If you experienced trauma and have symptoms related to this such as depression, anxiety, flashbacks or other uncomfortable feelings, I can help. Trauma and PTSD is my speciality and as a certified EMDR therapist, I utilize this treatment modality often when working with clients who struggle in this particular area of their lives.

 

Trauma can be any number of challenges you might have experienced (i.e., child abuse, incest, sexual assault, experiences from war, and many others).  It might be challenging trying to manage day to day life with these past experiences sitting in the shadows of your mind, feeling as if they can pop up at any time unannounced.  You might have also spent a lot of time pushing out those memories, trying to avoid reliving those events.  If you aren't sure what trauma is, click here to read an article I wrote that helps describe this experience.

 

People find some creative ways to avoid these memories; substance abuse, emotional eating, gambling, or engaging in any other activities that you recognize isn't the healthiest lifestyle for you.  If you don't engage in any of those activities, maybe you might have difficulty finding joy in your life or finding that your relationships with people you care about are affected in some way.  Maybe you're reading this right now because you recognize that a change has to happen but you're a little hesitant to delve into the depths of those past events.  

 

The first and most important part of my service to you is developing a relationship where you can feel safe.  Before diving into those depths, I work with you on a variety of coping strategies to strengthen confidence within yourself so that you can look at some of those past traumas without feeling overwhelmed.  

 

At that point we can work through all of those challenges together; it can be a difficult process but I’ll be with you each step of the way. EMDR is an evidence based practice where research has shown can reduce those uncomfortable symptoms you are feeling in just a few sessions. For more information on EMDR, click here.  I make sure to explain each step in our process during our work together so you feel comfortable during our sessions.  After several sessions, clients have reported to me that the intensity of those feelings they had at the beginning of our work together have lessened.  

 

Outside of the therapy room, I like to be out in nature as much as I can.  I LOVE rock climbing, backpacking, and hiking.  I have also been part of a hālau (hula school) for several years, sharing the art, spirituality and history of the Hawaiian culture with our local Sacramento and Bay Area communities.

 

Please give me a call so we can decide whether we might be a good fit for your healing!