ABOUT TRAUMA

Why do I still feel unsafe, even though I know I'm not in danger anymore?

Your mind may know you’re safe, but your body can still be reacting to past experiences. Trauma can leave the nervous system “on alert,” sensing danger even when it’s no longer there. Therapy helps to gently re-teach the body what safety feels like, so your inner and outer worlds can begin to match again.

What if I shut down or freeze when I try to talk about what happened?

That’s a very common trauma response. Shutting down, freezing, or going blank are ways your body protects you from overwhelm. You don’t need to force yourself to speak before you’re ready — therapy can begin by helping you regulate, ground, and build safety before exploring any details.

Can therapy work if I don't remember everything clearly?

Yes. You don’t need a complete memory for healing to happen. Therapy works with your present-day feelings, body sensations, and reactions — not just the story of what happened. We focus on how trauma is held in the body and mind now, and help to release it gently over time.

Why do I feel like my trauma defines me?

When trauma has been part of your life for a long time, it can shape how you see yourself and the world. It can feel like it is who you are. Through therapy, you can begin to reconnect with the parts of you that exist beyond the trauma — your strengths, values, and sense of self.

Is it normal to feel disconnected from my body or emotions?

Yes — this is called dissociation, and it’s a common response to trauma. It happens when the body or mind “numbs out” to protect you from pain. In therapy, we work slowly and safely to help you reconnect with your body and emotions in ways that feel manageable.

Can therapy really help if I've been carrying this for years?

Yes, healing is possible even after many years. The brain and body are capable of change at any age. Therapy helps you build new patterns of safety, connection, and self-understanding — at a pace that feels right for you.

What if talking about my trauma makes things worse?

That’s a common worry. A trauma-informed approach doesn’t push you to relive painful memories. Instead, we focus on building stability and inner resources first, so that when you do approach difficult experiences, you can do so safely and with support.

Can I start therapy even if I'm not ready to share everything?

Absolutely. Many people begin therapy without wanting to talk about the details straight away. You set the pace. We can start by focusing on building trust, creating safety, and helping your nervous system settle before you share anything more.

What if my trauma wasn't bad enough compared to others?

There’s no comparison when it comes to trauma. What matters is how something affected you. If your body and mind are still carrying distress, then it’s significant — and you deserve support.

Why do I feel guilty for what happened even though it wasn't my fault?

Feelings of guilt or shame are common after trauma, even when logically you know you weren’t to blame. These emotions often form as part of the body’s attempt to make sense of what happened. Therapy can help you untangle these feelings and see the event through a more compassionate lens.

ABOUT THERAPY

What if I don't know what to say when therapy starts?

That’s completely fine. You don’t need to plan what to talk about. We’ll start by getting to know each other and creating a space where you feel at ease. Sometimes just showing up is enough for the work to begin.

Do I have to share everything straight away?

No. You’re always in control of what and when you share. Therapy is about pacing things in a way that feels safe and manageable for you. We can focus first on grounding, coping strategies, or day-to-day concerns until you feel ready to go deeper.

What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't help?

That’s okay — different approaches suit different people at different times. Trauma-informed therapy integrates the body and mind, often helping when talking therapies alone haven’t worked. We can explore what didn’t feel helpful before and tailor this experience to your needs.

Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?

No. You don’t need any formal diagnosis. Many clients come simply because they want to feel better, understand themselves more deeply, or make sense of experiences that are hard to carry. Therapy is for anyone seeking change or support.

What happens in the first session?

The first session is a gentle introduction. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, what you’d like to get from it, and what support feels safe for you right now. You can ask any questions and we’ll discuss how we’ll work together.

How much does therapy cost?

Please see my Services & Fees page.