Trauma isn't always one single event. For many, it's something that happened over time, sometimes so gradually that it was hard to name or recognize at first. You might have noticed the first time you made a connection, knowing something wasn’t “quite right” but maybe not having a name for it. Over time, you began to realize that your childhood or past experiences were traumatic, maybe even years after the trauma(s) occurred.
Complex trauma often develops in response to ongoing relational harm, attachment wounds, emotional neglect, or environments where your needs were not seen or safely met. Whether you have all the words for what happened or not, trauma leaves a lasting impact on your mind, body, and nervous system. You may find yourself reacting in ways that don’t make sense to your current circumstances, or feeling stuck in cycles of hypervigilance, overwhelm, shame, or disconnection.
Symptoms of PTSD and C-PTSD may include:
Chronic anxiety, hypervigilance, or feeling constantly on edge
Dissociation, emotional numbness, or feeling disconnected from yourself or others
Shame, self-criticism, or a persistent sense of worthlessness
People-pleasing to feel safe in relationships
Difficulty trusting, setting boundaries, or feeling safe in relationships
Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
A deep sense of aloneness, even when surrounded by others
Somatic symptoms like chronic pain or fatigue
Difficulty regulating emotions or feeling "too much" all the time
Work with a therapist that understands youR UNIQUE STORY
No two stories are the same. If you are looking for a therapist who has specialized training in trauma, who understands your unique story, I am a trauma therapist passionate about helping individuals experience lasting healing. My approach is trauma-informed, relational, and process-oriented. I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR therapy, two trauma-informed modalities that help unburden and release what’s been stored in the body over time. It’s important to me that I honor your unique story, and that we work together at a pace that feels safest to you.
