Individual trauma-informed counseling for Wisconsin moms resumes July 2026. Join the waitlist.
"Trauma is not what happens to a person, but what happens within them. It is the unhealed wound a person is compelled to defend against by constricting their ability to feel, be present, and respond flexibly to situations." ~Gabor Matè.
Trauma can shape how we feel, relate, and move through the world—often long after the event itself has passed. Most people have experienced at least one trauma in their lifetime, but not all will go on to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Several factors increase the risk for an individual to develop ongoing symptoms, including gender, race, greater severity of traumatic stressors, interpersonal violence, a lack of social support, ongoing stressors, or repeated exposure to traumatic events. The saying, "time heals all wounds," does not apply to a trauma wound because traumatic memories can become frozen in time and continue to affect individuals long after the event.
Common Symptoms
Unprocessed trauma can manifest itself in many ways. Common symptoms may include distressing dreams or memories about the traumatic event, problems with concentration, feelings of fear, anger, shame, or the inability to experience positive moods, feelings of distress when reminded of the traumatic experience, sleep disturbances, avoidance of traumatic reminders, angry outbursts, hypervigilance, or engaging in reckless, self-destructive behaviors.
Treatment Approach
The treatment of trauma typically involves three phases. In the first phase, a sense of stability and safety is established. This involves assessment, building rapport and trust within the therapeutic relationship, and developing healthy coping skills. In the second phase, trauma processing occurs. Several evidence-based trauma processing models are effective in reducing trauma symptoms. I am trained in Written Exposure Therapy, a brief, effective approach that can be conducted in as few as five sessions. In the third phase, reintegration begins. This involves grief work, meaning-making, and fostering post-traumatic growth. The pacing of sessions is tailored to your unique trauma history.
Common Questions
Will I have to talk about every detail of my past?
Not at all. Retelling the story of your trauma is not required for healing, and rushing into it can actually be counterproductive. You always have full control over what you share, and you will never be pressured to discuss anything before you are ready. Your comfort and readiness guide our work together at every step. Our first priority is always building a foundation of safety and giving you the tools to regulate your body in the present moment.
How is trauma therapy different from standard talk therapy?
Traditional therapy often focuses top-down, using logic and insight to change behavior. Trauma-informed therapy is largely bottom-up. Because trauma gets trapped in the body and the nervous system, we use somatic (body-based) approaches to help you release stored survival energy, process physiological responses, and teach your body that the danger has truly passed.
A typical somatic therapy session might begin with gentle, grounding exercises like noticing your breath or feeling your feet on the floor. You may be guided to become curious about sensations in your body, helping you to identify what feels safe or unsettled. The focus is always on supporting your sense of safety, and you are encouraged to pause or redirect at any moment. These kinds of exercises can help your nervous system gradually learn that it is safe to be fully present and relax.
Why do I feel so disconnected from my body and my emotions?
Disconnection, often called dissociation or numbing, is a brilliant survival mechanism. When an experience is too overwhelming to process, the brain hits a protective "circuit breaker" to dull the pain. In our work together, we gently help that circuitry come back online, allowing you to safely feel and process your experiences without becoming overwhelmed. We will always go at a pace that feels safe for you, and you are encouraged to pause or slow down whenever you need. Your sense of safety remains our top priority, every step of the way.
Can a violation of trust be considered traumatic?
Research on Betrayal Trauma explains that trauma occurs whenever the people or systems we rely on for survival violate our trust in a fundamental way. Whether it's a partner you depend on for emotional safety or a medical system you rely on for vital care, this creates a survival conflict. Your brain is wired to seek help from these essential resources, but when they become the source of harm or neglect, the nervous system short-circuits. We treat this type of distress with the same somatic care as any other major traumatic event, helping you restore your sense of agency and safety.
How long will it take before I start feeling like myself again?
Healing trauma is not a linear process, and there is no universal timeline. However, many clients begin to feel relief early on as they learn concrete tools to manage their nervous system activation. If you ever feel overwhelmed between sessions, support and additional resources are available to help you feel cared for and safe. Our goal isn't a rushed "fix," but rather sustainable, deep-rooted healing that restores your natural capacity for connection and resilience.
Ready to take one small step forward?
If you have any questions or want to learn more about my treatment approach, contact me for a free 15-minute consultation. It’s a chance for us to connect to see if we’re a good fit.