From Surviving to Thriving:
Healing Childhood & Relationship Wounds

Many of the clients I work with struggle to feel good—whether in their minds, their bodies, or their relationships. Sometimes, this unease stems from difficult life experiences, such as stressful childhoods, complicated family dynamics, or painful relationships. These experiences may leave lasting imprints, shaping how we see ourselves and interact with the world in ways we didn’t choose.

You’ve probably heard the term "trauma" before—it’s widely discussed these days. But rather than focusing on the label, let’s talk about what you might be feeling or experiencing. These are some of the symptoms that bring people to therapy with me:

Emotional & Mental Symptoms.

Trauma can deeply impact the way we think and feel. The emotional weight can make it difficult to feel grounded or at peace. These are some of the emotional and mental symptoms I see in my clients.

  • Panic attacks, anxiety

  • Feeling hypervigilant, unable to relax

  • General mistrust in others

  • Nightmares and flashbacks

  • Feelings of hopelessness

  • Feeling overwhelmed

  • Few or no memories of childhood

  • Difficulty trusting yourself (self-doubt)

  • Negative, critical thoughts

  • Loss of interest in life

  • Trouble finding joy

Physical & Relational Symptoms

Unresolved trauma also shows up in our bodies and relationships. Many clients notice physical symptoms that point to emotional distress or have difficulty navigating relationships. Example symptoms include:

  • Insomnia

  • Chronic pain, headaches, fatigue

  • Self-destructive behavior (usually to manage painful feelings)

  • Lost sense of identity and self

  • Difficulty within relationships

  • Repeating unhealthy patterns

  • Trouble forming trusting relationships

  • Physical tension or unexplained pain

  • Difficulty setting healthy boundaries

  • Feeling disconnected from your body

I can help you through these feelings and struggles.

If any of this resonates with you, you’re not alone—and healing is possible. Together, we’ll explore these experiences with compassion and curiosity, helping you make sense of what you’re feeling and finding ways to feel more connected, safe, and whole.

Therapy Pacing in Trauma Recovery

When I work with clients who are struggling with complex PTSD, there’s often an internal conflict between parts of themselves. Some parts of them—those that hold the urgency and the need for immediate relief—want to move quickly and feel better now. They may push the person to do more, be more, fix everything all at once. On the other hand, there are parts that are scared, hesitant, or overwhelmed by the idea of change.

This is why, in trauma-informed therapy, we talk a lot about pacing. Healing from trauma takes time. Just like we were wounded in time, we also heal in time. One of the most important aspects of our work together is moving at the pace that all parts of you can handle. Sometimes, this means slowing down, even when there’s a strong urge to push forward.

What if I Can’t Heal Like Others?

While everyone’s healing path is different, no one is incapable of healing. You are not broken. Many people who struggle with trauma fear they’ll never be able to heal or that they will always feel ‘stuck.’ This fear often stems from the trauma itself and the belief that we are different or ‘less than.’ Healing is not linear, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach. It just means that healing looks different for each person, and that’s okay. It’s about honoring where you are and taking it one step at a time.

Is Trauma Therapy Forever?

If you secretly fear that trauma therapy is a lifelong commitment—I get it! It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when thinking about the road to healing. However, it’s important to know that my goal is not to keep you in therapy indefinitely. My focus is on helping you heal at a pace that’s right for you, while equipping you with the tools and skills you need to move forward efficiently and effectively. And you’ll be gaining tools to heal, manage stress, and improve your mental and emotional health. This kind of transformation doesn’t just improve your day-to-day life—it impacts your overall quality of life.

Group of diverse hands joined together in a circle, wearing colorful sweaters, symbolizing teamwork and unity.

What Makes Me Different?

When it comes to healing from trauma, finding a therapist who creates a sense of safety, trust, and collaboration is essential. Trauma-informed therapy focuses on understanding how past experiences impact your present. I create a compassionate space where you can work through the effects of difficult relationships and life events with someone who truly understands. I use evidence-based approaches (like parts work and EMDR) to tailor our sessions to your needs, so we can move forward at a pace that feels right for you.

I believe healing is possible, no matter how long it takes. It's not about rushing to a specific endpoint, but about honoring where you are and moving forward at your own pace. My focus is on supporting you through your unique journey, offering the tools and understanding you need to make meaningful progress, one step at a time.