Therapy focused on restoring your whole life.

What is trauma therapy?

The main goal of trauma therapy is to help individuals process and integrate the traumatic experiences they have endured, in order to reduce the distressing symptoms that often arise as a result of trauma. These symptoms can include anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance behaviors, and difficulties in relationships.

I utilize many different interventions to assist my clients with this, including:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that are associated with the trauma. CBT helps individuals learn new coping skills and strategies to manage their distressing symptoms.
2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR involves using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements) while recalling the traumatic event. This helps reprocess the memories and reduce their emotional impact.
3. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): This approach focuses on helping individuals process and modify their thoughts and beliefs related to the traumatic event in order to reduce the distressing symptoms associated with PTSD.
4. Narrative Therapy: This approach encourages individuals to create a coherent and organized narrative of their traumatic experience, helping them make sense of their feelings and thoughts surrounding the event.
5. Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Techniques from mindfulness and meditation are used to help individuals become more present in the moment, manage distressing emotions, and increase their capacity to tolerate emotional distress.
6. Trauma-Informed Care: This is a broader talk-therapy approach that emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals with trauma histories. It recognizes the impact of trauma and strives to avoid re-traumatization.

The therapeutic process can be challenging and emotionally intense, but with the right support, individuals can work towards healing, resilience, and a healthier quality of life. Therapy is not one size fits all and I don’t believe one kind of therapy works best. We will be able to discuss the options and find the path that fits you best.

Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that focuses on addressing issues related to sexual health, intimacy, and relationships. It’s designed to help individuals and couples overcome sexual difficulties, enhance their sexual experiences, and improve their overall sexual well-being. Sex therapists are trained mental health professionals who have expertise in both psychology and human sexuality.

Sexual concerns can range from physical issues like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or pain during intercourse, to psychological issues such as low sexual desire, sexual anxiety, body image concerns, or unresolved trauma affecting sexual functioning. Relationship dynamics, communication problems, and differences in sexual preferences can also be addressed within the context of sex therapy.

Here are some key aspects of sex therapy:

1. Assessment and Education: In the initial stages, a sex therapist typically conducts an assessment to understand the individual or couple’s sexual history, concerns, and goals. They may also provide education about sexual anatomy, functioning, and common misconceptions to help individuals better understand their bodies and sexual responses.
2. Communication Skills: Sex therapy often emphasizes improving communication between partners regarding sexual issues. Effective communication can lead to greater understanding, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving.
3. Techniques and Exercises: Sex therapists may introduce specific techniques or exercises designed to address the particular concerns of the individual or couple. These exercises could involve mindfulness techniques, sensate focus (a technique that emphasizes non-sexual touch to enhance intimacy), or behavioral exercises to address performance anxiety.
4. Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches: Similar to other forms of therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques can be used in sex therapy to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to sexual difficulties.
5. Sensory Awareness and Exploration: Some therapies encourage individuals and couples to explore their bodies and sensations in a safe and non-judgmental environment. This can help individuals become more attuned to their own desires and sensations.
6. Trauma-Informed Care: For individuals with a history of trauma, sex therapy can be conducted with sensitivity and awareness of potential triggers, helping clients work through trauma-related issues affecting their sexual well-being.
7. Relational Dynamics: Sex therapy often considers the broader context of relationships, addressing issues like communication, emotional intimacy, and addressing discrepancies in sexual desire between partners.

Sex therapy can be conducted in individual or relational therapy sessions, depending on the nature of the concerns. Sessions are confidential and provide a supportive space for discussing sensitive topics. It’s important to note that sex therapy is not solely focused on addressing dysfunction or problems; it can also be a means to enhance healthy sexual relationships and personal growth. Additionally, it is important to note that sex therapy is a type of talk therapy–no nudity and no sexual or romantic interactions occur in sessions.