Specializing in Trauma, Anxiety, Depression and Relationships
Trauma
Understanding Trauma
Trauma isn't defined only by what happened. It's also about how the experience was processed and how it affected your sense of safety, trust, or control. Trauma can result from a single event, ongoing stress, or a history of harm—even if not all the details are remembered.
Why a Trauma Lens Matters
A trauma-informed approach considers the whole person and acknowledges how past experiences may influence current challenges. It prioritizes safety, trust, and collaboration in every step of care.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) outlines six core principles of trauma-informed care: safety, trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity. These principles help guide ethical, person-centered treatment that respects each person’s experience.
Anxiety
Understanding Anxiety
Everyone experiences occasional worry, but generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves persistent and often overwhelming anxiety that’s difficult to manage. People with GAD may find themselves worrying excessively about work, health, family, or everyday tasks—even when there’s no immediate reason to be concerned. This anxiety can interfere with daily life and may show up as restlessness, difficulty sleeping, physical discomfort like headaches or stomachaches, and feeling constantly on edge. These symptoms can last for months or longer and may intensify during periods of stress.
Treatment and Support
It's crucial to understand that GAD is treatable. Many people find relief through talk therapy, medication, or a combination of approaches. Lifestyle adjustments, such as mindfulness and improved sleep, can also support treatment. If you're struggling with anxiety, reaching out for support is a meaningful and worthwhile step. Remember, you don’t have to face it alone.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Public domain content accessed and adapted from https://www.nimh.nih.gov.
Depression
What Is Depression?
Depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It’s a common but serious mood disorder that can affect how a person feels, thinks, and functions in daily life. While everyone feels low from time to time, depression can involve persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, low energy, or trouble concentrating. It can also include physical symptoms, such as headaches or digestive problems, without a clear cause. For some, depression can feel overwhelming or isolating, but with the right support, it is treatable.
Getting Help and Finding Relief
Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age or background, and may look different from person to person. Some people may feel irritable or restless, while others may withdraw or experience emotional numbness. Treatment often involves a combination of therapy, medication, or both. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are two evidence-based approaches that help many people find relief. If you’re feeling stuck or struggling with mood, energy, or motivation, reaching out is a strong first step toward feeling better. Support is available, and healing is possible.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Public domain content adapted from https://www.nimh.nih.gov.
Navigating Life Transitions
Significant life changes—such as starting a new job, relocating, becoming a parent, or ending a long-term relationship—can feel overwhelming, even if they are planned or viewed positively. These transitions often disrupt routines, increase uncertainty, and evoke strong emotions. It’s common to experience feelings of anxiety, fatigue, or unease during these times. Research indicates that most adults experience stress during significant life changes, and adjusting emotionally can take time (Open Mind, n.d.; Inner Clarity, 2023). Re-establishing structure—such as maintaining consistent sleep, meals, and physical activity—can help regulate emotions and support overall well-being (New Hope Mental Health Counseling Services, 2023).
If you're finding it challenging to adjust to a major life change or if relationship stress is overwhelming, seeking support can make a significant difference. Therapy provides a safe space to process changes and develop effective coping strategies. Trauma-informed or strengths-based approaches can be particularly helpful in building resilience, managing distress, and finding a renewed sense of stability.
Relationship Stress During Transitions
Life changes—whether related to work, family roles, health, or loss—can add stress to relationships. During these times, communication patterns may shift, emotional responses can become more reactive, and it’s common for partners or family members to feel disconnected or overwhelmed.
Stress often affects how people show affection, make decisions, or navigate conflict. While supportive relationships are linked to better emotional and physical health, ongoing relationship stress can contribute to anxiety, depression, and lower overall well-being (Wikipedia, 2023; Child Focus, 2023).
Healthy relationships are more resilient when both people feel safe to express themselves and approach one another with curiosity, rather than blame. Mindfulness-based practices—such as Mindfulness-Based Relationship Enhancement (MBRE)—can support communication and emotional connection during challenging periods (Verywell Mind, 2023).
For many, couples or family therapy can be a meaningful step toward rebuilding connection, clarifying expectations, and strengthening teamwork. Support can help you not only get through change but grow through it.
Therapy Services
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions are helpful for children, teens, or adults. are customized to your goals, whether that’s
managing stress, healing from trauma, or building healthier habits.
Family Therapy
Family sessions are designed to improve connection, reduce conflict, and strengthen communication. We’ll
work toward a more supportive and understanding family dynamic.
Couples Therapy
Couples counseling supports partners looking to reconnect, repair trust, or strengthen their communication. All
relationships are welcome.