Complex Trauma Care
A Comprehensive Approach to Healing Through Neurobiology and Somatic Integration
At Artemis Behavioral Health, we recognize that trauma is not merely an event that happened in the past; it is a physiological and psychological imprint that continues to live within the body and mind. Our practice is dedicated to delivering LGBTQIA+ inclusive, disability-affirming, and trauma-informed care using advanced somatic interventions and evidence-based techniques rooted deeply in neurobiology. We specialize in treating adolescents, teenagers and adults who are navigating the complexities of sometimes co-occurring depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and chronic illness management.
Defining Complex Trauma (C-PTSD)
While standard PTSD is often associated with a single traumatic event, Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) typically results from prolonged, repeated exposure to interpersonal trauma, often occurring within a context where escape is difficult or impossible. This might include childhood neglect, ongoing domestic abuse, or systemic marginalization.
The symptoms of complex trauma go beyond flashbacks and hypervigilance. They often involve "disturbances in self-organization," which include difficulties with emotional regulation, persistent feelings of worthlessness or shame, and significant challenges in maintaining interpersonal relationships. Our clinical team is specifically trained to identify these nuanced patterns and provide a safe, stabilizing environment for recovery.
Assessment for Dissociative Symptoms
A critical component of our complex trauma care is the thorough assessment of dissociative symptoms. Dissociation is often a survival mechanism—a way for the mind to distance itself from overwhelming pain or terror. However, when these patterns persist into adulthood, they can manifest as feelings of being "numb," "spaced out," or disconnected from one's own body and identity.
At Artemis Behavioral Health, we move beyond surface-level evaluations. We utilize standardized assessment tools and clinical interviews to understand the degree and nature of dissociation a client may be experiencing. This assessment is vital because treatment must be carefully paced; diving into traumatic memories too quickly can be destabilizing for a client who frequently dissociates. Our goal is to expand the "Window of Tolerance"—the emotional zone where a person can process information and feelings effectively without becoming overwhelmed or shutting down.
Specialized Integration of Somatic Interventions
Our mission is centered on the belief that the "body keeps the score." Traditional talk therapy is often insufficient for complex trauma because the survival centers of the brain (the limbic system and brainstem) are frequently "offline" or hyper-activated during trauma processing.
The Role of Somatic Therapy
Somatic interventions focus on the physical sensations in the body to help release stored tension and regulate the nervous system. By integrating these techniques, we help clients:
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Develop greater interoceptive awareness (the ability to feel and understand internal bodily signals).
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Learn grounding techniques to manage "fight, flight, or freeze" responses in real-time.
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Process traumatic memories that may be "stuck" in the body as physical pain or chronic tension.
This neurobiological approach ensures that healing happens from the bottom up—stabilizing the body's safety systems before moving into the top-down cognitive processing of the narrative of the trauma.
Evidence-Based Treatment for PTSD
We are committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based care. Our clinicians seek continuous education in modern, highly effective treatment modalities to ensure our clients receive the best possible support.
Core Modalities at Artemis
Modality | Clinical Focus | Primary Benefits |
|---|---|---|
CBT/ACT | Cognitive & Acceptance Modalities | Focuses on changing thought patterns and accepting what cannot be changed to improve functioning. |
ERP | Exposure and Response Prevention | Specifically utilized for co-occurring OCD and anxiety symptoms. |
DBT | Dialectical Behavior Therapy | Provides concrete skills for mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation. |
IFS | Internal Family Systems | Helps clients identify and "unblend" from protective and wounded "parts" of themselves to achieve self-leadership. |
EMDR | Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing | Replaces traumatic "blocks" with adaptive processing to reduce the vividness and distress of memories. |
Specialized Expertise
Our team brings a wealth of specialized experience to the table:
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Katie Oberg, MSW, LCSW: Specializes in individual psychotherapy for chronic illness and PTSD, focusing on the intersection of physical health and trauma.
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Kayla Simmons, LMSW: Has extensive experience working with high-risk adolescents and utilizes a combination of DBT, EMDR, and IFS to drive her practice.
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Rachel Dixon, MHC-LP: Brings a compassionate and collaborative approach to individual therapy, with clinical experience in crisis intervention, comprehensive assessment, and evidence-based treatment planning for complex mental health needs.
Evaluation for Co-occurring Issues
Complex trauma rarely exists in a vacuum. It is frequently accompanied by other challenges that require careful evaluation and integrated treatment. We provide comprehensive evaluations for:
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Chronic Illness Management: We understand the profound impact that trauma has on the immune system and physical health. We provide specialized support for clients navigating chronic pain or autoimmune conditions.
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Depression and Anxiety: These are often the primary symptoms of an underlying traumatic wound.
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Neurodivergence: We are a disability-affirming practice that recognizes how ADHD and processing disorders can intersect with the experience of trauma.
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Relationship and Attachment Issues: We help clients understand how their early attachment wounds influence their current adult relationships.
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Collaboration with other providers: Our team would be happy to connect with other providers that are helping you manage medication, or co-occurring medical disorders. Talk to your therapist about exchanging releases of information with your preferred providers, and we will make sure everyone is in the loop on your care team.
Equine-Assisted Therapy
One of the most unique facets of Artemis Behavioral Health is our ability to offer equine therapy services at our farm location. Horses are incredibly sensitive, sentient beings that mirror human emotions and physiological states. In equine-assisted therapy, clients work alongside horses to:
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Build trust and set healthy boundaries.
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Practice emotional regulation in a non-judgmental environment.
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Connect with nature and the physical world, which is often deeply healing for those with dissociative symptoms.
This modality offers a powerful alternative for those who find traditional office-based therapy challenging or who want to deepen their somatic healing work in a more expansive environment.
A Commitment to Inclusive and Affirming Care
We believe that true healing cannot happen without a sense of safety and belonging. Artemis Behavioral Health is a woman-owned business committed to maintaining a culturally competent environment.
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LGBTQIA+ Inclusive: We provide a gender-affirming and sexually diverse-affirming space where clients' identities are honored and celebrated.
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Disability Affirming: We recognize the systemic barriers faced by individuals with disabilities and strive to make our services accessible and validating.
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Trauma-Informed Environment: From the way we answer our inquiries to the design of our office space, every aspect of our practice is designed to minimize triggers and maximize client agency and safety.
The Path Forward
Recovery from complex trauma is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, expertise, and a therapeutic relationship built on trust and mutual respect. At Artemis Behavioral Health, we are here to walk that path with you, providing the specialized tools and neurobiological insights necessary for true, lasting integration.
Whether you are seeking in-person sessions at our office or farm location, or prefer the accessibility of telehealth, we are committed to reducing barriers to care and helping you reclaim your sense of self.
Get Started With Us
If you are ready to begin your healing journey, we invite you to reach out for an initial consultation. We will work with you to determine the best clinician and modality for your specific needs, ensuring that your care is as unique as your story