Anna Scully (she/her)

I have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience which gives me a deep understanding of how our brains work. Interpersonal Neurobiology starts with the understanding that our experiences shape our brain, our thoughts, and our perceptions of ourselves, others and our world. But just as trauma and other negative experiences can create patterns that lead to anxiety, depression, anger, unhealthy relationships, addictions, etc...new experiences, ideas and behaviors can change those patterns by changing our brain.

I have two decades of experience helping people recover from trauma. Trauma therapy is not one specific type of treatment. It is a variety of therapies that are used to meet the need of the individual impacted by trauma. The goal of trauma therapy is to help you process the trauma, understand it's impact on your life, and create healing so that you are no longer stuck in the past, but can live your best life in the present, free of the burdens of past trauma.

LGBTQI+, kinky, polyamorous, and consensually non-monogamous people deserve to have a place that feels safe to talk about every part of their lives. With me, you can bring your authentic self to our work, without fear of judgment or being pathologized. I believe that relationships come in all shapes and sizes and that strong, resilient relationships are rooted in open communication and care for our own needs and the needs of our partner(s).

Most of us dislike the parts of us that are anxious, and the way that anxiety impacts our lives. We may want to get rid of our anxiety altogether! But anxiety is also a protective mechanism, based on past experiences with something that was dangerous or unpredictable. My goal is not to "get rid of" all anxiety, but to help you change your relationship with it; recognizing safety, building self-trust, acceptance and control of your emotions.

The bad news is that trauma alters our brain. The good news is that our brains are capable of healing and changing throughout our lives. And as much as trauma can lead to anxiety, hypervigilance, depression, anger, unhealthy relationships, addictions, or shame, positive experiences of safety, self-care, and empowerment can change these patterns and lead to connection, authenticity, and joy. I am a trained trauma-focused therapist, and bring many tools to help you heal and thrive.

IFS is a way to understand and connect with different "parts" of yourself. Like the part that is anxious, the part that uses substances to protect you from feelings you don't want, or the younger parts that have been wounded by trauma. Instead of trying to get rid of these parts, IFS helps you to listen to them with curiosity and compassion. It is a powerful and yet gentle way to understand your inner system and behavioral responses, and a meaningful way to heal trauma and build new pathways.