Do you find yourself dreading the upcoming holidays? Worried about being around family, friends, or locations that bring up old hurts? Or is not being around those people just as hard? As a trauma therapist, I know that this can be the most difficult time of year for many people with trauma. The holiday season tends to make old wounds feel fresh. While there may be many reasons to put off trying to start your therapy journey during this busy time, having support during this season can make a huge impact on your own mental health. Breaking the cycle of trauma is a balanced blend of managing your daily trauma symptoms through coping skills, but also discovering the deeper meaning behind where you are stuck. To gain insight into how the trauma cycle is affecting your life, I primarily use an open and empathetic approach of collaborating with clients in therapy. More technically, I am trained in evidence based practices, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). These approaches not only teach management of symptoms, but help to resolve where you may have gotten stuck after a traumatic experience. I have dedicated my career to seeking further understanding of people and the impact we can have on each other’s lives, for better and worse. Because of the diversity of human nature and experience, I strive to connect with clients in an empathetic and genuine way. You are the expert of your life; but with thoughtful support and guidance, you can find your path in recovery and thrive in life.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, my primary goal in sessions is to foster a safe and collaborative environment where you can process your experiences. Together, we will seek to identify how the more difficult aspects of yourself may be working against you and explore how your life may be different if those parts were quieter.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My experience in forensic mental health means I’ve seen and heard almost anything. No problem is too big or small to bring to a session. While no person or therapist can promise the perfect life, I strive to use therapy to help you develop the skills and mindset to get through life. The foundation of this goal is a collaborative and empathetic spirit, which I hope to bring to every session.
About Kaitlyn Coots, LPC Providence Counseling Services LLC
Specializes in
Serves ages
Licensed in
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
While Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be used as a specific modality, I view it as a lifestyle which can be adopted. Many times, we experience conflict because we are acting in conflict with our values and beliefs, or we realize our values and beliefs are not in line with our actions. ACT emphasizes mindfulness and awareness, which is the first step towards accepting who we are and what we feel. Perhaps you need guidance towards that acceptance; or, if you have confidence in your mindfulness, now you need commit to change. Either way, ACTs is a perspective and style which can be adapted to suit most needs and concerns.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I have training and practice in using Cognitive Processing Therapy with individuals and groups to address integration of traumatic experiences and memories. CPT can be used in a structured, brief therapy (about 12-15 sessions). CPT emphasizes homework and practice outside of session to explore and adapt negative thoughts that may have emerged after a traumatic experience.
EMDR
I have completed training for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy and am pursing certification. EMDR is a gold-standard for trauma treatment. This therapy utilizes bilateral stimulation to help you "unstick" those difficult memories associated with traumatic events.