Trauma Therapy

I have certifications in three types of Trauma therapy, including TF-CBT, TBRI, and CTP. These trainings have allowed me to have knowledge of trauma interventions and techniques that highlight the healing process and tangible ways to do that. I hope to eventually get my EMDR certification and IFS certification.

I have trained in multiple trauma modalities including Integral Somatic Psychology (an offshoot of Somatic Experiencing), Ray Castellino's Prenatal and Birth Trauma work, and Resmaa Menakem's Somatic Abolitionism work.

I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional after having received training from a trauma specialist. I also received a year of supervision and consultation with a trauma professional as I developed a therapeutic tool kit of interventions specifically geared towards trauma survivors.

Trauma is stored in the body. Cognitive interventions alone are not enough to heal traumatic experiences. Telling our stories is only beneficial if they were secrets at the time they happened or the stories that were told didn't reflect our truth. Retelling our stories can further reinforce the trauma in the body unless it is guided by someone who can help support your truth and support your body in experiencing it differently this time.

A focus on grounding, safety, and containment as well as processing and rebuilding relating to trauma.

I believe every symptom was at one time a brilliant adaptation to life circumstances. I also understand that symptoms can outlive their usefulness or make a person feel like they are out of control. I work with clients to enhance self-compassion for their automatic responses, while also building a sense of agency so clients have more choices. For most people trauma therapy often includes some combination of talk, body awareness, creative expression and action steps.

I am seasoned at teaching effective relaxation, grounding, anchoring & exposure techniques to help diminish anxiety and maintain a balanced state of arousal and focus in the present moment. Encouraging self-forgiveness is also pivotal in helping people let go of illegitimate shame or guilt derived from any unwanted responses to, or effects from the traumatic event. Throughout the healing journey, I am sensitive to guiding the process at a pace that feels most comfortable & safe to each person.

Recovery and resiliency

Sometimes deep psychic injuries prevent us from showing up in our lives as we would like. In these cases, it may be helpful to use specific techniques for exploring and healing such injuries.

Trauma effects everyone different. One person's trauma is not the same as another person. So each are treated differently. Are there similar techniques? Yes. But the way a person responses to each is what matters. Having a therapist that sees you. And the way you respond. This is the skill that is required to feel safe and heal from our traumas.

Through advanced training, I have learned that trauma symptoms may start in adulthood with signs of depression, anxiety, PTSD or dissociation, but leads back to defenses that we developed in childhood for protection. ACES, or adverse childhood events, include children experiencing divorce, having a family member who suffers from substance abuse or is incarcerated, or being neglected or abused. Together we can explore the unconscious to relieve symptoms with trauma-focused psychoanalysis.

While EMDR is a great fit for a lot of people, some people feel like they may also need to talk about their experiences in a safe and nonjudgemental space. However, it is important that you find someone who has expertise and specialization in treating trauma or you could be re-traumatized by the experience.

In trauma-informed care, I prioritize creating a safe, compassionate space for clients to process their experiences. I understand the impact of trauma on all aspects of life and approach each individual with sensitivity and respect. My goal is to empower clients to reclaim their strength and work towards healing and growth.

I have worked with survivors of domestic and interpersonal violence where I helped people work through the impacts of trauma and grief with sensitivity, gentleness, and understanding. Additionally, I am trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, a body-based approach healing centered around healing trauma and creating wellbeing.

We have come to understand that the effects of trauma reside not only in the mind — but also in the body. Experiencing a traumatic event, or growing up in an emotionally unhealthy environment, can cause dysregulation in your nervous system, leaving you in a perpetual state of survival. Rewiring the fight or flight patterns you’ve been living in helps to connect your mind and body and create a new loop where your thoughts can signal your body that it’s safe to relax.

Rita compassionately guides Clients through exploring past traumas to help them identify and disrupt unhealthy patterns within their daily lives.

My approach to trauma therapy is present-focused. Clients are free to share details of past traumatic experiences but I will not be forcing any of this. You are in charge. My hope is that we can figure out how to improve functioning in your day to day life. Learning what your triggers are, creating strong grounding skills and finding safe places and resources and supports is a major part of this work. And finding meaning in your life and what your survival means is a major part of our work.