Shanna Drury (she/her)

Codependency is not an officially recognized disorder. Although defined in a number of ways, codependency can be summarized as an unhealthy way of relating to others in intimate relationships; as characterized by anxious attachment, overly concerned with the other person, overly responsible, over functioning in relationship (ie. does the emotional labor, doing for others what they could do for themselves, a “need” to be “needed” by others, lacking individualized identity).

Some will experience anxiety as a result of trauma in their lifetime whether it’s a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, or a natural disaster or a history of relationship trauma. Trauma is a common denominator for anxiety symptoms.

Secure attachment is the cornerstone of fulfilling relationships and connection. Often times, our attachment styles can become dysfunctional as a result of not getting our emotional, physical needs met in childhood. These dysfunctional attachment styles impact our adult relationships and keep us in a state of isolation and anxiety. It is possible to heal our attachments to experience more satisfying and safe connection with others.

I utilize a broad range of therapies that can be useful for the healing of trauma (ie sensorimotor psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, narrative therapy, somatic experiencing). The key to healing trauma is to allow the trapped energy of the "fight, flight, freeze, fawn" response to be released. The body holds the truth and doesn't lie when it comes to trauma. We mustn't get in the way of the natural "return to baseline" that the body attempts but can become "stuck".

I enjoy using internal family systems or "parts work" to aid in the healing of trauma. Essentially, the idea, is we are all made up of a collection of "parts" (ie "part of me feels xyz...") that make up the whole of who we are. I help people identify their parts to better understand themselves to become the internal "leader of the internal system".

Most people will experience anxiety as a result of trauma in their lifetime whether it’s a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, or natural disaster or relationship trauma (present or past). My goal is to help clients identify "old" traumas that make relationships in the present anxiety provoking.