Understanding Trauma

Trauma occurs when an event—or series of events—overwhelms a person’s ability to cope, leaving them feeling unsafe, powerless, or deeply shaken. Trauma can stem from experiences such as abuse, neglect, accidents, violence, medical procedures, loss, or witnessing something frightening. It can also develop over time through ongoing stress or harmful environments.

Trauma affects people in different ways. For some, it shows up as anxiety, hypervigilance, nightmares, or intrusive memories. Others may experience emotional numbness, difficulty trusting others, irritability, shame, or feeling disconnected from themselves or the world around them. These responses are the body’s natural way of trying to protect itself—even long after the danger has passed.

Healing from trauma is possible. Counseling offers a safe, compassionate space to process past experiences, understand their impact, and develop healthier ways to feel grounded and in control. Through evidence-based approaches and a trauma-informed lens, you can learn to calm the nervous system, rebuild a sense of safety, and reconnect with your strength, identity, and hope.

You don’t have to navigate the effects of trauma alone. I'm here to support you at your pace—helping you heal, regain stability, and move forward with greater resilience and self-compassion.