is complex and multi-faceted. I understand that trauma is often not an isolated event but something that is experienced as generational, historical, and complex.

I use careful assessment and over 10 years of clinical experience to help you choose an evidence based model or combination of skills that is right for you. Some clients prefer to stick with a protocol because they enjoy clear structure, organization and a plan. Other clients prefer to pick and choose skills within each model to offer more curation. Both are effective. I will offer you a menu of options which includes cognitive processing therapy, PE, and contextual trauma skills

Over my 19 years of experience I have worked with many young and older individuals who have been traumatized. I have received training in Trauma Systems Therapy and I have also received training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral TherapyNational Therapist Certification Program.

Through talk therapy, a lot of trauma can be worked through. I encourage my clients to write and talk out trauma from their past to process what has happened to them and how it still affects them today.

A relational trauma-informed approach recognizes the impact that traumatic experiences have on a person’s entire well-being. Complex relational trauma happens in relation with those closest to us, and it is the result of feeling unloved, unwanted, shamed, abused or rejected. When we become wounded in a traumatic relationship with others, these wounds can be healed within the context of a healthy, unconditionally positive therapeutic relationship.

I have been a practicing psychotherapist since 1995 and in private practice in San Francisco and Alameda since 2004. Prior to launching my practice, I was affiliated with the TALKLine Family Support Center/San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center in San Francisco for more than a decade, initially as an intern and then as a staff therapist and Clinical Supervisor. Besides my broader client focus, I have been working with veterans with PTSD for over a decade, initially on a pro-bono basis through the auspices of The Coming Home Project, and now independently through my private practice. In addition to this experience, I am trained in EMDR and have extensive experience assisting persons with histories of abuse, neglect and developmental and interpersonal trauma using an eclectic variety of psychotherapeutic approaches.

I utilize a process called Havening Techniques. The Havening Techniques remove unwanted adverse responses to traumatic experiences. It also builds up your positive resilience to better equip you for potential future stressors or negative experiences! Activating, amplifying and habituating positive emotional states is one of the best ways to build a more resilient neurobiological landscape, which lowers the likelihood of subsequent traumatization.

Trauma-focused CBT (T-CBT) is a compassionate and evidence-based approach to healing from trauma. By collaboratively exploring the deeper impacts of trauma on thoughts and behavior, together we gently challenge negative beliefs and develop healthier coping skills. By integrating trauma memories in a safe manner, you can gradually regain control over your life and find renewed hope. Safety, control, resilience, and healing are all possible.

Trauma Systems Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Neurosequential Model. I pull from a wide range of training and experience to address concerns related to trauma.

Every session is centered around a trauma-informed lens and designed to help you deal with the psychological, emotional, and physical impact of trauma. Specific strategies from trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy may be utilized during session in addition to somatic strategies to help you feel connected both emotionally and physically.

I am a Certified Trauma Therapist and use different modalities depending on the type of trauma and the goals of the client.

I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional after having received training from a trauma specialist. I also received a year of supervision and consultation with a trauma professional as I developed a therapeutic tool kit of interventions specifically geared towards trauma survivors.

When people seek therapy related to trauma, it is often to address trauma's effects. These can include grief, depression, isolation, distrust, fear, shame, sleep difficulties, intrusive memories, avoidance, and disinterest. I would be glad to work with you on any of these. Additionally, one of my goals for trauma-related work is to help your mood, outlook, sense of yourself, and day-to-day life become how you would like them to be.

I have 20 plus years experience in the mental health field. I have had numerous trainings in trauma and trauma-informed care. I have experience working with persons (adults/children) that suffer from emotional, physical, and sexual trauma.

Trauma focused therapy utilizing trama narratives, education on trauma and the body, understanding the impact of trauma on your life. Processing and creating skills to cope with trauma symptoms.

I completed my traineeships working with survivors of intimate partner violence & sexual assault & am passionate about helping people heal from these experiences. Whether you are seeking therapy specifically for this reason or it comes up as we're addressing other issues, please know that your feelings (pain, anger, sadness, shame, etc.) can be processed; you will not feel like this forever.