Rebecca Nystrom (she/her)

Anger is multifaceted. It can be a valid response to harm experienced. It can a secondary emotion that masks other emotions (fear, feeling out of control or overwhelmed, unmet needs, and embarrassment, just to name a few). Anger is a common response to shame and contempt. I work with individuals who desire to live a life that has not been hijacked by anger.

No matter what age the abuse occurred, sexual harm has lasting effects that interfere with our life, including our relationships, our careers, and our outlook on life. Understanding the complexity of sexual violence often requires support and encouragement from someone who can help pull back the layers of trauma to reveal the beauty that was buried beneath the rubble of the assault. I specialize in working with those who have experienced sexual harm and would be honored to accompany you too.

Codependency operates on a spectrum and varies depending on the relationship. For some, it looks passive and avoidant. For others, it shows up as control and manipulation. For all, it is rooted in a lack of boundaries and unmet needs. If you feel resentful, put out, unappreciated, unheard, overworked, undervalued, and countless other uncomfortable emotions, you may be experiencing the effects of codependent interactions within your relationships. I specialize in working with codependency.

Anger is multifaceted. It can be a valid response to harm experienced. It can be a secondary emotion that masks other emotions (fear, feeling out of control or overwhelmed, unmet needs, and embarrassment, just to name a few). Anger is a common response to shame and contempt. I work with individuals who desire to live a life that has not been hijacked by anger.

Cognitive dissonance is a common obstacle we all encounter. We live in a world that tells us "be this" or "be that" and we will finally find happiness. Quickly we learn that the grass is rarely greener on the other side. Narrative therapy allows you to explore who you are, what you value, and what challenges you have endured. As inner confidence increases, we feel better equipped to navigate relationships authentically. We come to recognize that we have the skills needed to manage problems.

Detachment and disassociation are common (and natural) defenses against the harm and trauma of life. Before we can begin to work with your trauma narrative, we must help you develop the skills needed to regulate and stay present in your body. Mindfulness-based therapy increases your awareness of what your body is telling you when it needs safety, attention, rest, and self-care. Through the use of somatic exercises and a tender approach, you can learn to be one with your body again.

Trauma occurs when one experiences or witnesses an event that is abusive, terrifying, dangerous, or life-threatening. Traumatic events may permanently alter one's psychological and emotional functioning. With the guidance of a psychotherapist, clients can confront their experiences, name the harmful impact, and develop new skills for managing triggers. There is no specific way of working with trauma. Trauma therapy is unique to the individual's needs.