Dana Hicks (she/her)

Understanding how grief and loss take on many forms and result from varies types of losses, I believe there is importance in pausing to understand what each of our losses means to us, honor how that loss effects us, and learn ways to integrate grief. I have supported individuals through grief experienced by the death of a loved one, loss of a spouse through divorce/separation, and the loss experienced as a result of betrayal.

For over 25 years I have worked with survivors of various forms of abuse and violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, incest, and human trafficking. I realize all forms of violence can impact anyone in any walk of life, including gender identity, sexual orientation, race, socio-economic background, ability, religion, etc. Trauma developed over time that is not processed is often internalized and changes us on a neurobiological level.

I have worked with individuals who have experienced several forms of abuse, including adult survivors of childhood abuse and/or childhood sexual abuse; and adolescents who have experienced child abuse and/or incest. I have also worked with abuse survivors of dating violence and domestic violence. Doing this work for over two decades provides me with empathy and compassion for each survivor's unique journey of healing.

My two main areas of intervention strategies include Crisis Intervention and Abuse Intervention. I have provided crisis intervention strategies for over 25 years in the work I have done with survivors of sexual abuse/assault, and interpersonal violence (domestic and dating violence). The goal of this practice is to support individuals in reclaiming personal power. My experience with Abuse Intervention is centered on the perpetrator of domestic violence to reduce/prevent further violence.

For over 25 years, I have been working with survivors and family members who have experienced trauma. It's been important for me to take time to learn how each individual has been impacted by the trauma they experienced and understand the unique needs each person has to begin their healing process. Trauma work is more than just empathy and compassion; it's also being aware of the way trauma changes us on a neurobiological level.

Understanding how a lifetime of learning, along with value and belief development impacts the way we behave, think, see ourselves and the world around us. This provides us a unique opportunity to begin to understand our adaptive (healthy) and maladaptive (unhealthy) way of thinking. Once we have gained this understanding about ourselves, we can begin to challenge what no longer works for us, and replace it with new ways of processing to reach our goals of wellness.