Trauma & PTSD Therapy in Tennessee

Are You Exhausted From Always Feeling Unsafe in Your Own Body?

You're constantly looking over your shoulder, jumping at unexpected sounds, or feeling panicked for no apparent reason. Certain places, sounds, or even smells can instantly transport you back to moments you'd rather forget. Sleep is elusive because your mind won't quiet down, and you feel like you're living in a state of constant alert.

Simple daily activities feel overwhelming when your nervous system is stuck in survival mode. You might find yourself avoiding certain places or situations that remind you of what happened, which makes your world feel smaller and smaller.

Living with unprocessed trauma affects every part of your life:

• Hypervigilance and feeling constantly on edge or unsafe
• Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks that disrupt your daily life
• Emotional numbness alternating with overwhelming feelings you can't control
• Physical symptoms like headaches, stomach problems, or chronic tension

You don't have to live this way. Trauma therapy, especially EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), can help your brain and body process these experiences so they no longer control your daily life. I specialize in helping women heal from relationship and intimate partner trauma in a safe, supportive environment.

What is Trauma?

Trauma occurs when you experience or witness events that feel life-threatening or overwhelming to your nervous system. It's not just about what happened to you, but about how your mind and body responded to those experiences.

You don't have to have been in combat or a major accident to have trauma. Relationship trauma, emotional abuse, and intimate partner violence can be just as impactful on your nervous system. Your reactions are normal responses to abnormal experiences.

Common signs of trauma:

• Feeling stuck or frozen when reminded of past events
• Difficulty trusting people or feeling safe in relationships
• Emotional numbing or feeling disconnected from yourself
• Sudden mood changes or feeling overwhelmed by emotions
• Physical symptoms like tension, headaches, or digestive issues

You can learn more about trauma and PTSD at the National Institute of Mental Health.

What is PTSD?

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) can develop when your brain and body remain stuck in survival mode long after traumatic experiences have ended. While trauma refers to the experience itself, PTSD describes the ongoing symptoms that can persist for months or years afterward.



You don't need to have been in combat or experienced a major disaster to develop PTSD. Relationship trauma, emotional abuse, and intimate partner violence can be just as impactful on your nervous system. Your reactions are normal responses to abnormal experiences.

Common signs of PTSD:

• Re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts that feel like they're happening again
• Avoiding people, places, or situations that remind you of the traumatic experience, which can make your world feel smaller
• Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from yourself and others, like you're watching life from behind glass
• Hypervigilance, being easily startled, or having difficulty sleeping because your body won't relax
• Negative changes in thoughts and mood, including persistent shame, guilt, or feeling like danger is always lurking

The difference between trauma and PTSD is often about time and intensity. While most people experience some distress after traumatic events, PTSD symptoms persist and significantly interfere with daily life, relationships, and your sense of safety.

Why Choose Renovated Heart Counseling

I have over 12 years of specialized experience working with trauma and PTSD, particularly relationship and intimate partner trauma. I'm trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for both trauma and PTSD.

My approach is trauma-informed, meaning I understand how trauma affects your brain and body, and I create a safe therapeutic environment where healing can happen at your own pace. Whether you're dealing with recent traumatic experiences or longstanding PTSD symptoms, I've seen countless women move from being controlled by their past to feeling strong, confident, and free.

You Can Trust Yourself Again

Without proper treatment, trauma and PTSD symptoms often worsen over time. You might find yourself increasingly isolated, avoiding more and more situations that feel triggering. The constant stress can lead to physical health problems, relationship difficulties, and decreased quality of life. Many people turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms just to get through each day.

But both trauma and PTSD are treatable, and complete healing is possible. With specialized therapy like EMDR, you can process these experiences so they become memories rather than ongoing sources of pain. You'll feel safe in your body again, sleep peacefully, and engage fully in your life. Many of my clients describe feeling like themselves again for the first time in years.

Reclaim Your Future From Trauma and PTSD

Without proper treatment, trauma and PTSD symptoms often become more entrenched over time. You might find your world getting smaller as you avoid more situations that feel triggering. The chronic stress can impact your physical health, relationships, and ability to work or enjoy life. Many people develop additional mental health challenges like depression or anxiety disorders.

With specialized trauma and PTSD therapy, you can completely heal from these experiences. Success means feeling genuinely safe and at peace in your daily life. You'll be able to engage fully in relationships and activities without being haunted by the past. You'll feel strong, confident, and in control of your life again.