Trauma Therapy
In Person in Kansas City and Online in Missouri
Adults and teens 14+
The trauma therapy you need so you can life the life you want.
When I start talking about trauma, the number one comment I hear from clients is: “I know that trauma can have an effect on you, but I don’t have any real trauma.”
It seems impossible to them that they can be affected by trauma and also be high functioning, with jobs (including the job of stay-at-home caregiver), mostly functional families or good groups of friends, and overall shaking it and making it in the world.
"Trauma? I don't have any real trauma."
"I just need to try harder."
Here's the truth about trauma:
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A trauma is any event that overwhelms our ability to cope.
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What most people consider trauma is what we sometimes call “Big T Traumas.” These are single-event or “big deal” traumas like witnessing or being exposed to “death, threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or actual or threatened sexual violence” (this language is straight from the DSM-5).
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What is often not considered trauma are the daily “small t traumas” caused by family dysfunction; abusive or toxic parents, partners, or even bosses; financial stresses; chronic illness; and so much more.
I specialize in working with clients with "small t" trauma, also known as complex trauma or CPTSD.
This "small t" trauma is often hidden, minimized, and invalidated to the point where you may ask, “Is this even a big deal?” There are usually some “Big T” Traumas in there as well, but it is the sneaky “small t” stuff that is causing the core issues.
This is known as Complex Traumatization, which causes the syndrome known as Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). I will work you to:
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Get to the root of the problem and resolve the issues causing CPTSD, leading to lasting healing and growth.
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Identify and address places where your sense of self has been distorted by trauma, so you can look in the mirror and finally know who you really are.
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Find your key core values and use those as the basis for building up and moving forward.
Two ways to feel better: regular appointments or trauma therapy intensives
I offer two approaches for working with complex trauma. Traditional weekly talk therapy allows us to address those “small t” traumas bit by bit over time. This is the best choice if you have problems with your memory or if the thought of talking about what has happened to you sends you into an immediate panic, as it gives us time to build a sense of safety and trust.
Intensive individual therapy lets us quickly jump in and make headway on your understanding of yourself. We follow the same process as weekly therapy but in a much more condensed way. You can learn more about therapy intensives here, but an intensive is a good choice if you already have some insight into yourself and are ready to move forward fast.
Am I the right trauma therapist for you?
Wanting to put down the emotional and psychological weight you carry (hint: it's trauma).
Ready to look with a compassionate but discerning eye at yourself, your past, and your loved ones.
Looking for lasting peace and wellbeing, even if it takes work.
I'm the right choice for you if you are:
Think it's impossible that you've been traumatized, and you really do just need to try harder.
Are focused on strategies or tactics (“get a new planner to manage forgetfulness” rather than “why am I so forgetful even though I’ve tried 50 different planners”).
Believe that if other people around you change, you would feel better.
I may not the right choice for you if you:
The solution to your problems is not to "try harder." Over-functioning is a symptom of complex trauma, not the antidote.
Insight. Understanding. Peace. The life you always wanted. It is all within your reach.
1. Reach out
The first step is to schedule a call with me.
Pick a time that works for you and where you will have 15-20 minutes to talk about what you are looking for in therapy.
2. Get answers
During your free consult, I will ask you questions about what brings you to therapy and what your goals are. I will answer any questions you have. If we both decide I'm a good fit for your needs, we will schedule your first appointment.
3. Heal
In your intake appointment, which lasts 90 minutes, I will ask a lot of questions. We'll identify your immediate needs and your long-term goals.
Then, we get to work.