Understanding PTSD
Our Healing Approach
EMDR Therapy
We use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help your brain re-file traumatic memories. It’s not just about talking; it’s about helping your system finally understand that the danger is over, allowing you to move from survival mode into calm presence.
Somatic Work
Trauma lives in the body. Our somatic approach focuses on nervous system regulation, helping you track physical sensations and build the capacity to stay grounded even when big emotions arise. We work to release the physical tension that your body has held for years.
Parts Work
We explore the different 'parts' of you—the one who over-functions, the one who feels afraid, the one who protects. By understanding these relational layers, I help you build internal compassion and harmony, moving away from self-criticism toward integrated wholeness.
Safe Pacing & Consent
In our sessions together, your nervous system is the guide. I prioritize creating a space where you feel in complete control of the depth and speed of our work. We won't dive into the hardest parts of your story until you feel grounded and equipped with the tools to regulate through them. Healing from PTSD isn't about re-living the pain; it's about processing it at a pace that feels safe for you.
Consent is woven into every moment. Whether we are using EMDR or somatic parts work, I will always check in with you. If you need to pause, shift the focus, or simply take a breath, we do that. I also offer specific accommodations to keep you regulated, from adjusting the lighting and using weighted blankets to choosing the specific way we track eye movements. This is your journey, and I am here to walk alongside you with steady, compassionate support.
PTSD Therapy FAQ
How do I know if I actually have PTSD or if I'm just stressed?
Deep stress is often tied to your current circumstances, while PTSD feels like the past is happening in the present tense. If you find yourself startled easily, having intrusive memories, or feeling emotionally detached despite 'doing well' on paper, it's worth exploring together. We don't need a formal label to start helping your nervous system feel safer.
Do I have to retell every detail of my trauma for therapy to work?
No. In fact, forcing you to recount details before your nervous system is ready can be counterproductive. Approaches like EMDR and somatic work allowed us to focus on the impact the memory has on your body and brain today. You are always in control of what you share and when.
How long does PTSD therapy usually take?
Healing isn't a linear timeline, but many clients start to feel a shift in their baseline regulation within a few months of consistent work. Some choose weekly sessions for sustained support, while others opt for EMDR intensives to move through specific blocks at an accelerated pace. We’ll regularly check in on your goals and pacing.
What if I'm not ready to face the 'big' things yet?
That is completely okay. The first phase of trauma-informed therapy is always about 'resourcing'—building the internal tools and nervous system capacity you need to feel stable. We won't touch the 'big' things until you feel equipped with a solid foundation of safety and regulation.