How do you work with clients with trauma and PTSD?

Childhood trauma occurs when we experience or witness negative events we aren’t prepared for or don’t have support in recovering from. This might look like physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, substance abuse by a parent or other adult, witnessing violence or abuse toward someone else in the home, or not having our basic physical and emotional needs met. Growing up with trauma or toxic family dynamics makes us more likely to experience stress and anxiety later in our lives. Survivors of such situations are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses, have difficulty with attention spans, struggle with academic or professional performance, and have difficulty coping with stress. There is a ton of healing that is done just by telling our story. Often we see symptoms reduce significantly after getting it off our chests. Realizing you’re not alone also helps, and knowing that others who have experienced what you have experienced have healed lets us know it can be done. Working to process trauma includes looking at the common effects, relationship dynamics, and behavioral patterns we often see in those that have undergone trauma. We work to realize it's not what's wrong with you, but what happened to you. In addition, processing trauma includes identifying and interrupting triggers and planning a course of action to set new patterns and behaviors in place.

Now scheduling in person and telehealth sessions. Help is available for symptoms of anxiety and depression, working through past trauma, managing perfectionism, improving communication with others, relationship concerns, navigating workplace dynamics and more. We specialize in complex trauma/CPTSD.

My focus with trauma and PTSD is to help you regain a sense of control in your life.  You will learn to identify triggers that make you feel unsafe and I will then work to help you: Learn skills to manage your symptoms; Reframe how you look at your self and others; Develop coping tools that can be used to reduce your fear and/or anxiety, in the moment, when feeling unsafe, threatened or fearful.   

My name is Val Warne.  I live in Northern Michigan, am married and have 2 grown daughters.  I love the outdoors, nature and the slower pace of life this area offers. I have been a therapist for over 30 years and have worked in both the public and private sector.  I spent 10 years working with teens transitioning from high school to college, trade school or the work force and 18 years with the VA where I worked with disabled veterans transitioning back to civilian life and employment.  I also worked for several years in a private, out patient, rehabilitation facility that focused on closed head injury. I have had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of populations over the years and have developed a broad and diverse range of skill sets as a result.  I am vested and committed to helping you in your journey to healing.

Everything stems from trauma, especially early childhood trauma. I am not licensed in all trauma yet,  however my specialty is grief, miscarriages  & post abortion trauma.

I am a learner, INFJ, communicator kind, caring, fun, spur of the moment, empathic, great listener, whose friends don’t believe I am an introvert. I am obsessed with fall, rain, thunder, lightning & snow storms! I can life coach in all states.

Trauma can show up in countless ways, impacting our minds, bodies, and overall lives. With ten years of experience working with individuals affected by various forms of trauma, including PTSD and Complex-PTSD, I take a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes harm reduction. I personalize my approach for each person, but I’ve found that combining trauma-informed somatic experiencing, Internal Family Systems interventions, and creative arts can be particularly effective in supporting healing.

I’m so glad you’ve found your way here! You can call me Mckenna or Kenna (they/them). I identify as Queer, neurodivergent, a “spoonie”, and was raised on the unceded land of the Duwamish people, now known as Seattle. As an ally to those with marginalized identities, I’m grounded in the belief that our collective liberation is interconnected. I recognize how structural harms shape our experiences and healing journeys, and I’m committed to creating an inclusive, gender-affirming, sex-positive space rooted in Health at Every Size, and beyond. My work blends Liberation Psychology and Feminist Theory, striving to be authentic, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive. I hold a MA from Antioch University Seattle, trained in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy and am currently accepting new clients at Playful Minds Counseling. I have experience providing LGBTQIA2S+ and neurodivergent-affirming care to teens and young adults navigating their sexual orientation and gender exploration, life transitions, family dynamics (particularly for children of immigrants and third culture individuals), disability & chronic illness, trauma/PTSD/C-PTSD, and suicidal ideation. I believe in the healing power of the creative arts and will introduce you to art therapy. Whether or not we incorporate art in our work together, creativity can show up in many ways, and I look forward to exploring that with you.

I approach trauma and PTSD with deep respect for each person’s story. My goal is to create a safe, steady space where healing can begin—without pressure or judgment. I use trauma-informed care principles to help clients feel grounded and in control, while exploring symptoms like hypervigilance, flashbacks, or emotional numbness. Treatment may include medication management, psychoeducation, and tools to regulate the nervous system. I work at your pace, supporting you in processing trauma, rebuilding trust in yourself, and moving toward greater peace and stability.

