What is trauma-informed therapy?

Trauma-informed care recognizes that many emotional and behavioral struggles are actually adaptive survival responses to past experiences. Rather than seeing symptoms as flaws, this approach views them as the brain’s way of protecting itself, creating a foundation of empathy and understanding between the provider and the individual.

At its core, this approach is built on five key pillars: safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. In a trauma-informed environment, every interaction is designed to prevent re-traumatization. This means ensuring the physical and emotional space feels secure, being transparent about what to expect in a session, and giving you full agency over your healing process. You are the expert on your own life, and the therapist acts as a supportive partner rather than a rigid authority figure.

Ultimately, trauma-informed care is about your nervous system. It acknowledges that trauma lives in the body and can leave the "alarm system" of the brain stuck in a state of high alert. By focusing on grounding techniques and emotional regulation, this type of care helps you move out of constant survival mode (fight, flight, or freeze) and back into a state of connection and growth. It’s not just about talking through the past; it’s about building a safe present where you can finally begin to heal.

Resources

Carter, K. (2019, March 15). Helping people through trauma-informed care. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/members/content/trauma-informed-series

Khoddam, R. (2024, January 9). Understanding the benefits of a trauma-informed therapist. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-addiction-connection/202401/understanding-the-benefits-of-a-trauma-informed-therapist

Our Trauma Therapists

Mehik Malik, MA, LPC, EMDR-t
Clinical Director

Mehik is an experienced, emphatic, and culturally competent therapist who enjoys working with adults and adolescents. She specializes in treating those who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, anger issues, and self-worth/self-esteem issues. Mehik will help you navigate difficult life transitions and believes in meeting you where you are on your journey. Mehik is also EMDR trained!

Sara Merelene-Kluth, MA, LPC, NCC, EMDR-t
Clinical Director

Sara works with children, adolescents, and adults. She is EMDR trained for working with Individuals who have experienced trauma. She specializes in working with family members of autistic individuals or other neurodivergent superpowers. Sara is excited to meet you! Sara is licensed in Texas, Florida, and Colorado.

Olivia Szabo, LPC, EMDR-t

Olivia has a passion for working with adolescent and adult individuals from all walks of life. She sees clients with trauma, chronic illness, and neurodiversity. She implements art and play techniques, so if you love to color or play video games, she encourage you to bring those interests to sessions!

Full Team