Trauma results from experiences that overwhelm our capacity to cope. Most people think of an event like a serious car accident, sexual assault, or being held at gunpoint. A lesser known understanding of trauma is the impact of being in prolonged state of distress or repeated interpersonal injuries over a period of time, especially during key developmental stages (as in childhood). These experiences are often overlooked because they are normalized by the people and culture around you. It's common to hear someone say, "I shouldn't complain about what happened to me, other people have it worse.".  Acknowledging that you endured experiences that were painful, overwhelming and had a lasting impact on you does not mean that you are accepting victimhood. It is the first step toward healing. It takes courage, authenticity, and determination to heal. The alternative is to constantly hide and compensate for the parts of you that you deem as broken and unworthy. 

 

People who have experienced trauma may have difficulty managing their emotions and rely on strategies such as aggression, dissociation, avoidance and addictive behaviors to manage their stress. Trauma can alter our perception of ourselves, other people, and the world.  It is common to feel isolated and to have difficulties in interpersonal relationships.  

 

I'm experienced in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds with issues such as abuse, abandonment, grief & loss, racial trauma, and stress related to immigration and acculturation. I work from an attachment based orientation, drawing from psychodynamic theory, Internal Family Systems and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.