change is possible.
Therapy for developmental trauma
What is developmental trauma anyway?
Sometimes our experiences when we were young felt too difficult to process or understand - mentally, physically, or emotionally. Developmental trauma is often not big or dramatic, it can be more subtle - someone who grew up feeling invisible in their family, a person who carried shame and guilt as an adolescent, or an adult who doesn’t feel comfortable expressing themselves.
Experiences you might notice:
Communicating your needs feels difficult. Maybe even identifying needs doesn’t seem possible.
Perfectionistic tendencies and struggles with self-worth and self-esteem.
Trusting relationships - especially intimate ones - might feel difficult.
Experiencing moods that fluctuate a lot - or maybe feeling nothing at all.
Experiencing shame (shame is the internal message that there is something fundamentally wrong with us).
Feeling angry, paralyzed, or scared and feeling unable, at times, to move out of those experiences.
Getting “triggered” in situations where your response feels “bigger” than the present situation warrants.
You can learn to be present. Really.
How therapy works
First, you get to show up exactly as you are. Together, we build safety and trust so you can feel seen and understood while we explore what’s challenging for you in the present moment
We may explore childhood themes to help you gain insight and understand how past experiences influence your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. We don’t dwell in the past—we explore it just enough to illuminate patterns that continue to show up in your body, experiences and relationships, so you can begin to shift them in meaningful ways.
From there, we focus on the present, using practical, accessible techniques and tools to support you so that you can shift patterns that no longer serve you. These tools will empower you to navigate your life with confidence and respond in ways that feel present, secure and steady.
Regardless of the past, this work is about supporting you get what you need, feel more resilient, and thrive in the here and now.
Therapy for developmental trauma can help you…
Be “triggered” less
Feel more in control of your emotions and manage them differently
Decrease perfectionism, increase self-compassion and self-worth
Experience more trust in relationships
Shift people-pleasing or avoidant patterns
Know your needs and express them
Feel more ease in your body
Frequently asked questions about therapy for developmental trauma
FAQs
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It’s less important to label it and more important to pay attention to what you’re experiencing. If you’re struggling to manage your emotions, getting “triggered” often, and struggle with self-worth and self-esteem you and I can work together to help you feel more empowered and grounded. Learn more
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Yes, we often do have to look at the past to see how it has informed our present day circumstances. We often have unconscious patterns that we’re unaware of. Bringing those to light can make a huge difference in shifting things for us in the present day. So we go back to the past to root us more firmly in the present. Learn more.
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Reach out and we’ll schedule a free consultation to ensure working with me feels like a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you. Learn more.