Therapy for Emotional & Psychological Abuse Recovery in Portland, OR
Have you survived past emotional or psychological abuse? Whether this abuse occurred in childhood, in a romantic relationship, in the workplace, or in a friendship, you deserve support.
If you’ve experienced emotional or psychological abuse, you may be…
Struggling to trust yourself
Feeling overwhelming shame
Getting stuck in people-pleasing
Having difficulty advocating for yourself
Minimizing your experiences as “not traumatic enough”— or scared that others will
Scared you will not be believed or that a therapist cannot grasp the complexity of what you have been through
I understand the weight of emotional and psychological abuse: it can impact your sense of self, your nervous system, and your relationships with others.
I also understand firsthand what it’s like to experience psychological manipulation and control. I recognize how difficult it can be to make sense of interpersonal experiences involving individuals who have acted in sadistic, manipulative, exploitative, or coercive ways. I bring both lived and professional experience in understanding the impact of complex, confusing, and surreal relationship dynamics—including those involving emotionally immature parents, antisocial or sociopathic traits, narcissism, or factitious disorder (formerly known as Munchausen’s syndrome.) I will not shy away from exploring these difficult experiences with you.
In therapy for emotional and psychological abuse recovery, I will honor your experiences of abuse, coercion, and control. I know our society can minimize emotional and psychological abuse, especially when it happens to those already seen as “outsiders”. I’m here to challenge that and to frame your experiences as valid and impactful. I’ll bring in an anti-racist, queer, trans, disability, neurodiversity & kinky affirming lens.
Through therapy for emotional & Psychological abuse, you can…
Move from self-doubt to self-trust
Build skills & confidence with self-advocacy & boundary setting
Identify what you need to feel supported in relationships
Frame your experiences of emotional and psychological abuse through a lens of self-compassion
Resolve traumatic symptoms and live a more values-aligned life
Other experiences of trauma I can support you with:
CPSTD
Sexual trauma, rape, & rape culture experiences
Relational & interpersonal trauma
Childhood & attachment trauma
Disability & medical trauma
Emotionally immature or narcissistic parents
Meet Your Portland trauma Therapist, Chelsea
I’m passionate about working with survivors of emotional and psychological abuse. I offer a therapy experience that is intended to be the opposite of the abuse you’ve experienced. In therapy with me, you will be believed, heard, supported, and encouraged.
My hope is that therapy can lead you to living a more empowered life, in which all parts of you get to be honored. I am a nerdy, tender-hearted, cat-loving and compassionate human.
My Approach to Therapy for Emotional Abuse & Trauma Recovery
As a provider with a history in creative writing, I know there’s power in telling & re-writing your story. Because of this, I received training in Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), a trauma processing modality that helps you confront your story (including trauma) with a lens of self-compassion and being witnessed with care.
Additionally, I am trained in Mentalization Based Narrative Exposure Therapy (MBNET) developed by local Portland therapists Riva Stoudt and Dr. K Hixson. MBNET is structured to address interpersonally traumatic events across the lifespan with courage and without sugar coating. This model helps clients shift from self blame to holding their antagonist or abuser more accurately accountable but without moral judgement. I value giving you a space to make sense of your experiences and to feel less alone in them. I find this method is incredibly helpful for those who have experienced emotional and/or psychological abuse.
Ready to begin therapy for emotional & Psychological abuse in Portland, OR?
If you’re feeling drawn to working together, you can get started with a free consultation!
