Find freedom from your past
—therapy for adults in tampa & across florida
Creative In-Person or Online Therapy
for Trauma
You’re so tired—
Don’t even go there.
You notice that something sets you off. You get emotional, have strong reactions or get shut down. In hindsight, you see that something happening today reminds you of a past traumatic event. You notice you’re so anxious or downright irritable most of the time.
So many things are keeping you on the edge…
You’re super sensitive. You remember a particular sight, smell or sound that stirs up your painful past. You’re shocked how quickly you can be transported back, reliving the distressing memories.
You’re afraid to “look stupid.” You recall intense memories where you felt embarrassed, resentful and hurt, making you angry as your body trembles. You fear people are talking behind your back. Then this inner critic kicks up its voice causing you to self-doubt.
Let’s just “keep the peace.” You’ve seen a lot of bad in your life. Now, you see this different version of yourself in the mirror, always people-pleasing. Deep down, you just want to be liked. The imposter syndrome sinks in deep as you struggle in being seen in a good way. You’re so open to others’ beliefs and wonder why can’t yours be respected? You’ve tried so hard to reinvent yourself--no matter your weight, hair color or age. Many days, it’s just easier to stay home, to not put yourself out there.
You’re always looking for a relationship, but when you are in one… you’re not really there. Or, you work harder at a friendship and end up settling for so much you don’t want. Questions roll in your mind, can you find a true friend, a real relationship out there without all these phony masks?
You’re anxious, all. the. time. But you know there’s really nothing to be stressed about.
Here you go again… You don’t want to go there. Your past feels like a vicious circle, always swinging back when you least expect it.
How TRAUMA impacts your life
Let’s get down to it.
If you’re being true to yourself, you tell yourself some harsh things. This inner critic robs you of the energy and freedom to live the life you’ve always wanted. You become increasingly distracted, causing you to get behind in work. Then you avoid certain situations or places to get by in your daily life. There’s this desire to always do what you’re supposed to…
All this is impacting your relationships, your work and the real you.
Trauma has its own inner language.
Within your body, you notice…
Constant headaches
Feeling like you’re drowning
Feeling jittery, on edge
Brain going really fast
Stomach yuck
Your mind says…
It will always be this way
You can’t go there
It just happens all over again
It’s just easier to check out
You can’t control all these feelings
Your values are questioned…
Who am I?
What is my purpose?
Why do I feel unsettled and empty?
Who can I trust?
I’m so alone.
Helping you
Create your New Story
Imagine…
Your therapeutic journey can help you discover how to be okay with me.
By toe dipping into your past and living more into your now, you can gain balance.
You can sleep more deeply.
For the first time, you can go through your life making intentional choices for your best health.
By creatively looking at your experiences, you can embrace your life so you can live out your comeback story.
Ready for Relief from
the Drama of Trauma?
No two people experience life the same way….
Together, we can co-create your therapy goals to embrace your unique perspective. Your sessions will be guided to heal you holistically, through your body, mind and spirit.
Since the body often holds trauma, movement guided in session can help you gain balance.
Your therapy journey with me is led through specific activities using art therapy and EMDR approaches to put the past in the past so you can trust yourself again.
Frequently asked questions about Trauma therapy
FAQs
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When we think of trauma, you may have experienced natural disasters (like hurricanes or floods), violence (such as abuse, assault, terror attacks or mass shootings) and car crashes or other accidents.
First responders may experience continuous trauma due to the repetitive nature of trauma calls. Military and veterans may have impacts due to trauma in war or terror response.
However, trauma is unique to each individual. It can happen at any time and with each person reacting in their own way. Some people experience the effects immediately and some a long time afterwards.
Trauma can also be experienced as panic attacks, fear over or actually losing your job, worry about injustices in the news, medical conditions or procedures or breaking up with a partner.
You may have times as a child when your parent was unreliable, overwhelmed or confused by how to help you. Your caregiver may have been controlling, critical or cared more about what others think.
Through EMDR therapy, you will maintain your memories but release the physical pain and charged emotions without having to talk about the trauma at length. Your therapy work can help you overcome patterns of perfectionism, people pleasing or feeling “on guard.” -
Treatment for trauma with me starts with building a trusting relationship to do the needed work ahead. Together, you will be guided through activities to relieve body tension and calm the mind.
With a strong foundation, we can begin to process distressing memories to begin lightening your load.
From my holistic approach with art therapy and EMDR, you will gain balance and feel happier.
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Yes! As a firefighter spouse, our family has lived the shift lifestyle… from juggling the household to holidays alone. You may be sleep deprived, snapping at others or feel “always on.”
Having worked in a jail, prison and fire ridealongs, the traumas easily begin to pile on for firefighters, law enforcement, medics, dispatchers & correctional officers.
Therapy with me will provide confidential space to process your life’s unique demands. Much like a fire call, life outside the firehouse needs a creative response.
We can partner to help you cope, get insight and strengthen your creativity for with more control with overthinking and emotions than just by talking.
We can meet individually from a convenient online space, saving you the hassle of driving as you juggle your off-duty or family demands.
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Complete the form on the Contact Page to schedule a free 15-minute consult call. I’ll answer all your questions and we can decide if I'm the right fit for what you need.
Creative Help with Trauma
can look like…
● Getting your mojo back
● Being proud of your healthy choices
● Talking to your family again
● Owning ‘you can do what you want’
● Feeling happiness