Trauma Therapy in Athens

Trauma Informed Therapy in Athens, GA

Holistic

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Intuitive

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Authentic

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Open Hearted

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Trauma Informed

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Autonomy

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Pro-liberation

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Holistic ⏾ Intuitive ⏾ Authentic ⏾ Open Hearted ⏾ Trauma Informed ⏾ Autonomy ⏾ Pro-liberation ⏾

What does Open Hearted

Holistic Therapy mean?

My approach to our work together in Athens, GA is rooted in open-heartedness, which allows me to fully connect with my inherent curiosity, compassion, and love. This open space enables me to truly hold and honor your unique experience. I consider cultivating an open heart a serious practice, one that necessitates acknowledging and nurturing my own well-being through spiritual practices, meaningful connections, movement, sensory engagement, and healthy boundaries.

Our Trauma Therapy Experience

Trauma can refer to any incident or series of events that are emotionally disturbing or life-threatening with lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, and/or spiritual well-being.

Humans are resilient and built for survival. We adapt to our surroundings. So if we are frequently in chaos or danger as children, our nervous system learns to be constantly on alert, always on the lookout for the next pitfall. It might be getting our body ready to run away, to fight or to play dead. All of these are survival strategies. When we find ourselves preparing to run away, fight or play dead in situations that are not life or death, then it can become an obstacle to living our lives in connection with others. We might find ourselves dissociating,  filled with rage, unable to put our needs first or living in a frozen or shut down state most of the time. 

However, when these responses of fight, flight, or freeze are triggered in situations that are not life-threatening, they can hinder our ability to engage and connect with others in our daily lives. We might experience dissociation, intense anger, difficulty prioritizing our own needs, or a persistent state of feeling frozen or shut down.

I identify as a trauma therapist in the most e x p a n s i v e definition of the term. What I mean by that is some relationships traumatize us without us even knowing, like an ongoing relationship with someone who never listens to us or denies our feelings. Like our relationships with capitalism or patriarchal systems. I see many of the hurtful ways we treat ourselves and negative things we believe about ourselves as resulting from messages (both obvious and hidden) that we receive from others. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Trauma Therapy

  • There are as many different kinds of therapy as there are therapists. This is why finding a good fit and somebody that you feel comfortable with is essential. The therapist-client relationship is a huge part of therapy. Trauma therapy implies that the therapist is aware that trauma could play a part in your life and so proceeds with caution, asking for consent before talking about difficult things, allowing you to lead the way, respecting your autonomy and never ever blaming you. To me, trauma informed therapy means that I assume that everyone is trying their best.

  • I use a HIPAA compliant telehealth platform through Simple Practice, which is also my electronic health record. You get a link and can download the telehealth app onto your computer or phone. Telehealth therapy

  • Open Hearted does not accept insurance but we can provide you with a superbill or invoice that you can submit for reimbursement. 

Our Journey Together

1. Contact

First, you’ll fill out the form below with your contact info and introduction. I will then reach out to you to schedule a screening call.

2. Screening

During our screening call, we will get to know each other and identify how we can work together to break down your unique experiences to their core in a safe space.

3. Session

If we determine that this practice will meet your mental and spiritual needs, we will schedule sessions to explore your thoughts and feelings together.