I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in trauma focused intervention for adults. 18-80. I utilize a mind/body approach, including EMDR and other somatic modalities to help clients reduce reactivity to life/work/family stress. I specialize in working with clients with PTSD; anxiety; depression; mood disorders; single incident trauma and inter-generational trauma.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The initial session is for clients to establish a connection, ask any questions; explore what brings them to therapy; their symptoms and history and what they want to get out of therapy. I ask "If therapy was successful how would you move through your life differently?"
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
"You just get me," is what a recent new client said. My "fellow human" approach is non-hierarchical and honors each clients experience. One size does not fit all, especially when working with trauma. I support my clients with a collaborative dynamic unique to them. Another client laughed, "I could hear you in my head reminding me of [skill], and encouraging me this week...so I did [A ] instead of [B]." I think my greatest strength as a clinician is being able to authentically connect with my clients in a way that feels safe for them to do the work. My clients continue to amaze me with their capacity to heal and grow and I can think of nothing more important than being a part of that process.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I enjoy working with adult clients for whom talk therapy has been ineffective and are seeking a relational yet practical approach; the goal being to somatically and emotionally process what's up; gain practical tools for daily life; feel better and graduate from therapy! I have some clients who, while feeling grounded with the tools acquired in therapy, appreciate "check in" sessions during certain times of year (e.g., anniversaries of events/losses) when extra support can be helpful.
About Suzanne Yeomans
Identifies as
Serves ages
Accepts cash
Address
3438b Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95403Appointments
Fully bookedMy treatment methods
EMDR
Trauma is not what happens to you. Trauma is what happens inside you (as a result of what happens to you). -Dr. Gabor Mate. Trauma is anything that overwhelms our brain and nervous system in its ability to respond. As a trauma focused, somatic based clinician, I take an integrative therapeutic approach to help individuals gain tools to heal the traumatic stress response. EMDR and other somatic (body) based intervention targets the "amygdala hijack" that occurs when our nervous system is overwhelmed. Talk therapy alone, a "top down" approach, often does not lead to long term symptom reduction, especially in trauma survivors. My intention is for clients to leave sessions with practical tools that improve well-being. In collaboration, we determine treatment goals and a therapeutic approach that feels right for you. I draw from attachment theory; polyvagal theory; EMDR; Internal Family Systems (parts work); Cognitive Behavioral Theory; Solutions Focus and Mindfulness to support growth towards balance and healing. I am honored to do this work and welcome the opportunity to connect with you.
Attachment-based
Dr. Porges' polyvagal theory describes "neuroception," how our nervous systems scan for cues of safety and danger and the "co-regulation" that occurs between people. Whatever therapy we choose, we must feel safe in our therapeutic relationship in order for healing to occur. This attachment focus informs all interventions I use, from EMDR with parts (IFS), as well as "top down" approaches like CBT.
Trauma Informed Care
I have experience working with marginalized communities and individuals with historical and intergenerational trauma. My approach includes looking at the person in their environment; what impacted them and prior generations and what needs to occur to establish safety, empowerment and post traumatic growth.