FAQs
Do you work virtual or in person?
I offer both virtual and in person sessions. My current provider for virtual session is zoom. My in person clients can come see me in Wake Forest, NC.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is defined by the individual. What is traumatic for some will not be traumatic to others. Trauma is not housed within an event, but is rather, your bodies natural and normal biological reaction to abnormal situations or events. The support you had or didn’t have, the age of occurrence, the length of time it occurred, family of origin, and many other factors all contribute to how trauma affects your life. Our nervous systems are designed to be in a state of flow; moving in and out of arousal and calm. When our nervous system becomes dysregulated and stuck, and we can no longer return to a regulated state, we begin to see the affects of trauma in our everyday lives. There are events that are classified as “Big T” traumas such as child abuse, war, violence or sexual assualt. Usually society sees these as traumatic or they are single events with mass impact. “Little T” traumas are not usually life threatening or are sustained over a period of time. Examples of these would be emotional abuse, infidelity, the death of a parent, or chronic stressful living. The category it falls into does not indicate the impact it has on you or the severity of your suffering. Unresolved “Little t” traumas can have just as much impact on your life as “Big T” traumas.
What is somatic work?
The term Somatic comes from the Greek word, “Soma” meaning relating to the body. Somatic work involves recognizing and addressing the physical tension or incompleted physical response from the after affects of trauma. By learning to sense and listen to our bodies messages, we can release stored trauma and restore a sense of balance and ease to our bodies. In my work specifically, it refers to using movement as medicine and working toward a regulated nervous system through the use of Somatic Experiencing.
How do I know if I’m ready to do this work?
*If you are currently being treated for a mental health condition or addiction or are actively working with a therapist, please consult with your doctor before beginning this work. I can work with them to be part of your care team.
If you agree to the following you may be ready.
“I can commit to being honest to myself and my coach.”
“I recognize the wounds of my past are impacting my present relationships, mental and physical well being, and my ability to create the life I want. “
“I understand there is a connection between the mind and the body and am open to working with that connection “
“ I am willing to look at how I cope with difficult or stressful situations”
How do I know if I need this work?
Symptoms of trauma vary and reach far into every corner of your life. This is not an extensive list, but some of the things you may struggle with are:
panic attacks
inability to lose weight despite exercise and nutrition adjustments
hormonal imbalances
feeling anxious, depressed, or emotionally numb
having feelings of being outside your body or not being able to feel certain parts of your body
Irritability, agitation, hypervigilance or a general feeling the world is an unsafe place
trouble maintaining healthy relationships
inability to trust anyone
difficulty sleeping (falling alseep, staying alseep, or sleeping too much)
racing thoughts, flashbacks, or memories that won’t go away.
chronic pain or pain with no known cause
health issues such as headaches, autoimmune diseases, or digestive disorders
Cognitive and Executive functioning issues such as trouble with memory, brain fog, making decisions or planning.
Re-occurring relational issues