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Your Past Does Not Define You

Many people experience childhood trauma, but effective treatments exist. With professional guidance, meaningful improvement is within reach.

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Heal from the lasting effects of trauma.

Our childhood experiences shape how we see others, ourselves, and the world. If our early years were marked by abuse, neglect, or other trauma, it can seriously impact our relationships and functioning as adults. 

Many adults live with the pain of traumatic experiences from childhood. Abuse, neglect, loss, or ongoing instability can leave deep marks that carry forward into adult life. These early wounds often shape how you see yourself and how you connect with others. 

The effects of childhood trauma can live in a person’s body, as well. The nervous system might stay on high alert constantly. It can cause symptoms like headaches and stomachaches. You may have a persistent feeling of tenseness in your body that never really goes away. 

Therapy provides a space for you to start working through those experiences. Our therapists use evidence-based approaches to help those affected by adverse childhood events process and heal from these experiences. 

The goal is to reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship problems while promoting emotional regulation, self-esteem, and healthy relationships. Gradually, therapy can help your nervous system begin to calm. You’ll feel more grounded and relaxed. 



Why It Can Be Hard To Reach Out

Many people who grew up with trauma were taught never to discuss it. You may have learned to keep family struggles to yourself or to shut down your emotions to get by. It can feel like you’re breaking an unspoken rule when you ask for help.

It’s also normal to wonder if what you’ve been through is bad enough to be defined as “trauma”. Some minimize what happened and tell themselves others had it worse. People often feel guilt and shame about what happened in the past. These feelings are understandable. They’re also barriers that can keep you from getting the support you deserve.






A Professional Approach To Childhood Trauma

Kathleen Fahrner, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist

I thoroughly enjoy my work and thrive in helping people develop healthy, productive, and satisfying lives and relationships. Life is full of unexpected events and struggles, which can sometimes be overwhelming. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where children, adolescents and adults feel comfortable exploring ways to achieve their goals.

Research has shown that one of the most important aspects of change in therapy lies within the therapeutic relationship. In other words, the benefits you receive from therapy are directly related to your feeling of comfort and connection with your therapist. I consider my role as a therapist to be a privilege and will work hard to ensure you receive the services best suited for you.

How Therapy Can Help

We understand how powerful childhood experiences can be in affecting your mental health throughout your life. Trauma is essentially how the brain and body learn how to cope with difficult conditions.

Therapy provides a structured, safe place for you to explore how childhood trauma still affects your life today. You’ll build skills that bring stability and healing now. Therapy can be very helpful in learning to reframe unhelpful beliefs (ex., I’m to blame for what happened) that stem from your childhood experiences.

Instead of being overwhelmed by intense emotions, you’ll learn to cope with them. Rather than shutting down when you feel anxious, you’ll learn skills to help you understand how you feel and better regulate your nervous system.

If you have experienced childhood trauma, it’s common to see others in a negative light. You may also view yourself negatively. Therapy can help change your perspective. You may begin to see yourself and others in a new light.

Therapeutic Approaches We Use

We use evidence-based therapeutic techniques that are tailored to your needs. We choose therapies that have been scientifically validated for trauma. Some may include:

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): This therapy is based on traditional cognitive behavioral therapy techniques that are adapted to be trauma-friendly.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This therapy is very effective for trauma. It uses specific techniques to “refile” traumatic memories so they live in the past rather than the present. This helps reduce intense physical and emotional reactions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is not specifically for trauma, but studies have found that it can be very helpful, especially for those who experience intense emotions. It helps with distress tolerance and teaches mindfulness skills, both of which can be very helpful for trauma.
Narrative Therapy: Narrative therapy can be very helpful for trauma because it helps you change the narrative of your story. You can’t change the past. But, you can change the narrative of your future to one of resilience and hope.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious processes and how past experiences influence current behavior
Play Therapy (for young children): Uses play as a medium to express and work through trauma
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy / Somatic Experiencing: This type of therapy is helpful for those who experience somatic or physical symptoms. It helps you notice and reduce physical symptoms like tense muscles, racing heart rate, and headaches.

Why Choose Deep Centered Mental Health

It takes both expertise and compassion to work through childhood trauma. Our therapists bring years of clinical experience to this work and a deep respect for the courage it takes to face the past. We don’t rush the process. We offer tools for healing and reassurance that you’ll be able to utilize throughout your life.

A key strength of Deep Centered Mental Health is our dedication to offering evidence-based, specialized trauma therapies, like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This is only one of the therapies we offer. Our therapists are trained in a wide range of trauma modalities.

We provide personalized and holistic treatment for all forms of trauma, including complex childhood trauma (C-PTSD). This is trauma that occurs from repeated, prolonged exposure to abuse, neglect or another difficult experience.

Many people face barriers to accessing trauma therapy, such as mobility issues. We are committed to making high-quality trauma care convenient and accessible, which is why we offer online therapy. You can receive support right at home, where you are most comfortable.

Our focus is not only on helping reduce symptoms of trauma, but on helping you thrive as a human being. Ultimately, our goal is to help you achieve a more fulfilling life where trauma doesn’t control the narrative.

We are ready when you are

Convenient locations + telehealth

Call (512) 956-6463Book an Appointment

Journeys to Healing

Real experiences shared by patients who turned therapy into transformation.

“

I’ve had a great experience working with my counselor Cheryl Foster at Deep Centered. She helped me work through a difficult time in my life. The staff at Deep Eddy are also very responsive and supportive.

“

The counseling I received has made an incredible difference in my life. I will forever be grateful. I highly recommend this counseling group. Megan specifically has been wonderful.

“

Thus far I’m EXTREMELY PLEASED with my Therapist & services. She is very warm & Professional. Her abilities to both listen & interpret my emotions & problems is invaluable for me & my recovery.

Understanding the Process

Learn more about what to expect as you take the next step in your journey.

What are the signs of unresolved childhood trauma?

Unresolved trauma may show up as anxiety, emotional outbursts, difficulties in relationships, or issues like PTSD and depression.

How can therapy help me heal from childhood trauma?

Therapy offers a safe space to process traumatic memories and learn coping strategies, helping you regain control and improve your mental health.

Can childhood trauma therapy help adults?

Yes, many adults seek therapy to heal from childhood trauma, addressing long-term effects that impact their current well-being.

What therapies are best for treating childhood trauma?

Common therapies include CBT, TF-CBT, and EMDR, all of which help process trauma and reduce distressing symptoms.

Is online therapy effective for treating childhood trauma?

Yes, online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy, offering convenience while maintaining confidentiality and support.

How long does childhood trauma therapy take?

The duration of therapy depends on the individual, but it often involves several sessions over time, depending on the complexity of the trauma.

Can childhood trauma therapy help with PTSD?

Absolutely. Many individuals with PTSD stemming from childhood trauma find significant relief through trauma-focused therapies like EMDR and TF-CBT.

What can I expect from my first session of childhood trauma therapy?

Your first session will involve a detailed discussion of your history and symptoms, allowing your therapist to develop a personalized treatment plan.

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