My Approach

Scrabble tiles spelling out “mental health” on a wooden surface, symbolizing support and healing through trauma therapy in Salt Lake City.

My Approach to Trauma Therapy in Salt Lake City

Moving beyond survival mode with EMDR, somatic therapy, and nervous system healing

At Salty Counseling, I help high-achieving women and queer folks break free from anxiety, burnout, and the lingering effects of trauma.

You’ve spent years holding it all together—pushing through stress, silencing your needs, and doing everything “right” on the outside. But inside, you feel exhausted, anxious, and stuck in patterns that won’t let go.

It’s not because you’re weak. It’s because your nervous system has been in survival mode for far too long.

Here, you’ll find a different approach. One that works with your body and mind to heal trauma at its root—so you can stop coping and start living.

Why Traditional Talk Therapy Might Not Be Enough

For many of my clients, this isn’t their first time in therapy. They’ve:

  • Spent years analyzing their patterns, but still feel stuck

  • Tried mindfulness apps and self-help books without lasting change

  • Learned coping skills but feel like they’re “just managing” instead of thriving

The truth is, trauma isn’t stored in your thoughts—it’s stored in your nervous system. No amount of logic can convince your body that it’s safe.

That’s why my approach integrates EMDR, somatic therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and parts work to help your brain and body release survival patterns and build a felt sense of safety.

Learn more about EMDR Therapy in Salt Lake City.

Woman with brown curly hair sitting in a yoga pose on the beach, gazing at the ocean, symbolizing calm and reflection during trauma therapy in Salt Lake City.

How Trauma Impacts Your Nervous System

When you’ve lived through overwhelming experiences—whether a single event or ongoing stress—your nervous system adapts to keep you safe. You might notice:

  • Chronic anxiety and racing thoughts that won’t quiet down

  • Perfectionism and people-pleasing as ways to avoid conflict

  • Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from your body

  • Trouble relaxing, sleeping, or feeling “at home” in your own skin

  • Physical symptoms like tension, headaches, or gut issues

These are not character flaws. They’re survival strategies. While they once helped you cope, they may now keep you from feeling fully alive.

My Holistic Approach to Healing

A nervous system-based path to deep, lasting change

At Salty Counseling, I specialize in:

My holistic approach combines evidence-based techniques with compassionate, trauma-informed care.

Trauma Therapy: Healing at the Root

Trauma isn’t just a memory—it’s held in your nervous system. Together, we’ll work to:

  • Process painful experiences using EMDR without reliving them

  • Understand how trauma shaped survival patterns like hypervigilance or people-pleasing

  • Release emotional and physical weight stored in your body

  • Build a felt sense of safety and trust in daily life

This is a gentle, client-paced process designed to help you heal at the root.

Woman looking at her computer while drinking coffee with a guitar in the background, representing self-reflection and support through anxiety and trauma therapy in Salt Lake City.

Anxiety Therapy for Nervous System Regulation

Anxiety can feel like living in constant overdrive. In therapy, we’ll focus on:

  • Calming your nervous system to ease racing thoughts and physical tension

  • Releasing anxiety held in your body with somatic practices

  • Building confidence in your ability to manage challenges without spiraling

  • Cultivating a sense of calm and clarity so you can move forward with more ease

Discover how Anxiety Therapy in Salt Lake City can help you feel more grounded.

Stress and Burnout Recovery for High-Achievers

Chronic stress and burnout often stem from years of overgiving and pushing through your needs. Together, we’ll work to:

  • Heal nervous system patterns caused by prolonged stress

  • Recognize early signs of burnout before they escalate

  • Rebuild energy reserves and learn to rest without guilt

  • Set sustainable boundaries that honor your well-being

Explore Stress and Burnout Recovery in Salt Lake City.

Additional Healing Methods

EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

Helps your brain reprocess and release painful memories so they no longer feel overwhelming.

Somatic Therapy Techniques

Reconnect with your body’s cues, release stored tension, and build resilience.

Polyvagal-Informed Therapy

Shift out of fight, flight, or freeze into a state of calm connection.

Parts Work (Ego State Therapy)

Integrate the different parts of you that developed to survive, fostering inner harmony and self-trust.

This isn’t about fixing you—you were never broken. It’s about helping you return to your natural state of safety, connection, and ease.

What Clients Often Say Before Starting

Many of my clients share:

“I know I’m not in danger anymore, but my body still feels like it is.”
“I keep attracting the same unhealthy relationships.”
“I’m so tired of overthinking and never feeling calm.”
“I’ve done years of therapy, but I still don’t feel better—and I keep getting triggered.”

If you recognize yourself in these words, know that you’re not alone. It’s not because you’re doing something wrong. It’s because your nervous system hasn’t yet learned how to feel safe—and that’s where this work begins.

Woman with wavy hair peacefully painting at a table, symbolizing creativity and emotional healing through trauma therapy in Salt Lake City.

What Working With Me Feels Like

Safety. Compassion. No judgment—ever.

In our work together, you’ll experience:

  • A supportive space where all parts of you are welcome

  • A pace that honors your readiness and capacity

  • Gentle invitations to connect with your body when you’re ready

  • Practical tools for calming your nervous system between sessions

This is your space to finally exhale.

Is This Approach Right for You?

You may be a good fit if you’re:

  • Ready to heal at the root, not just manage symptoms

  • Open to exploring somatic and body-based therapy

  • A high-achieving woman or queer person tired of pushing through

  • Curious about how your past shapes your present (without staying stuck there)

This approach may not be for you if you’re seeking quick fixes or only surface-level coping skills.

Start Your Healing Journey Today

You don’t have to keep managing. You can heal.

As a trauma therapist and EMDR specialist in Salt Lake City, I help clients move beyond survival mode into lives filled with calm, connection, and clarity.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Or learn more about:

Sunrise over the ocean with soft waves, symbolizing new beginnings and healing through trauma therapy in Salt Lake City.