Trauma/Post Traumatic Stress

I take a trauma-informed approach with all of my clients. I first assist my clients in identifying experiences that could be considered traumatic before connecting those experiences to the client’s current thoughts, behavior, and values. I first conducted trauma processing while working in an inpatient rehab, and then went on to lead an interpersonal trauma support group for 2 years.

The type of trauma I work with is expansive. Below is a list of topics I’ve previously worked with:

  1. Domestic Violence

  2. Physical/Sexual Abuse/Incest

  3. Religious Trauma

  4. Emotional/Physical Neglect

  5. Sexual Assault

  6. Trauma resulting from Military Service

  7. Gun Violence

  8. Experiences in Foster Care

  9. Experiences while in Active Addiction

  10. Medical Trauma

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Death is not an easy thing to face. It can be isolating, leaving people to feel alone in their anxiety, depression, and fear. I’ve taken extensive trainings on the topic of grief, and led a thriving grief support group for 2 years. While death can seem like a morbid topic, I love helping clients reconnect with the memory of their loved ones. I also enjoy helping clients reconcile with conflicting emotions harbored toward their loved ones. It’s okay to feel angry or disappointed with someone who is no longer here.

There are many factors that can complicate someone’s experience with grief. Having a loved one face an unexpected or stigmatized death can add layers to the grieving process. Examples of stigmatized deaths include accidental drug overdose, or suicide. I’m here to help clients peel back and face every layer of their grief.

Spiritual and religious beliefs are often shaken by death. Spirituality does not have to have any connection to organized religion. To me, spirituality refers to the ways in which we connect to other people and the larger world around us. I work to explore, redefine, and heal clients relationships with spirituality after experiencing grief.

Missing people is the price we pay for loving them deeply. At the core of grief is always connection. Let’s work to amplify that sense of connection, and make amends with the fact that life will never be the same.

Grief & Loss

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After graduating with my Master’s Degree, I chose to take a job working as an addictions counselor at an inpatient facility. Through this experience, I witnessed how addiction can pull people outside of their character, and became knowledgeable about effective recovery methods. I understand the strong association between trauma and addiction. I understand how people can discover their deepest strengths through pursuing recovery.

As a CASAC-II (credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor), I’ve undergone extensive training in the field of drug and alcohol addictions treatment. Wherever you’re at in your journey, there is no judgement here. Progress is never a straight line. I hold clients accountable while providing a compassionate space to process setbacks, relapse, and fears.

If you feel like every day is a crawl to the finish line, just know that you deserve to live peacefully. I believe in you, so let’s take this one step at a time.

Addictions/Substance Use

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People may struggle with their sense of identity for a variety of reasons. One common cause is growing up in an environment where values, expectations, or roles are constantly shifting, leaving them unsure of who they are or what they stand for. Trauma or loss, especially at formative stages, can also disrupt one’s sense of self, as they may internalize the pain or confusion caused by such experiences. Societal pressures—whether related to appearance, success, or social roles—can lead to feelings of inadequacy and force individuals to conform to external ideals, rather than cultivating an authentic self.

Reflections Mental Health utilizes Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, which guides people toward understanding their sense of self by exploring different "parts" of their personality shaped by past experiences. IFS encourages self-awareness and healing, allowing individuals to integrate conflicting inner voices and emotional wounds. By fostering a compassionate inner dialogue, Reflections Mental Health helps people reconnect with their authentic self, providing clarity and empowerment to move forward.

Identity Discovery

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