PTSD
PTSD/Trauma
Life is Hard. When you have negative early life experiences that program your brain to quickly move into survival (fight/flight/freeze/fawn) mode, life can feel almost impossible at times. Past traumatic experiences get woven into the fabric of our nervous systems and are triggered by current life events. This can cause us to overreact and respond as though the original danger is still present. This can be hard on our relationships and our self-esteem. You are not crazy. The stuff that happened to you in the past really does still impact you - emotionally and physically. Let me help you understand the phenomenon of the trauma response and reprogram your brain to let go of the past, feel peaceful in the present, and have hope for the future.
The Survival Response
Every trauma story is unique, but the impact of trauma on the nervous system is similar in all people. The fight-flight-freeze-fawn response describes the different ways individuals may react when faced with trauma:
Fight: When triggered, some people respond with aggression or confrontation. This reaction can be a defense mechanism, where the person feels the need to fight off the threat or assert themselves to regain control of the situation.
Flight: This response involves avoiding or escaping from the source of the threat or stress. It's characterized by a strong urge to flee or physically remove oneself from the situation to feel safe.
Freeze: Freezing is a response where a person feels paralyzed or unable to act. It's often described as feeling stuck or immobilized in the face of danger or overwhelming stress. This reaction can serve as a way to hide from the threat or as a defense against further harm.
Fawn: The fawn response involves seeking to please or placate the source of the threat or stress. People exhibiting this response may try to be overly accommodating, submissive, or nurturing towards others in order to avoid conflict and ensure safety.
Survival responses are adaptive in nature - even animals engage in fight/flight/freeze/fawn (think of a mouse who is playing dead while being terrorized by a cat, he's freezing). These responses can and do help us survive in dangerous or threatening situations. The problem arises when our bodies put the fight/flight/freeze/fawn system on alert in situations that are NOT actually dangerous or life threatening. This causes us to walk through life poised and braced for danger around every corner. It’s exhausting, it's depressing and it can make you sick.
Imagine a life where your past trauma no longer dictates your current peace of mind. Through years of both personal and professional experience, I KNOW that you can heal your trauma and experience the feeling of dropping the weight you have carried for years. This isn't just about coping—it's about transformation. My goal is to help you release the grip of the past, embrace peace in the present, and cultivate hope for the future.
How Can I Help?
In 1993, in my early 20s, I began my own trauma healing journey in psychoanalysis. It was amazing and transformational and I really learned how to love myself (shoutout to my first therapist, Joan!). It was also a five year commitment to weekly therapy to the tune of over $30,000.00 (shoutout to my mom who helped foot the bill!). After being in therapy for an extended period of time, becoming a psychologist myself, and practicing for over 20 years, I have come to the firm conclusion that there is not adequate help available for everyday people who are suffering the lifelong effects of trauma. The fact of the matter is that it is not realistic for most people to be able to commit the amount of time and money that traditional psychotherapy requires for results. And unfortunately, relying on insurance companies to find you a good therapist is like looking for a needle in a haystack. I have created this practice to provide survivors of trauma with practical tools to move toward healing and inner peace.
Contact Me Today
Your healing journey begins here. I am committed to providing you with the tools you need to thrive. Let me help you rewrite your story—one of resilience, empowerment, and profound transformation.
Don't let past trauma continue to define your tomorrows.
Reach out today to schedule your free initial telephone consultation: 415-652-1235
