therapy

The Power of Somatic Therapy

While traditional talk therapies can be beneficial in helping people uncover and heal from the trauma that underlies mental health and addiction, recent research has focused on the mind-body connection in relation to trauma. In fact, there is a whole realm of therapy that operates out of the belief that trauma is carried far more in the body than in the brain. Read More

Childhood Abuse Is More Prevalent Than You Think

It is estimated that annually, three million cases of child abuse are reported to authorities in the United States (source: Childhelp.org). Childhood abuse comes in many forms and can be anything from physical abuse, sexual boundary violations, and neglect of medical and physical needs to emotional and social maltreatment and… Read More

The Magic of Sand Tray

Sandtray therapy is a valued medium I use to help young adults who are trauma survivors and/or are struggling with addiction. At the Claudia Black Young Adult Center I use it with clients with early childhood complex trauma, those with attachment disruption often associated with adoption histories, those with dissociative symptoms, or major traumatic events such as sexual assaults, nightmares, and polarities around addiction.  Certainly, family dynamics can be explored with this medium. For the client who is showing resistance, has poor verbal skills and/or social-relational difficulties it is really useful as the sand tray becomes both a visual and a sensory tactile experience creating the ability to go deeper within and regain an internalized sense of control and safety. Read More

Reality! Who Needs It?

Individuals in recovery generally spend a lot of time avoiding their painful, shameful, or fearful reality. Using chemicals, relationships, busyness, spending, eating, not eating, fantasy, gambling, sex, etc., to escape reality. What is your reality anyway? As a baby, your brain was receptive, and you downloaded and duplicated everything around… Read More