Trauma-Focused Therapy

Rathi's therapeutic practice integrates evidence-based interventions with compassionate, identity-affirming care tailored to your unique experience.

Emotional neglect and early relational trauma can leave lasting imprints on how we feel about ourselves, relate to others, and navigate the world. At the heart of trauma-focused therapy is the belief that healing is possible—not just through insight, but through reconnection with the parts of ourselves that were once silenced, abandoned, or unseen.

Key Therapeutic Interventions include:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

  EMDR is a powerful, research-backed approach that helps reprocess distressing childhood memories—including abandonment, chronic invalidation, or feelings of unworthiness. Through guided bilateral stimulation, clients can reduce emotional reactivity and reshape internal beliefs, fostering a more coherent and empowered self-narrative. A more detailed explanation is provided here.
   

• Dual Awareness & Grounding Techniques

  Trauma often pulls us into the past. Grounding tools such as diaphragmatic breathing, calm-state visualization, and sensory orientation help anchor you in the safety of the present. These techniques support the emotional stability needed to safely explore painful memories without becoming overwhelmed or dissociated.
   

• Positive Memory Recall

  Together, we intentionally activate adaptive memory networks—times when you felt safe, seen, or successful. These moments, however small, become resources for emotional regulation and help counter the internalized messages of neglect or abuse.
   

• Inner Child Work & Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  Many clients carry emotionally wounded inner parts that formed during times of fear or rejection. IFS-based inner child work helps you reconnect with these younger selves while also engaging protective parts that may show up as avoidance, perfectionism, or self-criticism. We work to restore compassion, trust, and internal harmony.
   

• Addiction as a Trauma Response

  Substance use—like alcohol—can function as a "firefighter" part: a way of extinguishing emotional pain or numbing loneliness. Through gentle exploration and psychoeducation, we uncover these patterns and introduce sustainable coping tools. Clients often report a natural reduction in substance use as they develop self-compassion and healthier emotional regulation strategies.
   

• Self-Regulation & Somatic Awareness

  Trauma is stored in the body. Through breathwork, body-focused awareness, guided imagery, and grounding practices, clients learn to notice internal cues of safety or threat—and to respond with attunement instead of panic. These skills help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and foster a deeper sense of self-trust.
   

• Identity-Affirming Support & Social Engagement

  For clients exploring gender identity or navigating life as LGBTQ+, therapy offers a nonjudgmental space to process social stressors, internalized shame, and the search for belonging. I support clients in finding affirming communities—whether online or in-person—and in developing resilience in the face of societal rejection or invisibility.
   

• Healthy Relationship Boundaries

  Trauma can impact how we give and receive love. We explore relationship patterns, identify red flags (like emotional unavailability or control), and work to strengthen your boundaries. You deserve connection that honors your worth and values.

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Feel free to contact Rathi if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment.