What role does trauma play in our work, and why does it matter?

Trauma isn’t just about what happened to you—it’s also about how your mind and body responded in order to survive. Sometimes, when we go through overwhelming or painful experiences, our nervous system doesn’t fully process them. Instead of fading into the background like typical memories, traumatic experiences can get "stuck," showing up later as anxiety, emotional reactivity, low self-worth, relationship struggles, or even physical symptoms.

Trauma lives in the body just as much as in the mind. You might notice it in the form of tension, chronic stress, shutdown, or a sense of being “on edge” even when nothing’s wrong. This isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s your brain and body doing their best to protect you, even if those patterns no longer serve you.

Trauma doesn’t have to be a single, life-shattering event. Sometimes it’s the result of smaller, repeated experiences—feeling unsafe, unseen, or not enough—that quietly shape how we move through the world. If something still lingers, feels heavy, or affects your relationships and sense of self, it’s worth tending to. You don’t have to have a “big” trauma to benefit from this work—if it’s hindering you, it matters.

That’s where EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) comes in. EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that helps people process and release the emotional charge of traumatic memories. It works by engaging the brain’s natural healing mechanisms, allowing stuck experiences to move through and settle—without having to relive every detail.

In our work together, I use EMDR along with somatic (body-based) practices to help you feel safer in your body, more connected to yourself, and more in control of your story. Healing is absolutely possible—and you don’t have to go through it alone.

What couples therapy offers- and why it can make a difference:

I’m Level 1 trained in the Gottman Method, a research-based approach to couples therapy that focuses on building stronger connections, improving communication, and navigating conflict in healthier, more constructive ways. In our work together, I draw from these principles to help couples understand each other on a deeper level, break out of unhelpful patterns, and strengthen their emotional bond.

I also bring an attachment-based lens to the work—meaning I pay close attention to how each partner’s early experiences and emotional needs shape the way they connect, respond, and show up in the relationship. Understanding these patterns can be incredibly healing, and can help couples move from reactive cycles into deeper empathy, safety, and emotional intimacy.

Whether you're feeling disconnected, stuck in the same arguments, adjusting to a major life transition, or working through the complexities of parenting, I offer a supportive space to help you reconnect and grow together. Therapy offers a space to slow down, tune in, and nurture your relationship in healthier ways.