Nicole Rainey (She/her)

Many individuals with PTSD might not even know they have it or what they went through was considered trauma. Sleep problems, nightmares, eating issues, depressed mood, anxiety, panic, concentration and motivation difficulties, defensiveness, insecurities, jumpy, on edge, thoughts of self harm or suicide, feelings of guilt and shame… all of these are related to PTSD. I help clients learn more about trauma and it’s effects on the body and brain while recovering and healing permanently.

During my graduate studies, I conducted research on the effectiveness of Art therapy with survivors of sexual trauma & trafficking. The next five years of my clinical work included working in a sexual abuse treatment center, then becoming the primary clinician for a program serving survivors of sex trafficking. I have presented on the local, state and national level about sexual trauma and the use of Art therapy as an effective and holistic treatment.

I am adoption competent trained and worked with children and families involved in foster care for over seven years. I understand the extensive attachment trauma and complex traumas that occur in the dependency system and after adoption. I have worked with children and the biological families affected by the dependency system, and the foster families and adoptive families. I also specialize in working with the social workers, case managers and other helping professionals that are in this field.

Trauma can leave us feeling many emotions at once. Maybe a part of us is sad, a part of us is angry, a part of us is numb, and a part of us maybe in denial. Internal family Systems is a trauma recovery method that helps clients get in touch with all the parts of themselves. It helps clients have develop self compassion for all the parts of themselves and become an empathetic witness to all they have overcome.

I recieved my Masters in Art therapy. I completed supervision hours and clinical work to become a Registered Art Therapist. Any therapist can use art in sessions, but as a trained Art Therapist, I help clients learn about themselves through their art. I am trained to use creative media such as paint, clay, pastels, paper making, collage, and more. As and Art Therapist we know which media to help clients express emotion or unlock a new insight, or communicate their experiences.

Trauma therapy is not a one size fits all approach. I combine elements of mindfulness, somatic work, Art therapy, Internal Family systems, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and bilateral stimulation. I want clients to have an approach in trauma therapy that is efficient but also feels safe and authentic to them. My goal is to offer clients healing and trauma recovery by tapping into their own resilience, power, and strength.