Trauma is not defined by the event itself but by how it impacts you.

This explains why two people can go through the same experience and respond in completely different ways.

It also means that your experience of trauma or abuse is valid, not because someone else acknowledges it, but because it is your lived truth.





"Have you experienced any significant life events or traumas that may be relevant to our work together?

"I wouldn’t say I’ve had any real trauma, but…"

—followed by a deeply painful experience that has shaped how they move through the world.

Or the opposite: 

"I have been through a lot, but of course, I know others have had it worse…"

— as if their pain needs to meet a threshold before they are allowed to acknowledge it.

Why do we, as women, minimize our suffering unless it meets the most extreme definition of trauma?



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When I begin working with new clients, I ask them:

I can't tell you how often I hear responses like: 

trauma exists on a spectrum.

Some forms—like physical or sexual abuse—are more widely recognized.

But others, such as emotional abuse, chronic invalidation, or growing up with unpredictable caregivers, can be just as damaging, even though they are harder to name.

I know this firsthand as a survivor of emotional abuse. When there are no physical marks to prove what you’ve been through, it can feel impossible to trust yourself. 

If you have spent years prioritizing others, smoothing over conflicts, or questioning your own perceptions, it’s not surprising that you might struggle to recognize what happened to you as trauma.

But if an experience has left you feeling small, unsafe, or disconnected from yourself—it matters.


How trauma lives in the body

Trauma isn’t just a memory; it’s an imprint in the body. This is why, even if you are “functioning” well on the surface, you may feel exhausted, on edge, or emotionally numb.

The nervous system, after experiencing trauma, can stay stuck in survival mode—leading to anxiety, burnout, chronic stress, or even physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue.

This is why, when working with trauma, I don’t just focus on talking through the past. While traditional talk-based therapy is helpful, healing from trauma often requires working with the body, too.


how do you begin your trauma healing journey with me?

Depending on your needs, our work may involve somatic (body-based) practices to help regulate your nervous system, reconnect with your inner wisdom, and build a sense of safety within yourself. This might include grounding techniques, breathwork, or simply noticing and responding to your body’s signals in a way that feels safe and supportive.

Importantly, you will never be asked to relive or retell traumatic events unless it feels right for you. I work with your body as the guide, allowing us to access and release trauma at its root—without needing to put it into words. 

If any of this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out. You deserve to feel safe, whole, and connected to yourself again. Let’s begin that journey together.

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"owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we'll ever do."

- Brené Brown

narcissism

With years of dedicated experience, I've guided many women through the challenging terrains of narcissistic abuse, trauma, and burnout.

My expertise lies in helping you navigate these pivotal moments when everything seems to hit at once, empowering you to break free from patterns of self-abandonment and rediscover your own truth and needs.

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Resources

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