Trauma Therapy

Online and In-person serving Wayzata, Minnetonka, Golden Valley, Hopkins in MN

I understand the deep and lasting impact trauma can have on your life. Whether you’ve experienced birth trauma, childhood trauma, abuse, loss, accidents, or other life-altering events, healing is possible. I am here to support you on your journey toward recovery, empowerment, and emotional well-being.

What is Trauma?

Trauma can result from any distressing experience that overwhelms your ability to cope. It may involve physical, emotional, or psychological harm, leaving you feeling unsafe, disconnected, or unable to move forward. Trauma affects everyone differently, and it is not about the event itself but how it is processed by the individual.

What is Birth Trauma?

Birth trauma refers to distress experienced during or after childbirth. It can stem from a variety of factors, including unexpected medical interventions, complications during delivery, or feelings of helplessness and fear during labor. Both the birthing individual and their partner can experience birth trauma, and its impact may last long after the delivery.

Common experiences contributing to birth trauma may include:

  • Emergency or unplanned C-section

  • Prolonged or difficult labor

  • Use of forceps or vacuum extraction

  • Severe pain during delivery

  • Loss of control during the birthing process

  • Inadequate communication from medical staff

  • Birth complications affecting the baby’s health

  • Postpartum hemorrhage or severe medical complications

  • Stillbirth or neonatal loss

Common Reactions to Trauma and Birth Trauma

Trauma can manifest in various ways, affecting both your emotional and physical well-being. If left unaddressed, it may lead to long-term challenges, such as postpartum depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some common signs of trauma and birth trauma include:

  • Flashbacks or nightmares about the event or the birth

  • Avoidance of anything related to the event, pregnancy, or childbirth

  • Difficulty bonding with your baby

  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or failure

  • Hypervigilance or an exaggerated startle response

  • Irritability, mood swings, or panic attacks

  • A sense of isolation or difficulty sharing your experience

  • Reluctance to consider future pregnancies

Who Can Benefit from Trauma Therapy?

Trauma therapy is open to anyone who has experienced trauma in their life or during childbirth, including:

  • Mothers who had traumatic birth experiences

  • Fathers or partners who felt powerless or distressed during the birth

  • Parents grieving the loss of a child due to stillbirth or neonatal complications

  • Individuals struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety related to their birth experience

  • Anyone who feels overwhelmed, scared, or unable to move forward after childbirth

  • Survivors of childhood abuse or neglect

  • Victims of sexual assault or domestic violence

  • Those affected by natural disasters, accidents, or medical trauma

  • Veterans and first responders experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Anyone coping with complex trauma or repeated exposure to distressing events

My Approach to Trauma Therapy

I offer compassionate and specialized support to help you navigate and heal from trauma. I use the therapeutic relationship as well as evidence-based techniques to help you process your experience, reduce trauma symptoms, and regain a sense of control and confidence in your life.

Trauma services include:

Trauma-Informed Therapy focuses on creating a safe, supportive environment where you feel validated and empowered. This approach recognizes the impact of trauma and prioritizes safety, trust, and choice throughout the healing process.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) uses guided imagery and eye movements to help you reprocess traumatic memories. Through ART, you can replace distressing images with more neutral or positive ones, rapidly reducing symptoms like flashbacks and anxiety.

Brainspotting targets trauma stored in the brain and body by using focused eye positioning to access deep emotional processing centers. It helps you process and release unresolved trauma that may not be easily accessible through talk therapy, addressing both emotional and physical symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns resulting from trauma, such as feelings of failure or guilt. CBT also addresses avoidance behaviors and equips you with coping strategies to manage anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms related to your experience.

Together, these approaches provide a holistic, effective treatment for healing from trauma or birth trauma, addressing emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of the experience.