“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over…it became a butterfly“– Anonymous

What is trauma?  Most people tend to identify events such as war and natural disasters as primary traumatic experiences.  While these would certainly be considered trauma, there are other forms of trauma as well.  For the purpose of this website I will focus on experiences perpetrated by another person, generally, someone you know and trust (interpersonal trauma).  This is often the most difficult trauma to overcome.

Some of the long term affects of interpersonal trauma may include:

• difficulty with relationships – intimate, family, and/or friendships
• problems with self-esteem and self-worth
• self-destructive behaviors (drugs, alcohol, unhealthy relationships, self-harm)
• addictions
• suicidal thoughts/behaviors
• depression
• anxiety
• being diagnosed with a personality disorder

Many of the people I treat have had multiple traumatic experiences over their lifetime.  Unfortunately, this is not uncommon, though it creates a larger sense of feeling alone.  The idea that you are alone in your experiences and how you’ve been impacted compounds the affects of trauma.  However you’ve been affected, it’s not too late to heal.  You can have a life you can feel good about and experience the joy you’ve lost, or maybe never had.

I chose to specialize in treating survivors of sexual abuse/assault, child abuse, and relationship violence because I understand how devastating these experiences can be and how they continue to impact your life long after the abuse has ended. I also know that healing is possible.

Recently, I’ve been hearing people suggest that experiencing sexual abuse  “kills the person” or “ruins their life”.  While it is true that being sexually abused changes a person’s life from that very moment and continues to affect people in devastating ways; it does not have to be true that it ruins your life or kills the person you might have been.  There is a quote I came across several years ago that immediately made me think of survivors of abuse…..”It’s never too late to be what you might have been”.  I use this quote often because I want people to be reminded that it’s never too late.  Many people have said to me “I’m too old” or “I’ve made too many mistakes”.  Whether you’ve believed you’re too old or you’re mistakes too big, I assure you it’s not too late.  I know because I’ve been fortunate enough to witness the changes in those who have allowed me to be a part of their healing journey.  It has been incredible to witness the changes people can make when they begin to understand they are not  …………. (whatever negative self concept they’ve held of themselves).  I am always honored and humbled to be invited along on a survivor’s healing journey.