Trauma Therapy
feel your way better
Trauma is what happens when overwhelming experiences leave us feeling unsafe, disconnected, or stuck in survival mode.
It shapes how we think, feel, and relate—not just in our minds, but in our bodies too. Healing starts with safety and connection, and grows through small steps that help you feel more like yourself again. Whether the trauma is recent or something experienced long ago, trauma can have lasting effects. Fortunately, with the right support, healing is possible.
Types of Trauma
Trauma can take many forms. It can be caused by a single event or by a series of harmful experiences. Some common traumas include: abuse, neglect, death of a loved one, accidents, natural disasters, exposure to violent events, and medical events or complications. Trauma is an individual experience of perception that changes your relationship to safety.
Flashbacks or Intrusive Thoughts: Reliving the traumatic event or having uncontrollable, distressing memories.
Anxiety and Panic Attacks: A heightened sense of fear or anxiety, even when there is no immediate threat.
Hypervigilance: Constantly feeling on edge, overly alert, or easily startled.
Avoidance: Avoiding situations, places, or people that are reminders of the trauma.
Depression or Numbness: Feeling detached from reality, a loss of interest in activities, or overwhelming sadness.
Difficulty Trusting Others: Struggling to trust people, often because of past betrayals or harm.
Sleep Disturbances: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or having nightmares related to the traumatic event.
Substance Abuse: Using alcohol or drugs as a way to numb or escape the pain of the trauma.
Physical Symptoms: Headaches, stomach issues, chronic pain, or other stress-related ailments.
Self-Blame and Guilt: Feeling responsible for what happened, even if it wasn’t your fault.
How We Work with Trauma:
Trauma isn’t just what happened—it’s how it lingers in your body and mind. With care and curiosity, we create a safe space to gently process your experiences and begin reconnecting with the parts of you that are ready to heal.
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Somatic Experiencing
SE focuses on the body's sensations and the way trauma is stored physically in the nervous system. The approach is based on the understanding that trauma can disrupt the body's natural ability to process and release stress or fear responses. Through gentle, controlled techniques, the therapist helps the individual safely complete the body's natural fight, flight, or freeze responses, allowing the nervous system to restore balance and release the energy trapped in the body.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT can help individuals identify and challenge negative beliefs formed due to trauma—such as feeling unworthy, unsafe, or helpless. By changing these thoughts and developing healthier coping mechanisms, trauma survivors can reduce feelings of anxiety, guilt, and depression, and learn to cope more effectively with reminders or triggers of the traumatic event.
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Trauma-Informed Counseling
Trauma-informed counseling is an approach that acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma and prioritizes safety, trust, and respect in the healing process. A trauma-informed therapist will not push the survivor to talk about their trauma until they’re ready, and will focus on creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where healing can take place.
Our therapists are “Neurodiverse Informed”, which is to say that we all have training and skills to work with a range of folks on the neurodiverse spectrum from ADD/ADHD, gifted, and high functioning autism. We fully celebrate the Neuro-Spicey and the Bright and Quirky!
Meet Your Specialists
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Meet Your Specialists ⚘
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Sarah Webb, LCSW
I work with burnout, anxiety, rage, postpartum, birth trauma, attachment, and healthy coping in women. With expert training in Somatic, Mindfulness, and Attachment, I get to the core quickly so therapy has big impact. Our collaboration will help you reclaim your power and vibrancy.
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Lauren Boland, LCSW
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Alicia Boone, PCLC
I have a deep passion for supporting young women navigate life, pregnancy, miscarriage, and motherhood. Helping women understand and manage the unique challenges of ADHD is also a specialty, and I provide tools to improve emotional regulation, focus, and self-esteem.
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Tori Kenyon, LCSW
I have a naturally playful and professional approach to connection. My varied clinical past has allowed me to develop confidence and skills working with all genders ages 16 to 35. I feel at my most skilled when I’m working with life transitions, trauma, anxiety, and depression.
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Becky Johnston, LCSW
Together with my therapy dog-in-training, Benny, we create a relaxed and casual space for women and teens (16+) navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, burnout, or big life changes. If you're feeling stuck, I’m here to help you feel more like you and create the path to a future that looks bright.
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Ellie Jorgensen, LCPC
I help individuals and families navigate life’s twists, turns, and roller coaster moments. I specialize in working with children, perinatal women, and family systems, focusing on challenges like childhood behavioral concerns, attachment, big life transitions, trauma, anxiety, and OCD.
“profound insights…”
“This experience taught me that feeling the sensations in my body that accompany my emotional distress can give me profound insights that help me on my journey to better mental health.”
— ILLUMINATE CLIENT
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or growth, our team is here to support you in finding what you need.