Those who have served to keep our Country and communities safe are deserving of the strongest support from us all. Therefore, as a Marriage and Family Therapist, my practice is dedicated to providing therapy and support to military service members, veterans, first responders and their families.
Job Stress
The dangerous work you do involves a great deal of personal responsibility and risk and is inherently stressful. Stress is not only brought on by critical incidents but also builds over time, which is called cumulative stress. In order to manage the ongoing stress you encounter daily, you have undoubtedly developed coping strategies. Healthy coping strategies can be effective and help keep us going, however, if you are utilizing unhealthy coping strategies, these can lead to isolation, despair and feelings of hopelessness. If you find that such feelings are interfering with your job, relationships and/or emotional well being, I can help. Utilizing a straightforward, practical approach in a confidential and supportive environment I can help you identify your unhealthy coping strategies and help you to develop more healthy ways of managing your stress.
Trauma Exposure
Experiencing trauma is unavoidable in the challenging work that you do. Whether you have experienced trauma directly from your personal experiences on the job or vicariously from witnessing the distress of innocent victims; it undoubtedly affects on you. Acknowledging that you have been affected by these experiences is not a reflection of being weak, but of being human.
Experiencing trauma changes who we are; however, it does not have to become who we are. If the trauma you have experienced has started to define you and is interfering with your happiness and your relationships, trust that there is hope and you can be restored. Don't let these experiences take control over your life; take the next step. If you or the one you love is struggling, I can help. Using a trauma informed approach we will explore your traumatic experiences and how they are affecting your life and relationships. Then together we will discuss evidence based treatment options and agree upon a treatment plan together.
How I Can Help
As a former child abuse investigator for Children's Protective Services, I have experienced vicarious trauma and understand how important coping strategies can be. I also understand that sometimes these strategies fall short and can become ineffective. If you feel like your coping strategies are failing or you have unresolved trauma from your experiences while deployed or out serving our communities, I can help.
I have an authentic, easy going style; and I am happy to talk with you about your experiences and needs and how I can help. I offer a free 30-minute in-person, no commitment consultation where we can get to know one another and address any questions or concerns you may have.
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." -Ralph Waldo Emerson