Specializing in Post-Mormon Adjustment, Trauma, and Adult ADHD
Post-Mormon Adjustment
Most people really don't understand how earth-shattering and life-altering leaving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) can be. Whatever you're feeling or thinking right now, I promise you are not alone. You are not going "crazy." Everything you thought you knew about... well, EVERYTHING is now in question. Who am I? What is the meaning of life? What do I DO now? The answers to these questions deserve to be reckoned with. Together we can process the grief of losing your faith and work to heal the trauma of being deeply betrayed by an institution you trusted.
You don't have to carry this burden on your own anymore. I have created a safe space for you to talk about all the complicated thoughts and messy emotions that come with leaving/questioning the church. I will listen to it all. There is a lot to unpack. I know, because I've been there myself. I won't tell you how to think or feel. I believe that all of your thoughts and feelings are there for a good reason and I would be honored to hear your story and truly understand you. Through this process of unpacking and processing your thoughts and feelings, I will help you uncover what's authentically YOU. We will grapple with how the church shaped your identity and groomed you to question and suppress your authentic self. And then I will gently guide you in strengthening your connection to your innermost self.
Trauma & PTSD
Whatever happened, you survived. And I'm so glad you're here.
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When we survive traumatic experiences, it is encoded into our nervous system and manifests in both our brain and our bodies. You may notice feeling intense emotions at reminders of the event that you wish would just go away. Or you may notice that you "numb out" or "dissociate" to escape or cope.
As a therapist I always use a trauma-informed, relational approach that puts you in the driver's seat. We will go at your pace. My number one goal is to increase how safe you feel in your mind and body so you are free to build the life you dream of and feel confident being your true, authentic self.
You deserve to heal. Choosing a therapist that you feel comfortable with is critical to healing traumatic wounds. Please reach out for a free consultation to see if I may be a good fit for you.
Adult ADHD
ADHD is not something you just "grow out of." It's a legitimate, structural brain difference that can make it impossible to do the things you KNOW you are capable of.
You are not stupid. You are not lazy. You are not careless. Whatever is going on right now, I know you are doing your absolute best. Together we can review how your unique experience of ADHD is currently impacting your life and design a lifestyle that harnesses your strengths so you can achieve your goals.
I am open to discussing all of your treatment options, including medication. I would be happy to work alongside you and your doctor to find the perfect meds for your brain. If medication is not your thing, you got it! If you're unsure, let's talk about it! I work collaboratively with my clients so you feel empowered in making the choices that are best for you.
Thriving After Mormonism Group Therapy
There are others just like you who are struggling to adjust to life after leaving the LDS church.
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As a member of the church, your entire life and identity WAS being Mormon. When you leave, you face the daunting task of rebuilding your life and identity, often with little to no support from still-believing family and friends.
The Thriving After Mormonism Group provides a therapeutic space for former Mormons to process the various mental, emotional, spiritual, and interpersonal challenges that follow leaving. Everyone in the group are fellow former Mormons who are struggling with the same transition, so you don't have to explain a bunch of doctrine before getting to the meat of what's going on for you. Everyone here gets it.
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There is life beyond this church. Let's get there together.
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Reach out today to find out more and to reserve your spot in our upcoming group.
EMDR
Whether you survived a single-incident trauma or many traumatic experiences over the course of your life, you might find that the memories of those traumas continue to disturb you even many years later.
Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a unique, evidence-based approach to healing these traumatic imprints on the nervous system. EMDR works by using bilateral stimulation to activate the brain's natural healing mechanisms, allowing the brain to reprocess traumatic memories so that they lose their emotional charge. Clients who have experienced EMDR are often amazed at how quickly the process can work.
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I would be happy to discuss how EMDR may help you. Call today for a free consultation.
Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS)
Are you struggling to "move on" from painful religious experiences? You are not alone.
It is traumatic to be betrayed by an institution you trusted and dedicated your life to. RTS results from the trauma of being immersed in a culture that instills fear and obedience in its members, an oppressive environment that manipulates its members into doubting their own senses and unquestionably adopting doctrine-as-truth from leaders. When you leave, you are left with a disturbing lack of identity and ability to think for yourself.
Some common symptoms of RTS are listed below. Have you been struggling with:
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Confusion, decision making, critical thinking, dissociation, or identity confusion?
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Anxiety, panic attacks, depression, suicidal ideation, anger, grief, guilt, loneliness, and lack of meaning?
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Sleep and eating disorders, nightmares, sexual dysfunction, substance abuse, and somatic symptoms (unexplained physical symptoms that may be related to emotional pain)?
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Social issues like making and keeping friendships, getting and maintaining a job, and navigating family relationships?
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It takes so much strength to leave. Let's work together to process and heal from what happened so you are free to be your true self and live your best life.