We treat anxiety and depression using traditional approaches such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) combined with a spiritual, holistic perspective. We collaborate with both eastern and western medicine proividers to give truly well rounded care. Whether it is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic, OCD, PTSD, bi-polar or major depression we work with our clients to treat the person not the dis-ease. In order to provide our clients with the most flexibility, we utilize both in-person counseling in our beautiful Lakewood Ranch office or online counseling, throughout the state of Florida.
Online Trauma Therapy for Highly Sensitives in Florida
Living with Complex PTSD can feel like an ongoing battle.
You may experience:
Nightmares that disrupt your sleep, leaving you exhausted and emotionally drained.
Constant feeling of being on edge, ready to fight or flee at any moment,
Challenges with relaxing and feeling safe in your surroundings.
These symptoms, alongside a persistent sense of jumpiness and hypervigilance, can significantly impact your daily life.
Despite the challenges you face, there's a glimmer of hope. You recognize a desire for change and a longing to move beyond the pain. You've made strides in your journey - life is better now, and you have more control over your circumstances. Deep down, you crave connection and meaningful relationships, showing resilience in your willingness to overcome past traumas.
Acknowledging your past experiences is crucial. You understand that the symptoms of Complex PTSD stem from a lifetime of hurts, injuries, and emotional pain. While there wasn't a specific triggering event, the cumulative effect of these experiences has left a lasting impact. However, there's good news - Complex PTSD is treatable!
HI, I am Laura!
I can help. One of my specialties is treating complex PTSD. I help you identify the causes of your trauma and then begin to learn new ways to think about them. As we process through the pain, we will begin to help you identify new ways to look at the experiences, making them less painful.
Together we will embark on a journey towards healing and reclaiming control over your life.
Isn’t the term trauma used for really severe things like war or life/death experiences?
My stuff wasn’t that bad. Other people have had it much worse!
OH, I see you! I know that logic well…
Here is the thing, PTSD is not determined by the event, but how the person perceives the event.
The diagnostic manual, DSM-V, we use to “diagnose” people describes trauma as “experiencing, witnessing, or being confronted with an event or events that involved actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self or others, or learning about an unexpected or violent death, serious harm, or threat of death or injury experienced by a family member or other close associate.” In other words, experiencing a real or perceived threat to ourselves or a loved one…
As a Highly Sensitive Person, the perceived threat is a really important factor. Here’s why:
One of our strengths is being able to imagine ourselves in situations, not only our own but others. It makes us super empathetic. It is also one of our weaknesses, especially when it comes to trauma because we can imagine, visualize, and often FEEL terrifying events of not only ourselves but others. Come on, let’s be honest, how often do you have to switch the T.V. station because it is too violent, when others around you are like, it’s fake, what is your problem? That is what I am talking about here…We perceive threats with every ounce of our bodies…which leads us to be more susceptible to PTSD.
Okay, but seriously, it wasn’t that big of a deal. Okay, but what does YOUR BODY say?
Trauma is often stored in the body, even when the mind does not recognize it.
Are you having:
Jumpiness, you know…seemingly out of nowhere
Crying spells
Difficulty sleeping
Nightmares
Reliving of an event, as if it were happening currently?
Having frequent “pop-in” memories that you don’t want or are negatively impacting you
Severe emotional reactions to things that remind you of the event?
Do YOU?
Avoid people, places, and things that remind you of what happened?
Have memory lapses about certain times or places in your life?
Have difficulty maintaining relationships?
Feel emotionally numb or detached
Feel Overwhelming guilt or shame
Startle super easily
Feel like you are constantly “on guard”
If you are experiencing a lot of these symptoms, the likelihood is that you are experiencing PTSD. There are multiple ways I can help through online therapy. First off, I am a specialist in trauma, with my background being sexual abuse, so I can help with those really painful, difficult memories. We can do it using traditional talk therapy methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or utilizing Accelerated Resolution Therapy. We can design your plan to be as unique as you are! You don’t have to suffer! You can have peace, calm and feel safe.