TREATMENT SPECIALILZATIONs
- PTSD and Trauma Recovery
- C-PTSD (complex PTSD)
- Religious / Spiritual Trauma
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief Counseling
- Stress Management
- Women’s Issues
- Existential / Spiritual Support
- Change of Life / Transitions
Foundational theories We Will Draw Upon
Person Centered / Humanistic Theory
I take a Person Centered approach in which counseling is a collaborative journey, forging a partnership rooted in trust, empathy, and mutual respect thereby creating a safe, authentic space for exploration and growth.
In this space, my clients feel free to bring their experiences, insights, and willingness to engage in self discovery while I offer empathetic listening and compassionate, non-judgemental support. Together, we co-create an environment where the client feels empowered to express themselves honestly, explore their emotions, and confront challenges.
In taking a collaborative approach, clients are encouraged to uncover their strengths, clarify their values, and develop strategies for healing and personal growth. The counselor doesn’t lead with answers but walks alongside the client, fostering a sense of safety that nurtures vulnerability and authentic reflection. This shared process honors the client’s autonomy and unique journey, making the counseling experience a deeply personal and transformative one.
Existential Theory
By offering presence, empathy, trust and acceptance of uncertainty, I am able to hold space for clients to explore deep existential struggles like questioning purpose, facing grief, or wrestling with meaning. Working together, we can gently explore life experiences and ways to make sense of those experiences while also honoring the journey.
Transpersonal Theory
In taking a holistic approach to healing, which encompasses the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual nature of the human experience, I am comfortable with an exploration of your spiritual beliefs and experiences. Many people find that reflecting on their sense of life purpose, beliefs, cultural traditions and ancestors, or connection to nature is an important aspect of navigating challenges and fostering healing. If that’s something you’d like to explore, this is a safe and respectful space to do so.
Attachment Theory
In our work together, we will explore the ways in which past relational patterns take root and live in the nervous system. In building a safe connection within the therapeutic relationship, clients can experience a unique space in which a calm, empathetic, nonjudgmental presence can support the nervous system in learning that connection can be safe and soothing.
Polyvagal Theory
Survivors of trauma often feel unsafe in their own bodies. By building an understanding of the nervous system, you will learn that your body has been a protector, helping you survive by bracing, disconnecting, or shutting down when it needs to. Here, we’ll move gently, helping you reconnect with your body in ways that feel safe and empowering. Over time, you can begin to listen to your body’s signals as guides, finding strength and wisdom in your own embodied experience. Simply knowing this can reduce feelings of shame and foster self compassion. In our work together we can find ways to help your body feel safe and more connected to the present. In reconnecting to your body, you can discover that it is a source of safety, wisdom, and healing.
Structural Dissociation / Parts Work
Every part of you has a story and a reason for being here. Even the parts that feel painful or difficult were doing their best to protect you in the past. Together, we can gently get to know these parts—not to push them away, but to understand them, appreciate their efforts, and help them feel safer now. You don’t have to face them alone.
Experiential Theory
There are some experiences that go beyond words and some pain is unspeakable. Healing sometimes needs to go beyond words.I can support you in gently exploring what your body, emotions, or imagination might be holding. Maybe it’s an image, a sensation, or a movement. You don’t have to explain it—you just have to notice it, and we’ll be here with it together.
Relational Framework Theory
Pain is a natural part of the human experience but struggling against it, trying to control or avoid it often only brings more suffering. Part of the healing process is coming to understand yourself really well, and living a life that is in alignment with your authentic self. This includes being able to identify your core values and developing the courage to choose movement towards those core values even in the face of fear or emotional pain. Together we can explore what you want to stand for, even when faced with difficulties, and learn what it means for you to live a meaningful life.
Cognitive Theory
Part of our work together will be learning to notice the thoughts that run through your mind—especially the ones that happen quickly or automatically. These thoughts influence how you feel and how you respond to situations, often without you realizing it. What we think affects what we feel, what we do, and what we believe about ourselves and the world. I will support you in exploring ways these automatic thoughts may be helping or holding you back.
Energy Psychology and Somatic Theories
Through the perspective of Energy Psychology, therapy is a holistic process that supports healing on many levels, including physical, mental, emotional and energetic. From this perspective trauma and distress is not only stored in the mind and nervous system but also in the body’s subtle energy systems. In our work together, we can explore healing as something that moves not only through both the body and the mind—but also through your energy system. Just as emotional pain can affect your thoughts and nervous system, it can also create imbalances in the body’s subtle energy. By working gently with these layers, we can help release stuck patterns and support deeper healing.
