Certified Trauma Therapy
What is a Nervous System approach?
As a therapist that specializes in trauma, I know the delicacy of how trauma impacts a person’s life. This is why I became a “certified trauma professional (CTP).” A CTP therapist has undergone an approved training course over the elements essential to evidenced-based trauma treatment. Clinicians learn applicable ways to integrate a comprehensive trauma approach into their practice. Because trauma disrupts and dysregulates one’s nervous system, comprehensive trauma treatment focuses on regulating and improving the overall functioning of the nervous system.
As a Certified Trauma Professional, I’m able to better understand and support your healing process. Some of the core elements of how this approach benefits you includes:
Identifying signs of unresolved trauma: I’m trained to recognize subtle indicators that past experiences may still be affecting your emotions, behaviors, or bodily responses—often even before you notice them yourself
Understanding your nervous system: I pay close attention to patterns of both heightened activation (fight-or-flight) and shutdown (freeze), so we can make sense of how your body responds to stress and help you regain a sense of stability and safety
Using a proven three-phase trauma treatment model: This model—stabilization, processing, and reintegration—allows us to move at a pace that protects your emotional safety while steadily working toward lasting change
Teaching somatic tools: I’ll guide you in body-based techniques (like grounding or breathwork) that help regulate distress, calm your threat-response system, and reconnect you with a sense of control
Knowing when you're ready for deeper trauma processing: Part of my role is ensuring that we don’t move into intensive trauma work until you have the internal resources to stay safe and empowered throughout the process
Tracking your progress effectively: I’m trained to notice subtle but meaningful shifts that show you’re healing, even when progress doesn’t always feel linear
Choosing the right therapeutic approach for you: Whether it’s CBT, IFS, EMDR, or another evidence-based method, I’m able to evaluate what will be most effective based on your goals, symptoms, and comfort level—so your treatment is truly personalized
What if I’m nervous about diving into my trauma?
I get why you feel this way. Diving into uncomfortable emotions and distressing memories isn’t something that anyone is eagerly excited to do. It can be really challenging, and this is why trauma work requires intention, safety, and care. CTP therapists learn how to work through trauma in a way that feels feasible and respectful, rather than being rushed and unsettling. In therapy, we gently work through the effects of trauma at a pace that feels manageable and comfortable. Together, we’ll move through three core phases of trauma recovery:
1
Stabilization
We start by creating safety — both internally and externally. This includes building coping tools, learning how to regulate your nervous system, and identifying relationships or practices that support your sense of security. This foundation allows us to move toward deeper work without overwhelming your nervous system.
2
Processing
Once safety is established, we begin exploring how your trauma has shaped your emotions, beliefs, and sense of self. This might include processing memories, honoring complex feelings, and recognizing patterns that no longer serve you. We work together to help you make meaning of your experiences — without being defined by them.
3
Re-Integration
In this final stage, we begin weaving your healing into daily life. You’ll start to reconnect with yourself and others in new, healthier ways — rooted in safety, clarity, and empowerment. This is where transformation happens: not by erasing the past, but by reclaiming your present and re-defining meaning.