(she/her)
New to Grow
I'm Therasa Yehling, LCSW, CDVP, and CCTP. I am a trauma-informed therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience and more than 25 years of experience working with individuals impacted by trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault, grief, and life transitions. My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to each client's unique needs. I believe people are capable of healing and growth, and I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful change. I utilize evidence-based and trauma-specific approaches, including CBT, TF-CBT, EMDR, mindfulness, and somatic techniques, to help clients move toward healing, empowerment, and improved well-being.
Many people feel nervous about starting therapy, and that's completely normal. The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and determine whether we are a good fit. We'll discuss what brought you to therapy, your current concerns, relevant history, and what you hope to achieve through the therapeutic process. I will ask questions to better understand your experiences, strengths, support systems, and any challenges you may be facing. This is also your opportunity to ask questions about my approach, therapy in general, or anything else that will help you feel comfortable moving forward. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard and respected. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. By the end of our first session, we'll begin identifying goals and discussing a plan that is tailored to your needs. You do not need to have everything figured out before coming to therapy—our work together is about exploring, understanding, and creating a path toward healing and growth.
As a trauma-informed therapist, I am specially trained in trauma-specific treatment approaches, including EMDR, TF-CBT, CBT, mindfulness-based interventions, and somatic techniques. I understand how trauma affects the brain, body, relationships, and overall well-being, and I tailor treatment to each client's unique needs and goals. Clients often describe me as warm, genuine, direct, and engaging. I believe therapy should be a collaborative process where clients feel safe, supported, and empowered. While we address serious issues, I also believe in recognizing strengths, celebrating progress, and using humor when appropriate to help navigate difficult moments. As a human being, I also bring years of lived experience with mental illness, trauma, generational trauma, domestic violence, chronic illiness, and women's issues. Most importantly, I bring authenticity, compassion, and a deep belief in people's ability to heal, grow, and create meaningful change in their lives.
Survivors of domestic violence Survivors of sexual assault Survivors of human trafficking Individuals with PTSD or Complex PTSD Adults struggling with childhood abuse or neglect Individuals experiencing grief, traumatic loss, or homicide loss Women rebuilding after abusive relationships Clients struggling with self-worth, boundaries, or codependency People managing chronic illness, chronic pain, or autoimmune disorders while coping with emotional challenges First responders, healthcare workers, advocates, or helping professionals experiencing secondary trauma or burnout Individuals navigating major life transitions following trauma Individuals who have dealt with oppression due to being LGBTQ+, racism, immigration issues, etc.
Other specialties
I identify as
Trauma Informed Care
When providing therapy I always want to create a sense of psychological safety for each client i meet with. I want to develop a sense of trust and transparency that the peraon im working with can feel they can be open and honest about their situation with out judgement or prejudice. I am a therapist who wants to collaborate with those im working with and that they understand we are working together on their journey of healing. I encourage and teach peole to empower themselves to make the best decision possible for themselves. I always validate feelings, offer options, and support the person's personal choice snd control. Part of being a trauma-informed therapist is having the awareness of to integrate cultural, historical, gender, trauma and oppression into understanding of the person before me because those experiences shape people's identity and how they think.
EMDR
EMDR is a tool used in therapy once a client understands trauma and how it effects the brain and body and the client has a toolbox of coping skills that can be relied on to help regulate themselves. When using EMDR, it does bring up unhealed trauma that can disregulate a person. The need to know how to regulate is what comes in handy.
Eclectic
I am a therapist who uses evidence-based therapy skills and techniques that help people heal. In order to do that I try to find what works for a person's healing journal. I have to pull from different techniques, skills, and theories to create that individualized treatment that people need and deserve.
Humanistic
Humanistic therapy is a collaborative, "talk-based" approach that focuses on your individual strengths, self-exploration, and personal growth. I do not believe in labels, so rather than focusing on your diagnosis and symptoms, I operate on the belief that you are inherently good and naturally capable of making healthy choices to reach your full potential. The humanistic theory draws from a strength based perspective. The theory is based on the fact that we are all human beings who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
Mind-body approach
This approach is used throughout our time together to discover how our brain effects the body and vice versa. If we can change the way we are thinking we can change the way the body is performing. If we can change the way our body is performing we can change the way the brain is working. Being taught this throughout therapy can help a client make decisions that can help make changes that help heal the person's mind and body.