My Approach to Therapy | Holistic Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy in Rocky River
“The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness.” —Sakyong Mipham
Healing requires both courage and compassion. My approach blends evidence-based therapies with somatic and holistic practices, supporting clients facing anxiety, trauma, PTSD, depression, and major life transitions. Together we’ll work to create safety in your nervous system, reconnect with your body, and discover lasting transformation.
EMDR Therapy
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” —Maya Angelou
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy is a body-based, trauma-informed therapy approach. Through bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, sounds, or gentle tapping, EMDR supports the nervous system in processing experiences that feel stuck. Over time, distressing memories can be re-integrated in a way that allows for increased safety, clarity, and self-compassion.
Polyvagal Theory & Nervous System Regulation
“Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness." —Peter A. Levine
Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the Polyvagal Theory signifies the concept behind those words, “Fight, Flight, Freeze.” The Autonomic Nervous System is your very own powerful, yet defensive energy that protects you from threat and danger while also supporting you in experiencing safety. When trauma or discomfort are stored in the body, whether a conscious memory or not, dysregulation occurs (cue – Fight, Flight or Freeze) in order to self-protect. Simply put, the Polyvagal concept implies that the Autonomic Nervous System is constantly scanning its surroundings, much like a smoke detector does. As complex beings, we have individualized versions of a smoke detector inside of us. The Polyvagal Theory provides an opportunity to recognize what represents the smoke for you, how it manifests in your life, and how it can be cleared.
Mindful Somatics Therapy
“The body speaks what the mind feels.” —Mallory Tedrick
The word somatics is derived from the Greek word, somatikos, which means “the body.” Blended together, I draw upon Trauma Informed Yoga, Meditation, and Mindful Breathing which empowers you to be led by your mind-body connection. These techniques use the mind-body connection to explore your deeper challenges. I help you ACKNOWLEDGE, COMPREHEND AND EXIST with what your body is attempting to express to you. Trauma Informed Yoga is different from the “everyday yoga,” as the focus is to listen and honor what your body is feeling. Through gentle movements and stretches, I guide you to release pain, hurt, anger, sadness or discomfort that for safety, you have kept hidden. Meditation and Mindful Breathing invite non-judgmental observation to present moment awareness. This space allows for the acceptance of experiences.
Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy
"The unconscious mind is decidedly simple, unaffected, straightforward and honest. It hasn’t got all of this facade, this veneer of what we call adult culture. It’s rather simple, rather childish It is direct and free."
—Milton Erickson
Hypnosis is a powerful therapeutic and energetic tool that is often misunderstood. It is not a stage show, but a treatment intervention that involves relaxation and concentration to access a unique state of consciousness. Hypnotherapy combines traditional psychotherapy with this hypnotic state of consciousness. Hypnotherapy accesses the subconscious brain, where your roots have grown and have been neglected to be seen. Understanding and resolving your conflicts on the very deepest levels offers hope. Hypnotherapy may also allow for revelations from your inner child and past lives. During hypnotherapy, you will never be asleep or unconscious. You will always be able to hear my voice, know where you are, remember our session, and speak when you want. You will be able to converse with me and even hear sounds in the room. I will never be in control of your mind.
Featured Posts
A grounded look at the terms people search, and what they actually mean in real therapy. Written from the perspective of a Cleveland-based trauma therapist.
Part 1, Beyond Buzzwords: What Healing Really Means in Trauma Therapy
These words are everywhere: healing, trauma-informed, holistic, shadow work, inner child work. This reflection gently restores their depth and brings the focus back to what healing actually asks of us over time. Read Part 1 →
Part 2, Quick Fixes vs. Continuity: Why Care Matters in Trauma Therapy
In a culture drawn to instant relief, quick fixes can feel appealing. This reflection explores why continuity, pacing, and relational care matter in trauma therapy, and why healing is rarely a one-time event. Read Part 2 →
session options
I offer therapy in person in Rocky River, Ohio, and through secure telehealth for clients across Ohio. This flexibility allows you to choose the environment that feels most supportive for your healing.
Your Investment
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30-Minute Consultation
A supportive space to connect, ask questions, and explore whether this therapeutic approach feels right for you.
Cost: Free -
90-Minute Intake Assessment
A comprehensive trauma-informed assessment that helps us understand your history, needs, and goals so we can create a grounded plan for your care.
Cost: $225 -
55-Minute Therapy Session
Ongoing therapy rooted in nervous system regulation, EMDR, somatics, mindfulness, and a heart-centered approach tailored to your healing.
Cost: $150
This investment in yourself takes time, money, courage and a willingness to embrace growth through discomfort.
If you have capacity for this type of soul work and feel your ride is now, we just may be the right fit for one another.
I’ve made a deliberate choice not to accept insurance. By opting out of insurance, I am able to provide you with holistic, authentic, and intuitive approaches that invite genuine progress and growth.
Out of network benefits may cover your sessions. When requested, I will provide you a superbill (aka receipt) you can provide to your insurance company through out of network coverage. There is no guarantee you will be eligible for reimbursement. Please reach out to your insurance company for further questions regarding out of network benefits.
More notes from within.
These writings reflect my therapeutic approach and the values that guide my work. Topics include trauma-informed care, nervous system regulation, and the importance of steady, relational healing over time.
