PTSD & Trauma Recovery

Understanding Trauma
Trauma can be difficult to recognize, and many people mistakenly believe it only arises from major events like disasters, combat, or life-threatening illnesses. However, trauma can stem from any experience that feels like an existential or physical threat, whether real or perceived. This means trauma is subjective, depending on how an individual processes and reacts to events.
For some, trauma may originate from more subtle sources, such as a lack of emotional support, grief, loss, or connection from caregivers during childhood. Even in an otherwise safe environment, the absence of emotional validation or care can create deep feelings of insecurity and anxiety. Seeking guidance from a private practice therapist can provide valuable support in processing these experiences and building resilience.
Key Indicators of Trauma in Daily Life
Trauma like grief and loss affects every aspect of life, making it difficult to feel stable or in control. Individuals who have experienced trauma often face emotional challenges that can impact their daily functioning.
Common symptoms of trauma include:
- Difficulty regulating emotions or mood swings
- Sudden, overwhelming feelings triggered by unseen events
- Persistent emotional pain that can appear unexpectedly
- A constant sense of discomfort, knowing emotional distress may arise at any time
I love what I do because I get to work with people just like you.
I get to see the smile return, the laugh lines form, and the return of a spark to someone’s eye when they realize life can be good again. It’s not always immediate. It takes time, dedication, persistence, and patience. But the reward is worth the effort.
I’ve learned so much in my work over the 25+ years I have been in the mental health field. There is nothing more honorable or awe-inspiring than to be invited in to share someone’s life journey, even when it is filled with hardship and heartbreak.
There are so many different ways to examine our lives and how we live them. I love the exploration and helping people find creative solutions.
I am well practiced in establishing rapport and engaging individuals who are suffering from anxiety, depression, overwhelm, feelings of loss, disconnection, and identity insecurity.
I am a certified clinical trauma professional and a certified life and health coach using a strengths-based and integrative approach that focuses on the mind/body connection to decrease symptoms and enhance wellness. Clinically, I draw from CognitiveBehavioral Therapy, Self-Psychology, and Internal Family Systems.
Whether working online or in person with clients, I provide a comfortable, confidential space to explore feelings and concerns. My style is warm and empathic. When it makes sense, I like to incorporate humor to help put clients at ease.
…I’ve worked in a variety of settings, including hospital emergency medicine, police-based mobile crisis unit, veteran services, treatment foster care, and as a care manager for at-risk seniors.
…I enjoy singing and songwriting, which led to my recording an album of my own original music a few years ago. I believe in music as medicine and encourage all my clients to find or return to creative outlets as an adjunct form of therapy.


Trauma & PTSD Recovery Counseling with Plans For Healing
Led by Sarah, a trauma-certified professional, we provide a compassionate, evidence-based approach to help you navigate the complex symptoms associated with trauma and PTSD.
Our methods incorporate practical self-regulation techniques, such as breathing, meditation, and art, to create a safe environment for you to explore and process the emotions tied to your trauma. This approach is foundational to our trauma and PTSD recovery counseling services, ensuring that you gain a deeper understanding of your experiences while rebuilding a sense of safety and control.
Through personalized sessions at Plans For Healing, Sarah will guide you in integrating painful events into your identity, equipping you with the tools to heal and thrive emotionally. Our ultimate goal is to help you improve your emotional well-being and restore stability in your daily life.