You Can Heal From Trauma

We specialize in the treatment of trauma, complex trauma (C-PTSD), and dissociation.

 

 

 

Traumatic experiences leave a legacy in our bodies and minds. They have pervasive effects on one’s nervous system, relationships and a sense of self in the world. They disrupt our capacity to experience a sense of safety, integrity, and of connection. We believe that by co-creating the right treatment and support, each person has a tremendous capacity to heal.

The effects of trauma can be complex and pervasive.

 

 

 

Yet, with informed treatment and support, we fall have the potential to heal. A large growing body of research into neurobiology of attachment and trauma informs our treatment strategies. Effective treatment requires the integration of relationship, developmental, and body-centered approaches.

Treatment Philosophy

 

 

The goal of trauma-informed treatment is not simply the avoidance of invasive symptoms or being able to talk about traumatic events in a particular kind of way, but being able to live a life in the present with creativity, vitality, inner peace and connection.

Kristin Thompson
Counselor

About

My primary goal in doing psychotherapy is for my clients to have more choices and spontaneity in their lives as well as greater satisfaction. I want to help alleviate suffering, whether generated from past traumatizing experiences or from current experiences. I believe that we all have many answers and great potential inside us, but often are blocked from accessing our own wisdom so that we only function on a modest amount of our potential. It gives me great joy to help my clients find their own answers and discover problem-solving abilities.

Background

Kristin Thompson, MA, LPC, NCC is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and owner of Restorative Trauma Therapy.

Masters of Arts (2017): Major in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and holds Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification.

Licensed professional counselor with 5+ years of experience working with individuals overcoming complex trauma.

Specializes in trauma over the spectrum, including sexual assault, domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, physical and emotional abuse, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Getting Started

The Cost of Therapy

I am an out-of-network provider, which means that you pay for counseling and seek reimbursement from your insurance carrier. Many insurance companies give out-of-network reimbursements for mental health services. Most of my clients get partial or full reimbursement, but I always suggest you check with your insurance carrier.

Initial Counseling Intake (50 minutes) $200

Individual Session  (50-minutes) $175

No show/cancellation within 24 hours $175

Seeking Safety Empowerment Group (8 weeks, 2 hours a week) $50/session

100% Confidential

I take your confidentiality very seriously! Confidentiality is a respected part of our code of ethics. I understand that for you to feel comfortable talking about private and revealing information, you need a safe place to talk, without fear of that information leaving the room.

Therapy is a private journey between you and your therapist. In some specific situations, I am required to share information without your written consent. I will only break confidentiality in the following situations:

  • If you may be an immediate danger to yourself or others
  • If you are endangering a population that cannot protect itself, such as the case of child or elder abuse
  • As required by federal or state laws

Laws are also in place to protect your privacy. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) contains a privacy rule that creates national standards to protect your medical records and personal health information, including information about psychotherapy and mental health.

At your first visit, we will discuss confidentiality in more detail and you’ll be provided written information explaining privacy policies and how your personal information will be handled. I would love to tell you more if you have questions.

Finding the Right Fit

I may not be right for everyone, yeah, you heard me say it! The truth is, no therapist can help everyone, with every problem out there. It is our ethical responsibility to admit when we’re outside of our expertise and recognize when another therapist could be of better service to you.

Healing cannot occur without trust and understanding. It takes time, period. For most, sharing your whole self with another person can be scary and can make us feel vulnerable. Building our therapeutic relationship will be our first goal together and I will not rush you in this process.

I believe that YOU are the expert in your life. I will look to you to help me understand your experiences, get you know who you are,  and what brings you into therapy. Together we will address what is really the matter and what needs to change for you to feel better. Once we have a shared understanding we will create a “wish list” or goals you hope to achieve during our time together.

The choice is ultimately yours! Just like your primary care physician, dentist, or optometrist, you get to decide if the therapist is right for you!

My Approach

Mindfulness

Mindfulness helps to increase your moment-to-moment awareness of feelings, thoughts and body sensations as well as an awareness of the environment and our surroundings.  Mindfulness practice includes the observation of our feelings, emotions and sensations, a non-judgmental presence and the awareness of the present moment. Mindfulness uses a combination of guided imagery, breathing techniques, body scans, and meditation. 

CBT

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you understand the connection between your thoughts and feelings and how they influence your behavior. Clients will learn how long-held beliefs create automatic thoughts about ourselves and our lives, gain awareness of the impact of thoughts on our mood, and apply thought awareness to our daily lives to  dispute our unhelpful thoughts. CBT is an evidence-based short-term approach that is highly-effective. CBT is an effective solution for a variety of concerns including Anxiety, Depression, Panic Disorders, PTSD, OCD, Insomnia, and Addictions/Substance Abuse.

EMDR

When a disturbing event occurs, it can get locked in the brain with the same images, sounds, thoughts, feelings and body sensations. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) seems to stimulate the information and allows the brain to process the experience. That may be what is happening in REM or dream sleep. EMDR uses bi-lateral eye movements to help to process the material. EMDR therapy is now one of the most efficient and effective treatments for trauma and allows you to fully heal from your past experiences.