Specialties

As our understanding of mental health grows, our appreciation of trauma's impact on an individual also grows. PTSD has become a well-known disorder that is often portrayed in movies and other forms of media. The increased awareness of mental health disorders and the de-stigmatization of seeking services are an important part of our growth

As our understanding of mental health grows, our appreciation of trauma's impact on an individual also grows. PTSD has become a well-known disorder that is often portrayed in movies and other forms of media. The increased awareness of mental health disorders and the de-stigmatization of seeking services are an important part of our growth as a society. Unfortunately, PTSD is also often misrepresented in these types of media. 

PTSD is a complex disorder that has many symptoms and presentations beyond just flashbacks, hypervigilance, and sleep disturbances. A critical component to effective treatment is not only an accurate diagnosis but also an empirically supported treatment plan that is carefully implemented in a non-traumatizing manner. One of the most common reasons that an individual with PTSD stops seeking treatment is that the treatment methods used are not intended for trauma processing and can even be re-traumatizing. 

All of the therapeutic approaches utilized at our practice are the most up-to-date, empirically supported methods for working with trauma, and I will partner with you as an individual to help you achieve the emotional and physical relief that you are seeking. If you think you may be suffering from PTSD, please contact us for a consultation. 

Have you ever driven home and realized you don’t remember the drive? What about being in a class or at a meeting at work, but you don’t remember any of it because your mind had drifted off somewhere else? These are examples of dissociation; in many cases, this type of dissociation is common, normal, and healthy. The human brain's ability 

Have you ever driven home and realized you don’t remember the drive? What about being in a class or at a meeting at work, but you don’t remember any of it because your mind had drifted off somewhere else? These are examples of dissociation; in many cases, this type of dissociation is common, normal, and healthy. The human brain's ability to shift focus from the present allows us to be resilient, creative, and innovative. Some people, however, may experience this type of disconnection frequently, unwillingly, and often inconveniently. 

Dissociation is often a protective response to trauma, and the symptoms of dissociation after a traumatic event can last hours, days, months, or even years. The largest challenge with dissociative symptoms is that they are often misdiagnosed, resulting in ineffective treatment and medication management plans. Paws2Heal is dedicated to helping clients with dissociative disorders get appropriately identified and understood and collaborating with them to establish an effective and appropriate treatment plan that best suits their needs. 

Anxiety and depression are two of the most commonly experienced mental health conditions, and symptoms can vary from mild to severe. No matter the level of distress you are experiencing, anxiety and depression are just that – distressing! Understanding the underlying causes of anxiety or depression, learning the physiological reasons why 

Anxiety and depression are two of the most commonly experienced mental health conditions, and symptoms can vary from mild to severe. No matter the level of distress you are experiencing, anxiety and depression are just that – distressing! Understanding the underlying causes of anxiety or depression, learning the physiological reasons why we experience such symptoms, and exploring both natural and chemical forms of treatment can go a long way in improving your comfort and quality of life. If you have suffered from either anxiety or depression and want to explore your symptoms further, please contact us to get more information. 

Mood and personality disorders are some of the most stigmatized and misrepresented disorders in mental health. Because of this, a mood or personality disorder diagnosis can be scary, embarrassing, or even enraging. Like any label, these disorders are a form of communication; an individual is always more than their label. 

If you have been 

Mood and personality disorders are some of the most stigmatized and misrepresented disorders in mental health. Because of this, a mood or personality disorder diagnosis can be scary, embarrassing, or even enraging. Like any label, these disorders are a form of communication; an individual is always more than their label. 

If you have been diagnosed with a mood or personality disorder, it is important to work with a professional who can help you understand what that means, how it impacts you, and how you can become empowered to cope with the symptoms associated with the diagnosis. At Paws2Heal, we incorporate a Trauma-Informed Approach to create a collaborative therapeutic environment, and together, we will explore how your symptoms are shaped by your experiences and how you can become empowered to change them. 

Substance use disorders are often portrayed in movies, social media, and popular culture as a moral failing, a lack of willpower, or something that only affects “certain kinds of people.” In reality, addiction is a complex mental health condition that can affect anyone, and it is often deeply connected to trauma, stress, grief, chronic p

Substance use disorders are often portrayed in movies, social media, and popular culture as a moral failing, a lack of willpower, or something that only affects “certain kinds of people.” In reality, addiction is a complex mental health condition that can affect anyone, and it is often deeply connected to trauma, stress, grief, chronic pain, anxiety, and unmet emotional needs.

Addiction is not just about the substance itself. It is often a coping strategy that the brain and body have learned in order to survive overwhelming experiences. Many people struggling with substance use feel intense shame, fear of judgment, and a belief that they should be able to “just stop.” This shame can keep people stuck, isolated, and hesitant to seek support. Unfortunately, one of the most common reasons individuals discontinue treatment is that they feel blamed, misunderstood, or pressured into approaches that do not address the root of the behavior.

