Hi! I'm Sarah. Let's Transform Your Story Together
I believe that the healing process is about reclaiming your true self—free from the weight of past experiences and trauma.
If you’ve been carrying the weight of complex or developmental trauma, I want you to know: freedom from the past isn’t just possible—it’s your birthright.
In Chinese, the word for “crisis” (wēi jī, 危机) carries a dual meaning: danger and opportunity. This embodies how I see this work. The things you’ve been running from—the messy parts, the missteps, the pieces you struggle to accept? None of that means you’re broken. They exist alongside an invitation—to grow, to heal, to come back to yourself, unburdened.
Specializing in Getting to the Root of the Stuff That No Longer Works
Attachment Issues
For those of us with developmental trauma, forming healthy, secure attachments can feel daunting or impossible. Do you have difficulty trusting others or a deep-rooted fear of abandonment? Do you tend to pick the wrong type of partner? You may have a history of chaotic relationships or lack of healthy intimacy with those with whom you are romantically involved. These challenges are often deeply rooted in early experiences with caregivers.
Emotional Dysregulation
On the surface, emotional dysregulation looks like intense, unpredictable emotions including difficulties in managing anger, sadness, or anxiety. This can show up day-to-day as outbursts or emotional shutdowns, reactions which make our social, professional and personal lives extra complicated. These reactions often stem from the nervous system being overstimulated or underdeveloped from repeated trauma exposure.
Negative Self Concept
Do you struggle accepting yourself or feel mystified by the concept of self love? Many people with complex trauma internalize a negative self-image, often viewing themselves as unworthy or flawed. This can lead to persistent feelings of shame, guilt, and self-hate. These beliefs are often formed during developmental years when we are tasked with shaping our unique sense of identity.
Substance Use Issues
It's not uncommon to use substances as a way to cope with emotional pain, numb trauma-related feelings, or self-medicate anxiety and depression. Substance use can serve as a temporary escape from intrusive memories, hypervigilance, and emotional dysregulation. Over time, this can lead to addiction, complicating the healing process and creating further emotional and physical distress.
Anxiety
A key feature of complex trauma is the persistent state of alertness. You may feel always "on edge" ready and waiting in anticipation of some unknown danger. This can manifest as difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, or a heightened startle response. You may feel constantly "on guard" due to the overwhelming threat they experienced during traumatic events, even when you're in a safe environment.
Depression & Hopelessness
Would you describe yourself as holding a deep sense of emptiness, as though something fundamental is missing from your life? This can manifest as a lack of motivation, depression, or a feeling of being stuck. Over time, these feelings of hopelessness may perpetuate self-destructive behaviors, such as isolation or impulsivity, and interfere with efforts to engage in meaningful activities or relationships.