There is a lot of information and discussion of what is trauma.  In my practice, I see trauma as a hurtful event or set of many events that impact a person long term.  You might wonder, why do I tense up when I hear a certain sound? Why do I feel uncomfortable in certain setting? Or feel anxious with authority figures? Or perhaps, making decisions? Or expect terrible things to happen?  Or have a really difficult time trusting myself, or others? Maybe you feel like you are not enough? Or unable to cope with seemingly easy life challenges? Struggle with imposter syndrome? Why do I often feel overwhelmed? Why my memories seem to live in my body? Why do I ruminate about what happened? Dislike how I look in a mirror?

All of the above can be result of a trauma.  Big “T” trauma of a terrible injury experienced or witnessed.  Or a small “t” trauma lived in a repetitive manner in your home, within your culture. Often overlaying with each other.  My trauma understanding and clinical practice are informed by Gabor Mate, MD; Daniel J Siegel, MD; Bessel van der Kolk, MD; Janina Fisher, PhD; Christy Gibson, MD and many years of clinical practice working alongside with psychiatrist and psychotherapists.

It is my hope to help people to recognize symptoms of their trauma, and learn how to help themselves to live in a present.  Benefiting from their ability to survive, while putting away what doesn’t allow them to thrive.