Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Damariscotta, ME

No matter how stuck we feel in our habitual patterns, however wounded, flawed or ashamed, we are fundamentally designed to be able to heal, repair and grow through safe and warm connection with others. My goal is to be present and attuned, so that you can safely explore your own mind and body experiences that lead to unhelpful, or even harmful, patterns of disconnection, shut down and activation. We will work together to uncover new patterns of response and envision a clear path toward healing and wellness.

Raised in Waldoboro, Maine. Received my doctorate from University of Hartford in CT. I have experience providing therapy and testing/evaluations with children as young as three through the adult age of 90 something. I have specialized training with developmental disabilities and have also worked with individuals struggling to regain control of their life after addiction, divorce, and parental conflict. Most of my clients have a history of trauma and find my therapeutic style comforting. My style meets you where you are at and evolves with the pace YOU are ready for, WHEN you are ready.

Life is a maze of ups and downs, we are taught to push away the downs and "keep moving" without acknowledging our true feelings and needs. Before you know it, fear, anxiety, trauma, depression, self doubt begin to take over and guide our decision making process. Your truth, who you are, and what you want starts to get lost, life becomes exhausting, unsatisfying and lonely. How might it feel to safely explore and validate your emotions and needs? Deepen your understanding of who you are and how you function through exposure to thoughts, feelings and behaviors that take over and create dysfunction in your life.

As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Dr. of East-West Psychology, and Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapist, I offer clients an integrated approach to transforming mind-body conditions that result from chronic stress and trauma. Each Somatic Experiencing session is a journey towards wholeness, awakening your inherent health by restoring nervous system regulation. Since 2018, I have worked closely with Dr. Peter A. Levine and Somatic Experiencing International (SEI) as a Training Assistant and Retreat Director, developing an effective Somatic Experiencing-based retreat protocol for military veterans and the general public.

I work nationally through telehealth & specialize in working with folks to process the traumas they have experienced, creativity in healing, gender & sexual orientation journeys, acute and chronic pain, navigating oppression and discrimination, & life's ups & downs. Through a partnership with you, we will find and travel together your path to wellness. I offer a variety of services including Progressive Counting & Music Therapy. I offer weekly therapy sessions as well as adjunctive therapy focusing just on trauma work and intensive trauma therapy.

As an LCPC, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider, my practice focuses on post traumatic resilience, and healthy habits of mind, body and spirit. Clients are compassionately supported to heal and manage early attachment- and trauma-based influences. Psycho-education on the neurobiology of trauma, strategies to calm trauma-related hyper-arousal and triggering, habit reversal, removal of blocks to personal agency and fulfillment of potential, development of relational life skills such as service, gratitude and connection with nature are all important to holistic healing.

Specializing for over forty years in recovery from trauma, grief/loss, addictive tendencies, and stress-related illnesses, Linda’s life work has been a unique synthesis of somatic therapies (body), developmental psychology (mind), and applied spirituality. Her approach integrates principles of integral, Jungian, and transpersonal psychology, 12 step recovery & evolutionary spirituality. Psychosomatic integration (PSI) sessions deepen subtle body awareness, reduce stress, and invite relaxation. As a PhD candidate Linda is engaged in transpersonal research that addresses recovery from ego and addictive tendencies within culture.

As a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC), I offer a unique collaborative approach to therapy using music, yoga and mindfulness. During our time together, you will find a compassionate setting, free of clichés and platitudes, where you can process the challenges of living with grief, trauma, and other life challenges without the expectation to "move on," "fix,"or "get over" them. We may use songwriting, music listening, improvisation, or a number of other experiences during your session.

I understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help, especially to a complete stranger! If you are reading this, you've probably tried everything you can think of to improve your current situation on your own. My hope is you'll find something in this profile that resonates with you and prompts you to call me. Together, through a trusting therapeutic relationship, we can get to the heart of your issue. Working at your own pace, you'll begin the process of healing, and gain some important tools to keep your life in balance.

I love to work with people who seek support for their desired changes, or are on the search for a fulfilled and balanced life. Other possible topics I am glad to address with you are: dealing with depression or anxiety, coping with stress, life transitions, relationship issues and healing from traumatic experiences. I understand therapy as collaboration and my goal is to assist you in re-accessing or developing your strengths and talents. A good and solid therapeutic relationship is most important to me and I strive to establish a safe and trustful environment.

Throughout my career, I have worked with adults and elders in coping with severe and persistent mental illnesses, anxiety and depression, bipolar d/o, anger, and other struggles. Our focus will be on processing the varied challenges of your life, and identifying effective coping skills, and symptom-reduction strategies. My life has been a lifelong learning experience and it has been a joy being a part of the lives of others. My varied experience includes having worked on a psychiatric inpatient unit for 5 years and in various community mental health settings for the last 32 years.

In the adult client, I especially enjoy witnessing one's ability to reject ineffective patterns of thinking in order to reach and sustain personal growth. Facing what we find to recognize either by internal or external forces that needs correction, is the first step in the process of effecting change. In adolescents, a shift to effect change can be a bit more challenging but no fault of theirs. Helping clients to navigate the life courses; expected and unexpected can be an exciting process to experience.

Therapy provides an opportunity to be empathically heard, to gain insight into thoughts and behaviors, to identify and practice healthy coping skills and to cultivate growth and resilience in a safe and welcoming atmosphere. I offer a trauma-informed approach for a variety of client needs, utilizing traditional psychotherapy and other techniques such as EMDR, play therapy, guided imagery therapy, biofield tuning and other somatic tools to promote healing and wellness.

We all struggle at times in our lives. Perhaps the root of that suffering is clear: a loss, a trauma, a life transition, or an illness. Sometimes the suffering is known; we know we feel anxious or depressed, but we are unsure of the cause. Perhaps we know in our hearts we are repeating patterns in relationships, work, behaviors or lifestyle that no longer serve us, yet we can't quite get unstuck. As a psychotherapist I guide my clients in a collaborative way to a place of connection, understanding, integration and growth.

My caseload is currently full. I would consider myself to be a warm, creative and compassionate therapist who works with children, adults and families. I enjoy working in collaborative relationships with my clients to help them gain a better understanding of their struggles and to enhance already-existing strengths while developing new skills to meet their goals.