Trauma Recovery and Healing for Women in Washington
You don’t have to carry it alone. Healing from trauma is possible — and it starts with compassion and understanding.”
Trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on the mind, brain, and body.”
Even if it doesn’t feel possible yet — there is a path forward.
If you’re seeking trauma therapy for women in Seattle — or anywhere in Washington — you’re not alone. I offer online, trauma-informed support through secure telehealth sessions, so you can begin healing from the safety of your own space.
Trauma can change the way you think, feel, and move through the world — often long after the event has passed. If you are living with overwhelming emotions, a sense of disconnection, or a feeling that something inside has shifted, you are not alone.
Trauma recovery is possible — even if it doesn’t feel that way yet.
In our work together, you’ll find a safe, supportive space to explore what’s happened and move toward healing, at a pace that honors your story and your strength.
Types of Trauma I Help Women Heal From
Every experience is unique, and every story deserves compassion. I work with a wide range of trauma, including:
- Abuse (emotional, physical, sexual)
- Accidents or serious injury
- Birth trauma and postpartum PTSD
- Childhood trauma and neglect
- Domestic violence
- Witnessing violence or trauma
- Medical trauma
- Natural disasters
- Grief and traumatic loss
- Reproductive losses (miscarriage, infertility, stillbirth)
And more….
If you don’t see your experience listed here, you’re still welcome. Trauma isn’t measured by the event itself — but by how it lives inside of you.
Common Ways Trauma Shows Up in Your Life..
Body Mind Relationships Work Intimacy & Feeling Safe
These are some of the experiences that women that I work with bring in. If any on these sound like you, you may respond well to the trauma therapy treatment approach I offer.
“I don’t know how to move on”
“I lost my ability to truly trust anyone”
“I feel disconnected from my own body, numb”
“I feel like I am always just going through the motions of life”
“I constantly question my worth and blame myself for what happened”
“I am on edge, hyperaware of my surroundings, always anticipating danger”
“The nightmares are relentless, replaying the trauma over and over”
“I struggle with intimacy and forming close relationships”
“The smallest triggers can send me into a panic”
“I feel disconnected from my own body”
“I feel unsafe”
Recovering from Trauma
It’s Possible, Not a Myth
Thanks to decades of trauma research, we now know that the brain is capable of healing through a process called neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to rewire and rebuild itself.
With the right therapy approaches, including Trauma-Informed Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), you can:
- Reduce emotional distress and triggers
- Reconnect with your body and sense of safety
- Restore trust in yourself and others
- Build resilience and meaning beyond what happened
Healing from trauma isn’t about forgetting — it’s about finding a new relationship with your past that no longer controls your future.
Unpacking the Impact of Trauma: How It Can Affect Different Areas of Your Life
Common Symptoms and their Impact
Body
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Nightmares or reoccurring scary dreams
- Chronic pain or physical discomfort
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Muscle tension or stiffness
- Changes in appetite or eating habits
- Headaches or migraines
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Nausea or digestive issues
Mind
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression or feelings of sadness
- Fear or phobias
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Memory loss or forgetfulness
- Feelings of guilt or shame
- Irritability, anger, or mood swings
- Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
Relationships
- Isolation or withdrawal from others
- Difficulty trusting others
- Fear of intimacy or closeness
- Difficulty communicating or expressing emotions
- Relationship conflicts or breakdowns
- Codependency or unhealthy attachment patterns
Work
- Decreased productivity or motivation
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Absenteeism or tardiness
- Difficulty completing tasks or meeting deadlines
- Fear of failure or making mistakes
- Difficulty working in teams or with others
Intimacy and Safety
- Fear of physical or emotional intimacy
- Difficulty setting boundaries or saying no
- Sexual dysfunction or avoidance
- Difficulty feeling safe or secure
- Hypervigilance or heightened awareness of danger
- Difficulty trusting others or feeling vulnerable
- Fear of being judged or rejected.
These symptoms can be debilitating, overwhelming, and misunderstood.
And they are treatable!
What Trauma Therapy Looks Like
In our sessions, you’ll find:
- A safe space grounded in compassion, free of judgment
- A pace that honors your nervous system — no pressure or rushing
- Evidence-based tools like EMDR, mindfulness, and cognitive strategies
- Support tailored to your unique story, not just your symptoms
- A therapist who sees and respects you as a whole person.
With over two decades of experience, I’ve supported women through some of their most painful chapters — from trauma and abuse to birth-related loss and recovery. My role is to walk beside you with care, skill, and steadiness.