Annette is a compassionate and dedicated member of the Hope in Motion team. She brings a calm, supportive presence and a strong commitment to helping clients feel seen, heard, and cared for. With a background in [insert relevant experience—admin support, clinical coordination, wellness coaching, etc.], Annette helps ensure that every client’s experience is smooth, respectful, and personalized. She’s passionate about mental health access and believes in meeting people where they are—with empathy, patience, and integrity.

If trauma is not addressed, it can impact your relationships and health. However, the goal is to improve the quality of your life. Not everyone who has been traumatized is going to benefit from working with trauma memories.

Crisis is an opportunity for growth. With the COVID Pandemic, there is an option for mental and physical transformation. Change is possible. Working collaboratively, we develop a plan to meet your needs. My specialities include trauma, depression, anxiety, and communication.

Trauma processing is crucial because unresolved trauma can deeply impact every aspect of a person's life, often in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. When trauma isn’t processed, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, chronic stress, or even physical symptoms, and it can keep people stuck in unhealthy patterns or relationships. Processing trauma allows individuals to face painful experiences in a safe environment, make sense of them, and begin to heal. This healing helps release the emotional and psychological burden, improving mental well-being, relationships, and the ability to fully engage in life without being held back by past pain.

As a mental health counselor, I am dedicated to supporting individuals and families through life’s most challenging moments. With a compassionate, client-centered approach, I specialize in helping those navigating complex family dynamics, significant life transitions, and personal growth. Whether you’re managing stress, anxiety, trauma, or adjusting to major changes like retirement or career shifts, my goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore your emotions, gain insight, and build resilience. Together, we’ll work towards healing and achieving lasting emotional well-being.

Dealing with traumatic events can be difficult and challenging at times. In some cases, the person might not ever feel free of their experiences. However, using the core principles of trauma focused therapy, the client will begin to feel much better. 

I really enjoy working in the mental health field. I am passionate about helping others on their mental health journey. I use multiple modalities in my approach with clients. I believe in order for a client to reach their goals they must have a strong therapeutic alliance with their therapist. I always strive to make sure my clients feel welcomed, understood, heard and respected.
I have experience with the following disorders: Life Challenges Depression/Mood Brief Psychotic Anxiety OCD and Traumatic Stress Disorders. I encourage to reach out via email or phone to set up a time to talk. 

Trauma processing is very important when you allowing the client to guide the speed without feeling they have to get it all out instantly in one sitting . Allowing the client to process the steps at a healthy speed with acknowledgement , process and moving forward .

I have been working in Mental health for 8 years with a diverse population . I enjoy bringing change , encouragement and balance to those struggling

How I Work with Clients with Trauma and PTSD When working with trauma and PTSD, my primary focus is creating a safe, supportive environment where you feel in control of your healing process. Trauma impacts the brain and body in ways that can make daily life feel overwhelming, but therapy can help you regain a sense of stability, process painful memories, and build resilience.  What Help Looks Like I use evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs, including: • Trauma-Informed Therapy: Ensuring that sessions feel safe and empowering rather than re-traumatizing. • Somatic Awareness & Regulation: Helping you recognize and manage the ways trauma affects your body (e.g., anxiety, hypervigilance, dissociation). • Cognitive Processing & Reframing: Identifying unhelpful thoughts and beliefs shaped by trauma and replacing them with healthier perspectives. •  EMDR (if applicable) or Exposure Therapy: Gradual, guided processing of traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity. • Building Coping Strategies: Developing tools to manage triggers, flashbacks, and emotional distress in a way that allows you to function more freely in daily life. What Clients Should Know • You Are in Control: We move at your pace—there’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready for. •  Healing Takes Time: Trauma work can be difficult, but it leads to real, lasting change. Small steps matter. • You Are Not Alone: PTSD and trauma responses are normal reactions to overwhelming experiences. Therapy helps you understand and reshape these responses so they no longer control you. The goal of trauma therapy isn’t just to “talk about” the past—it’s to help you feel safer in your own mind and body so you can move forward with strength and confidence.

As a licensed trauma therapist, I am dedicated to helping you navigate the challenges of trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where we can work together to understand and rewire trauma responses that may be holding you back. By integrating evidence-based techniques, I help clients build resilience, improve emotional regulation, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Through our work, you can expect to gain deeper self-awareness, enhance your ability to manage stress, and improve your relationships and overall well-being. I am committed to supporting your journey toward healing, empowering you to shift unhelpful thought patterns, and maximizing your personal and professional growth. You don’t have to navigate this alone—together, we can create meaningful and lasting change in your life.