Trauma Recovery

I have a particular interest, training, and experience working with survivors of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, every 107 seconds someone in the US is sexually assaulted (National Crime Victimization Survey, 2009-2013).  Rates for children are 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday (CDC, 2005). These numbers are staggering, and yet studies indicate that more than half of sexual violence incidents are never reported. 

Fear, shame, anger, confusion, embarrassment, and despair are just a few of the emotions that sexual assault and abuse victims might experience. In the case of childhood survivors, often it is not until adulthood that signs of trauma will be exhibited. Each person’s experience and response is unique; however these are some common reactions to trauma:

• Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or dreams.

• Avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event or person

• Hypervigilance including anxiousness, irritability, and startling easily

• Depression

• Social withdrawal or fear of being in large groups and social situations

• Emotional numbing

• Substance abuse

• Self-harm behaviors and/or suicidal thoughts

During the healing process, it is important for survivors to learn coping skills to manage symptoms, implement self-care practices, and build a strong support system. If you are carrying the burden of trauma I want to help you find your voice, become empowered, and thrive from victim to survivor.

I utilize the following evidence-based trauma treatments:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) - I am EMDR Certified by EMDRIA. Watch the videos below and read more about EMDR here.

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) - I am the only approved CPT provider in Kansas City.

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) - I am TF-CBT Certified by the National Therapist Certification Program.