What If You’re Not Sure You’re Ready?
You’re Not Alone in Hesitating
It’s actually very common to feel unsure. Most people don’t feel ready to talk about their trauma — because the very nature of trauma makes us want to protect ourselves from the pain.
You might find yourself avoiding the memories… or telling yourself it’s not the right time… or wondering if you’ll fall apart if you finally open up.
But here’s the truth:
You don’t have to feel ready to begin. You just have to feel the desire for something to be different.
Healing doesn’t happen all at once — and it doesn’t require you to tell your whole story right away. It begins with small, safe steps. And I’ll be there to guide you through them, gently.
Therapy can be challenging at times — but it can also be one of the most empowering, life-giving things you do. I’ve walked with many women through the darkest chapters of their stories, and I’ve seen healing happen… even when they didn’t think it was possible.
If part of you is hoping for something better — that’s enough. We can start there.
Trauma is common in women. Five out of ten women experience a traumatic event in their lives.
(National Center for PTSD)
Your Pain Is Valid — Even If It Feels “Not Bad Enough”
There’s no right or wrong way to experience trauma — only your way. And that’s worth honoring.
It’s so common for women to wonder if what they’ve been through really “counts” as trauma — especially if no one else saw it or acknowledged it. You might think: “It wasn’t that bad,” or “Others had it worse.”
But trauma isn’t measured by what happened on the outside. It’s measured by how it affected your sense of safety, self, and connection. And if it still hurts, it matters.
You don’t have to justify your pain. You don’t need to prove it was serious enough.
If you’re hurting, you deserve support. If you’re overwhelmed, there’s help. Healing is for you, too — no matter the shape or size of your story.
My Approach to Healing?
I’ve spent my career dedicated to helping individuals heal from the deep, lasting effects of trauma. This work is not just something I do — it’s something I care about deeply.
My journey as a trauma therapist began in 1996, when I completed a rigorous six-month Trauma Therapist Certification program at West Virginia University’s Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry. Since then, I’ve continued to expand my knowledge and skills through decades of clinical experience and ongoing training.
I hold certifications in EMDR Levels I and II, and have received focused training in:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Exposure Therapy
- Attachment-Based EMDR
- EMDR for Birth and Reproductive Trauma
- Trauma-informed, mindfulness-based approaches
I’m committed to lifelong learning so I can provide the most compassionate and effective care possible. My therapeutic approach blends evidence-based practices with mindfulness, values-driven work, and deep empathy.
My goal is always the same: to walk alongside others as they reconnect with their inner strength and find a path toward healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
“What is trauma therapy, and how can it help me?”
Trauma therapy offers a safe space to begin healing from overwhelming experiences — whether recent or long ago.
You don’t have to relive every detail. We work at your pace to help your body and mind feel calmer, safer, and more like yourself again.
“What if I’m not sure what I went through was trauma?”
It’s common to wonder that. You might tell yourself “others had it worse” or “it wasn’t that bad.” But trauma isn’t defined by the event — it’s about how it affects you now.
If you feel on edge, disconnected, or stuck, therapy can help.
“Do I have to talk about everything to get better?”
No. You’ll never be pressured to share more than you’re ready for.
EMDR and other body-based therapies allow us to work gently — without needing to relive or retell the whole story.
“What kinds of trauma do you support?”
I work with women navigating a range of trauma — including childhood emotional neglect, abuse, birth trauma, medical events, and complex life stressors.
If you’re carrying something heavy, you don’t have to carry it alone anymore.
“What is EMDR therapy?”
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they feel less intense.
It’s especially helpful when you feel stuck, even after talk therapy.
We’ll decide together if it’s a fit for you.
You Deserve to Feel Safe Again
No matter how long you’ve carried this pain, healing is possible. Let’s take that first step together — gently, and in your time.
Resources
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.):
📞 Call or Text: 988
🌐 https://988lifeline.org
1. National Center for PTSD – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
A comprehensive source for understanding PTSD and trauma, including symptoms, treatments, and coping tools.
🔗 https://www.ptsd.va.gov
2. The Trauma Foundation
Dedicated to reducing the impact of trauma through education, advocacy, and support. Offers resources for both survivors and professionals.
🔗 https://www.traumafoundation.org
3. Sidran Institute – Help for Trauma & Dissociation
Focused on complex trauma, dissociation, and PTSD. Offers helpful guides for survivors, families, and clinicians.
🔗 https://www.sidran.org
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