Trauma

What comes to mind when you hear the word “trauma?” 

Maybe you think, “that’s not what’s happening to me.” 

You may only associate it with soldiers at war or abuse survivors.

But the truth is, many of us have experienced trauma in one way or another.

You may have endured pain that left deep traces, affecting how you see yourself and the world.

And while these wounds might be downplayed, ignored, or so ingrained you don’t notice them, they are real. And they may be keeping you from savoring your life.

Supporting you and your loved ones to repair emotional wounds.

My name is Niki Parker. I’m a licensed social worker offering online trauma therapy to women, teens, and kids throughout Ohio and Michigan.

I understand the complexity of trauma because I’ve been there. It can be challenging to acknowledge it, make sense of it, or ask for help, especially if trauma has been a constant in your journey. But please know you are not at fault. And you can change your story.

If you are struggling with the fallout of trauma, I’m here to help.

Let’s release the limiting narratives and damaging cycles caused by ongoing or past suffering.

Reach out to book a free consultation and start recovering today.

What Is Trauma?

Trauma refers to emotional wounds experienced after a distressing or unsettling episode (or a series of episodes). Depending on your story, these can vary greatly, from what could be seen as minor to major incidents.

Some of the events that may lead to trauma include:

• Abuse or harassment (physical, emotional, sexual, spiritual)
• Car or motorized vehicle accidents
• Childhood neglect (physical or emotional)
• Criminal attacks
• Discrimination or shame due to religion, race, etc.
• Death of a loved one or loss
• Domestic violence
• Major crises or emergencies
• Medical condition, surgery, or injury
• Military combat
• Unhealthy or problematic long-term relationships
• Witnessing others experiencing trauma or being exposed to traumatic content

Trauma may be unique to each individual—what may cause emotional pain to you may affect others differently. Yet, it can also pass along from one group or generation to the next (also known as intergenerational trauma).

What Is Trauma Therapy?

Trauma therapy is a psychotherapy treatment focused on helping you recover from emotional wounds. You will understand what’s behind your pain and how it affects you from a mind-body-spirit perspective to find a path toward healing.

A mental health professional trained in trauma-informed care will help you process memories, welcome positive beliefs, and develop strategies to reduce your symptoms.

The goal? Restoring safety, grace, and wholeness.

Do I Need Therapy for Trauma?

Trauma impacts your nervous system, causing troubling physical, mental, and emotional consequences (i.e., post-traumatic stress symptoms). If the traumatic event (or chain of events) remains unprocessed, certain things may spark the same upsetting reaction, even if you are entirely safe. 

For example, if a song was playing at the time of an armed robbery, hearing that song again might bring you back to that night regardless of where you are. Your heart may start racing, and you might feel scared and powerless, although you are not in danger anymore.

Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms

• Being on edge or quick to anger
• Constant worries or nerves
• Evading people, places, objects, or situations that remind you of trauma
• Flashbacks or frequent thoughts about trauma
• Hypervigilance
• Irritability and mood swings
• Low energy and motivation
• Nightmares or trouble sleeping
• Shame and low self-worth
• Struggle to remember or talk about trauma

Experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms is common and does not mean you have post-traumatic stress disorder (or PTSD). To be diagnosed with PTSD, you must fit specific criteria, and your symptoms must impair daily functions for at least one month.

If you are grappling with any of these symptoms or believe you might have experienced emotional wounds, trauma therapy can support you.

How Can Therapy Help With Trauma?

Trauma therapy can help you…

Recognize

Trauma can be linked to an intricate web of events that lead to unsettling thoughts, emotions, sensations, and actions.

Therapy allows you to become aware of the seeds of trauma, its connections, and implications in your life without pressuring you to dig deep into what happened. As a trauma therapist, I will gently guide you to understand and manage your pain while protecting your safety.

Reprocess

Trauma typically stems from unresolved incidents. So you may keep reliving them or experiencing debilitating symptoms as a result. 

Through methods like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR therapy), I can help you reprocess wounds without dwelling on them. I will use bilateral stimulation (rhythmic motions like eye movements, tones, taps, and vibrations) to help your brain use its natural healing ability and store the memories accordingly. We will jump from one event to the other, identifying and linking thoughts that have occurred throughout the years and instilling positive beliefs.

Alleviate

Recognizing and reprocessing your pain may bring up some discomfort at first. While this is natural, we will proceed in a compassionate and nonintrusive way, always respecting your pace.

You will develop coping skills to relieve your symptoms and anything that might come up inside and outside therapy. While you will be able to recall the memories involved, the purpose is to do it without distress so you can move forward.

Niki Parker | Online Trauma Therapist in Ohio and Michigan

I’m Niki, a licensed social worker providing online therapy to women, kids, and teens in Ohio and Michigan.

Trauma is one of my focus areas, along with anxiety, depression, women’s issues, spirituality, relationship problems, family challenges, and life transitions.

I use EMDR therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness to help adults and teens reprocess painful memories, discover the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and gain fundamental skills.

I also utilize play therapy to aid children in healing their emotional wounds, breaking damaging generational patterns, and giving them space to blossom.

Whether you want to recover from your turbulent past or ease your child’s pain, I’m here. I will customize treatment to your unique circumstances and validate your experiences, no matter what you or your loved one have been through. This is your place to be, soothe, and grow.

How Online Trauma Therapy Works

Online trauma therapy consists of receiving counseling for trauma via an online platform. You can attend your sessions from anywhere—home, office, school, or other preferred location.

Online therapy is as safe and confidential as in-person therapy, with the perk of zero transportation! I will send you a secure link for our appointments, which you can access from any electronic device like a phone, tablet, or laptop. 

Please ensure you are in a private spot with a strong internet connection. Make yourself comfortable, and feel free to bring your furry companion(s) if you like—they can provide tremendous support during this time.

I’m currently accepting the following insurances: Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna/Evernorth, Optum, United Behavioral Healthcare, Medical Mutual of Ohio, and Paramount.

Trauma may have marked your past. But it doesn’t determine your future.

No matter how long you’ve been suffering, you can weather the storm.

True healing is possible.

Book a free 10-minute consultation to get started.