At Paws2Heal, we approach addiction through a trauma-informed, evidence-based lens. Treatment is collaborative, non-shaming, and tailored to your goals, whether you are seeking sobriety, harm reduction, relapse prevention support, or a deeper understanding of your relationship with substances. Together, we will explore what your substance use has been trying to do for you, what you actually need underneath it, and how to build safer coping strategies that help you regain control and stability.

If you think you may be struggling with addiction or substance use, please contact us for a consultation.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects many people and is often misunderstood, minimized, or dismissed—even by medical professionals. OCD can present in six different forms and with varying levels of intensity. The absence of visible or outward behaviors does not mean the condition is any less real or distressing; many individuals e

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects many people and is often misunderstood, minimized, or dismissed—even by medical professionals. OCD can present in six different forms and with varying levels of intensity. The absence of visible or outward behaviors does not mean the condition is any less real or distressing; many individuals experience significant internal suffering that goes unseen.

At Paws2Heal, we take a trauma-focused approach to understanding and treating OCD. By integrating neuroscience—helping you understand your physiology and the internal drivers of the OCD experience—with the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, which explores the purpose behind symptoms and behaviors, we support clients in developing greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and a stronger sense of agency over their symptoms.

Animal Assisted Therapy is available for any individual who is interested. We currently have a therapy dog-in-training, Ripley, at the practice, who is present to join any session upon request. For individuals who are not comfortable with animals, we have a safe, comfortable location for the animals to relax unseen throughout sessions. We

Animal Assisted Therapy is available for any individual who is interested. We currently have a therapy dog-in-training, Ripley, at the practice, who is present to join any session upon request. For individuals who are not comfortable with animals, we have a safe, comfortable location for the animals to relax unseen throughout sessions. We are still in our infancy regarding our understanding of the benefits of therapy animals, but studies indicate that just the presence of a dog significantly reduces cortisol (stress hormones) levels in individuals. Petting a cat, or watching fish swim, can have similar effects. Therapy animals have been shown to increase feelings of comfort and safety throughout therapy sessions, creating a neurobiological shift that enhances the therapeutic process. Paws2Heal is dedicated to assisting clients in establishing animal-related connections in various ways; ask your provider what options might be available for you! 

Trauma Informed Care is a therapeutic method that emphasizes the human body's natural strengths and biological processes. Have you ever suffered from anxiety and depression? Perhaps you experience flashbacks, nightmares, or a feeling of being disconnected. Do you have difficulty focusing or experience extreme mood changes? These are just 

Trauma Informed Care is a therapeutic method that emphasizes the human body's natural strengths and biological processes. Have you ever suffered from anxiety and depression? Perhaps you experience flashbacks, nightmares, or a feeling of being disconnected. Do you have difficulty focusing or experience extreme mood changes? These are just a few examples of how past experiences can impact our lives. Trauma-informed care explores symptoms from a biological and physiological lens, allowing an increased understanding of what your symptoms mean and why your body may be reacting a certain way. Whether you are struggling with past traumas, PTSD, or current stressors in your life, utilizing the Trauma Informed Care approach, we will work together to alleviate your symptoms and empower you to feel in control of your life once again. 

Do you know what the most important component to successful healing in therapy is? You. The human body is amazingly designed with all the tools needed to heal itself, but sometimes it needs a little assistance to access those tools. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the empirically supported techniques that ca

Do you know what the most important component to successful healing in therapy is? You. The human body is amazingly designed with all the tools needed to heal itself, but sometimes it needs a little assistance to access those tools. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the empirically supported techniques that can be used to help your brain do what it does best: heal. Incorporating eye movements, or other bilateral stimulation, combined with guided therapy, establishes a dual awareness that has been shown to create new, healthy neuropathways. EMDR combines our understanding of the body’s natural physiological and neurobiological responses to assist clients in healing past wounds, establishing new ways of thinking, overcoming phobias, and much more. Ask your clinician about EMDR and what techniques might be right for you. 

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a collaborative, non-threatening approach to exploring yourself from a unique lens. It is considered one of the leading treatments for working with trauma, and its unique structure allows you as the client to be fully in charge of the pace and direction of each therapy session. IFS is a fluid and flexible 

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a collaborative, non-threatening approach to exploring yourself from a unique lens. It is considered one of the leading treatments for working with trauma, and its unique structure allows you as the client to be fully in charge of the pace and direction of each therapy session. IFS is a fluid and flexible approach to therapy, which allows this therapy to be a stand-alone approach or to complement any other chosen modality, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Ask about this therapeutic approach and how it will help you get to know yourself from a unique and restorative perspective. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the first empirically supported therapeutic approaches to help reduce the intrusive symptoms associated with trauma and other mental health challenges. Effective and efficient, this approach will help you learn skills to control your own life and help you transition progress made in therapy fro

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the first empirically supported therapeutic approaches to help reduce the intrusive symptoms associated with trauma and other mental health challenges. Effective and efficient, this approach will help you learn skills to control your own life and help you transition progress made in therapy from the session to your everyday life. Therapy is not beneficial if you cannot see the positive effects outside of the sessions and develop skills that will allow those positive effects to be sustainable. Collaboratively with your clinician, the CBT approach will complement other modalities and will help you develop the tools to sustain progress throughout your life.