Mind/Body Trauma Treatment

Healing trauma involves both the mind and body. Traumatic stress alters the nervous system, causing residue from past experiences to settle in the body. Neuroscience and research into the neurobiology of the stress response have increased our understanding of how to change and reset the nervous system and deactivate symptoms. Healing trauma involves processing the memories of trauma and understanding its effects with carefully paced mindfulness-based therapy and grounding, while also addressing the bodily residue such triggering, bodily anxiety, avoidance and numbing through somatic means such as reexperiencing, tracking, meditation and trauma-informed yoga.

Trauma comes in many forms. Specific events such as accidents, natural disasters, illnesses, crimes, deaths, pregnancy loss often result in traumatic symptoms. Repetitive events such as abuse, neglect, witnessing violence and growing up in unpredictable chaotic environments can imprint our mind and body. Often people may not consider themselves survivors if they have had an active and productive life, but memories and confusing symptoms can eventually surface and cause disruption to their lives. I have extensive training in trauma therapies: Mindfulness, polyvagal theory and other integrative practices can help rewire and calm the brain and effectively reduce symptoms and promote well-being.   My background in somatic and mindfulness practices as well as yoga training allow me to integrate psychotherapy with somatic therapy and heal both mind and body. For many years, I have volunteered through the Give an Hour program to provide therapy for veterans with PTSD and I also volunteer as an instructor for trauma-informed yoga teacher training.

Consultation & Coaching, Psychedelic Therapy

A consultation is usually sought to get professional advice and have access to specialized information. It can be helpful in many different circumstances, providing big picture thinking and a direction for action. A consultation is usually recommended as a first step in determining what course of action to follow, whether it is therapy, stress management or lifestyle balance or short-term coaching. A consultation can provide you with information about what steps to take to achieve your goals. Some common topics of consultation have included understanding temperament, particularly the trait of sensitivity (HSP’s), managing family of origin, giftedness and adult ADHD.

My specialized areas of expertise allow me to draw from my decades of clinical experience and multiple resources. I often consult with people who have complex interplays of psychological, family, career, and health issues and can provide stress management and mind/body consultations that can include information about meditation training, breathing exercises, visualizations, yoga and other integrative techniques. The changes and interventions I initially recommend are usually easily incorporated into a person’s existing routine.

Coaching and consultation can take many forms, depending on individual needs. While coaching may target specific goals such as job performance, lifestyle balance, stress management, increasing social-emotional intelligence and communication skills, it can also provide a confidential scheduled time (in office or phone) to pause during a hectic life to refocus on balance, goals as well as solutions to current conflicts and difficulties. Without setting aside time, these issues often get lost in the fast pace of contemporary life.

In our current world, stress often impedes optimal performance. Busy professionals can experience feeling overwhelmed and out of balance with work, recreation and relationships. I tailor strategies for stress management using diverse mind/body techniques as well as mindfulness practices. My goal is to promote creative problem solving and expand existing skills. This includes refining and increasing self-awareness as well as understanding cognitive processing style, temperament, and personality style which enhance executive tasks involving leadership, diplomacy and consensus building and improve relationship functioning.

Psychedelic preparation prior to using a plant medicine and integrating the experience afterwards is a proven and accepted protocol to enhance the experience. This also applies to ketamine treatment. Please email me for details.

I have coached executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals in San Diego and all over the United States as well as consulting at Scripps Center for Executive Health.