Therapy
“Although humans rarely die from trauma, if we do not resolve it, our lives can be severely diminished by its effects. Some people have even described this situation as a “living death.” -Peter A. Levine, Ph.D
If you have found your way here, then I trust something is hurting. You may not even know where to start, but you know something must change. You have taken the first courageous step toward healing. Together, we can cultivate transformation.
I believe wholeheartedly that our bodies, minds, and hearts have the innate ability to heal, given the right guidance, environment, and support. I don't offer basic cognitive behavioral therapy. I work from a holistic, trauma-informed lens that supports deep healing on all levels, including mind, body, and spirit. I weave together my 30 years of clinical experience as a therapist with my intuitive, psychic wisdom to provide you with clarity, expertise, and a sense of safety and warmth.
Do I need therapy or coaching?
Therapy is an excellent resource to examine your past and can help you dive deep into healing wounds and patterns. It is also where we can do more extensive trauma treatment to help you get to the root of your pain and challenges, ultimately freeing you to live a more fulfilling, happy life.
Most people who've lived with any form of emotional, psychological, or other types of abuse have experienced trauma and can benefit from therapy to help them fully recover.
Narcissistic abuse recovery coaching is different from therapy, as it may be more present and future-focused. While I incorporate my knowledge and experience as a therapist into coaching so you get a fully trauma-informed, therapeutic experience, it can be less intense than therapy. Coaching is not appropriate for addressing significant mental health issues either. If you’re not sure which is right for you, I am happy to provide insight and help you decide.
Have you experienced trauma?
Most people have experienced some sort of trauma in their lives. What we mean by “trauma” is how we each perceive and experience any challenging event. No two people will experience an event in the same way, so it is important not to discount events that have caused you to suffer in any way. The impact of trauma varies for everyone. You may live in fear and experience feelings of panic on a daily basis, or it may affect you on a deeper, subconscious level, where you are not even aware of its impact on your self-esteem, relationships, health, and happiness.
Survivors of emotional, psychological, and narcissistic abuse may not realize that they are experiencing trauma, as they are often gaslighted and blamed for the reactions and situations of the abuser. They may dismiss or minimize their feelings or feel shame and fear that they are somehow "crazy" or the problem. But the problem lies with the abuser, not you or your reactions to abuse.
It is very important to choose a therapist who is experienced in working with both narcissistic abuse and trauma, as both are significant factors in your healing journey. Most therapists only have basic levels of understanding of narcissistic abuse and pathological love relationships, and may not fully understand your experience.
The wound of trauma often lies deep in the body, ready to explode with certain triggers, movements, or memories of the event. A trauma survivor often feels hijacked by their own body, unable to control or escape the “residue” left behind from the trauma. You may hear a sound or experience a certain touch or smell, and find that your body and mind are suddenly reacting in a state of panic. You may even be able to tell yourself that you are safe, but your body reacts as if you were in the past, re-experiencing the event all over again.
Trauma affects the entire being – the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Yet it is common to seek only traditional talk therapy to heal, which neglects the physical, mind/body connection that is commonly experienced with trauma. People may continue to suffer from symptoms of traumatic stress with little to no relief. Effective trauma treatment must have a component of somatic, mind-body focused work, such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), Somatic Experiencing, or Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS).
I offer an array of options to support your healing. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Integrative Medicine Mental Health Provider, and Reiki Master. My specialties include narcissistic abuse and trauma recovery, adult attachment, and holistic mental health care. I only work with adults, ages 18 and older. See the list below for a list of other areas that I treat. While I specialize in narcissistic trauma recovery, I also see clients with various issues. See below for a list of the areas that I treat.
FAQ's
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I offer in-person therapy sessions at 1557 N. Ogden Street in Denver, CO.
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I also offer telehealth sessions if you prefer this method.
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My fees are $180 per 50 minute session.
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I do not accept insurance or sliding scales at this time. However, I can provide you with a "superbill" that you can submit to insurance for reimbursement for part or all of your costs, if you have Out of Network Benefits with your insurance plan. (I am happy to explain this process.)
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Due to state licensing regulations, I am only able to provide therapy with residents of Colorado. If you still want to work with me but don't live in Colorado, please visit my coaching page.
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Unsure about whether coaching or therapy is appropriate for you? Or just want to be sure we are a good fit? Schedule a FREE 20 minute phone call with me below and we can discuss your unique situation.
Specialties
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Trauma
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Narcissistic Abuse & Pathological Love Relationship Recovery
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PTSD, Complex PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
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Adult attachment
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Holistic, mind-body-spirit focused treatment
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**COMING AUG 2023- Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
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Spirituality
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Psychedelic Integration Therapy
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Codependency
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Women's Empowerment & Healing
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Anxiety
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Divorce & Breakups
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Parenting stress
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Sexual abuse/assault/incest
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Domestic Violence
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Dating & Relationships (for individuals, not couples)
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Life transitions
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Grief & Loss
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EMDR
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Entrepreneurs
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Empaths & Lightworkers
What Is Holistic Therapy?
“When we have been prevented from learning how to say no, our bodies may end up saying it for us.”- Dr. Gabor Mate
I see you as a whole person, mind, body, spirit, and heart, and believe that traditional talk therapy misses a great deal of what a person needs to effectively heal.
Depending on your unique needs, comfort level, and goals, I can offer an individualized experience to support you. This can include options such as EMDR, Reiki, nutrition and holistic health recommendations, talk therapy, psychoeducational, and more.
Did you know?
These are some common physical symptoms seen in
survivors of narcissistic abuse and pathological love relationships:
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Panic attacks: A panic attack is an abrupt onset of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes. Symptoms usually include at least four of the following: palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate; sweating; trembling; shaking; sensations of shortness of breath or smothering also can occur.
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Insomnia: The constant stress, fear, and anxiety make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. This can make it difficult to tend to daily tasks the next day.
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Excessive fatigue: Often, fatigue goes hand in hand with insomnia. Survivors report staying up all night and sleeping all day. This extreme fatigue can also be due to the extraordinary amount of stress on the body that the body just needs to shut down to getaway.
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Thyroid or adrenal problems: These glands excrete hormones needed for metabolism. Too much or not enough of these hormones can lead to lethargy or too much energy.
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Agitation: Survivors are typically in a constant state of being angry or on high alert due to the unpredictable, stressful environment of being around the abuser.
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Feeling numb: Some survivors turn off emotions in order to avoid feeling any more pain.
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Abnormally high heart rate (tachycardia): Stress can lead to a heart rate that is too fast.
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High cholesterol: It is easy to let go of healthy habits when faced with life changes and stress.
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Intestinal Issues: Diarrhea, constipation, IBS, Crohn’s Disease
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Pain or muscle tension: Stress hormones keep the body in a tense, rigid state
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Weight gain around the belly: Cortisol is stored in body fat, particularly around the belly region
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Hypervigilance: Feeling edgy, easily startled, never able to relax.
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Chronic illness, disease, pain, or unexplainable symptoms in the body: There is a high occurrence of this in survivors of this toxic abuse.