Trauma and PTSD Therapy

I am very fortunate to have been trained in the treatment of trauma in the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) medical system, which is a premier, cutting-edge institution for trauma research and treatment. There are many different approaches to treating trauma (I do not believe there is one “right” approach), and I work collaboratively with patients to select the right approach for them.

I am experienced with treating many types of trauma:

• Those that occur in childhood and adulthood

• Military/combat

• Medical and surgical

• Sexual abuse

• Single-incident trauma

• Prolonged/repeated trauma such as childhood abuse and other forms of complex trauma (often referred to as CPTSD)

• Many others

Beyond being trauma-informed, I am trained in evidence-based, trauma-focused treatments, including Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)—two of the most well-researched, gold-standard treatments for PTSD. I am well-versed in how to adapt these treatments for those who may need a gentler approach or pace.

I tend to utilize a combination of “top-down” approaches (e.g., cognitive-behavioral; exposure) as well as “bottom-up” approaches (e.g., body-based, somatic). 

Trauma and chronic pain and chronic illness often (though not always) co-occur and can impact one another. I offer treatments that integrate these so that both are addressed and improved.