Trauma can be one event that overwhelms the defensive structure or a series of what are called "small t traumas," which are smaller events that accumulate over time but which cause a similar response in the nervous system.  Most of us have experienced one or the other or both, in that there are events that have overwhelmed us to the extent that we are unable to process them as we do other experiences. 

I stumbled upon my specialization in trauma accidentally.  While in graduate school, I developed a personal interest in yoga.  As my interest evolved into a formal pursuit, I became aware of research on trauma sensitive yoga and the body as a vehicle for accessing trauma.  After spending my early career with a highly traumatized population, I realized I had a responsibility to my patients to investigate more contemporary techniques.  I thus became certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and IFS (Internal Family Systems).  These evidence-based therapies have incredible success in healing traumas, and it is my honor to bring them to the people I work with.