Kim Torrence (she/her/hers)

You manage an incredible amount of responsibility, but there are distressing sensations inside your body signaling impending doom that don't make sense. You know it's not that serious but you can't let go of worry. Your mind is filled with racing thoughts- of the next thing, what could go wrong, or what people think of you. Being constantly on edge takes a toll. You are ready to try new ways of responding to life's stressors so that you can be more present- for the moments of your life.

There are things that are yours, and things passed down, but sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference. Epigenetics show that trauma can be passed down as many as 7 generations. From generation to generation, traditions, beliefs, fears, values, traumas, are often so interwoven in the fabric of one's family, it is as if they are transmitted through osmosis. Somatic therapy can help you decide what you want to keep, and what you want to pass back.

Our early relationships give us a sense of whether or not we are safe and welcomed in the world. Whether or not we are worthy of being treated with kindness, love, and respect. Attachment-informed trauma therapy can help to repair the psychological wounds from childhood, providing relief from cycles of shame, blame, guilt, doubt, and emotional overwhelm. Outcomes of healing these early wounds can include improved health, relationships, and boundaries, and reduced anxiety, stress, and depression.

Sometimes we repeat patterns or behaviors that we don't like, that don't seem to make sense. Whether it's emotional eating, perfectionism or overwork, the struggle feels intractable. We may feel conflicted, like part of us wants to do one thing or be a certain way, while another part of us wants to go the opposite direction. IFS offers a framework for understanding these inner conflicts, and support a return to harmony within that honors the wisdom of your True Self.

We live in a society that does not support embodiment- true connection with the wisdom of the body. As a result we may live disconnected from our bodies, especially when we have experienced trauma or stress. Numbing out, avoiding, overriding the signals of stress, anxiety, trauma reactions from the body, are common best attempts to cope. Somatic therapy offers a bridge between body and mind so that we can heal and release stuck trauma physiology, and return to wholeness.

Our most early relationships shape us. How our needs are met, or not, leave an imprint on our sense of self on a deep, non-verbal level. Our attachment styles are formed by 5 years of age, and we develop core survival strategies to get our needs met in relationships, at the expense of oneself. Therapy can help you heal your relationship with yourself, and reimagine how you'd like to be in relationship with those most important to you.

The impact of difficult early childhood experiences is well documented by the Adverse Childhood Experiences study. Symptoms of developmental trauma are the outcome having learned adaptive survival strategies. Chronic health issues, anxiety, depression, dissatisfying relationships or work issues, perfectionism, stress, a pervading sense of loneliness often point to early trauma. Therapy can help you heal and rediscover yourself, and put in place the boundaries you'd like to have in your life.