Empirically Supported Modalities
EMDR
ACT
DBT
CBT
Complementary and Alternative Interventions Integrated to Support Your Healing Process
Transpersonal Hypnotherapy
Transpersonal hypnotherapy is a specialized form of hypnotherapy that goes beyond the conventional focus on behavior and symptom relief to incorporate spiritual, transcendent, and higher-consciousness dimensions of human experience. Drawing on transpersonal psychology — which recognizes that the self extends beyond the individual ego — this approach uses hypnotic states to explore aspects of the psyche that may include, spiritual awakening, inner wisdom, and a sense of connection to something greater than themselves. In our work together, I may act as a facilitator to guide and support you through deep meditative states, guided imagery, or regression work with the intention of fostering profound personal transformation, healing unresolved spiritual conflicts, or accessing what some describe as the “higher self.” Transpersonal Hypnotherapy is often used alongside other holistic and integrative approaches and tends to appeal to those who view healing as not just psychological or physical, but also deeply spiritual in nature. Hypnotherapy used in this manner can be helpful in treatment for symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD.
Research:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00029157.2025.2459173
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00207144.2015.1099406
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00029157.2009.10401676
(PDF) Application of hypnosis, yoga and relaxation techniques in the treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder – literature review
Inner Relationship Focusing
Inner Relationship Focusing (IRF) is a gentle, client-centered mind-body practice used to support emotional awareness, self-compassion, and internal clarity. Rooted in the original Focusing method developed by Eugene Gendlin and later expanded by Ann Weiser Cornell, IRF guides clients to develop a more compassionate and non-judgmental relationship with their internal emotional experiences. During sessions, clients may be invited to: Pause and shift attention inward in order to connect with present-moment bodily sensations and emotional experiences. Notice and acknowledge internal experiences (e.g., thoughts, feelings, physical sensations) without attempting to fix, suppress, or avoid them. Gently “say hello” to various parts or aspects of the self that may arise (such as a self-critical voice or an anxious feeling), acknowledging them with curiosity and kindness. Establish a mindful and compassionate relationship with these inner parts to allow for increased clarity, understanding, and emotional ease. Notice natural shifts or changes in physical or emotional states as insight or release occurs. IRF does not involve analysis or problem solving but instead encourages the client to listen to their inner experience as a source of wisdom. This approach can be helpful for individuals experiencing emotional overwhelm, self-criticism, inner conflict, or a sense of disconnection from the self.
Research:
(PDF) Transformational Focusing Experiences: A Thematic Analysis of Memoirs
(PDF) Focusing manner and posttraumatic growth
Havening
Havening (also called Havening Techniques) is a psychosensory therapy developed by Dr. Ronald Ruden in the early 2000s that uses gentle touch — typically stroking the arms, face, and palms — combined with eye movements and positive visualization to help alleviate psychological distress. The premise is that traumatic or distressing memories become “encoded” in the brain through electrochemical processes, and that the specific touch stimuli (called “Havening Touch”) generate delta waves in the brain, which can help disrupt and depotentiate these encoded memories, reducing their emotional charge. It is used to address conditions such as PTSD, phobias, anxiety, chronic pain, and other stress-related issues. Havening draws from neuroscience concepts related to the amygdala and the way trauma is stored and retrieved.
Research:
impact_of_a_singlesession_of_havening.pdf
The Power of Touch : Psychology & Neuroscience
Celtic Reiki
Celtic Reiki is a nature-based form of energy healing that combines traditional Reiki techniques with Celtic tree lore and earth energy. Unlike traditional Reiki, which channels universal energy, Celtic Reiki draws from the Earth’s vibrations, especially those associated with specific trees from the Ogham alphabet, each representing unique healing qualities. In a therapeutic setting, practitioners use hands-on energy work, visualization, and nature symbolism to promote grounding, emotional balance, and spiritual growth. Sessions may also include tools like crystals, guided meditations, and tree imagery, helping clients reconnect with natural cycles and release emotional or energetic blockages. Reiki has been found to be beneficial for lowering stress as well as for decreasing symptoms of burnout, anxiety and depression.
Research:
Integrative-PTSD-Treatment.pdf
(PDF) Effects of Reiki on Mental Health Care A Systematic Review
Frontiers | Does Reiki Benefit Mental Health Symptoms Above Placebo?
(PDF) The Impact of Psychotherapeutic Reiki on Anxiety
Crystal Reiki
Crystal Reiki is a healing modality that combines the energy-balancing techniques of traditional Reiki with the vibrational properties of crystals. In this approach, crystals are selected based on the client’s specific needs—such as emotional healing, chakra alignment, or physical wellness—and are strategically placed on or around the body during a Reiki session. The practitioner channels Reiki energy through their hands, amplifying the healing process with the natural frequencies of the chosen crystals. This combination enhances energy flow, promotes relaxation, and supports deeper healing by targeting both energetic imbalances and underlying emotional or spiritual issues.
Research:
(Also see Research listed for Reiki above)
SomaEnergetics Tuning Fork Therapy
SomaEnergetics Tuning Fork Therapy is a sound-based healing modality that uses specially calibrated tuning forks to balance the body’s energy and promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Rooted in ancient solfeggio frequencies, these tuning forks are believed to resonate with the body’s natural vibrational patterns, helping to clear energy blockages and restore harmony. In a treatment setting, the practitioner activates the tuning forks and places them near or on specific areas of the body or energy centers (chakras), allowing the sound vibrations to penetrate deeply and stimulate healing at the cellular level. The therapy is non-invasive and deeply relaxing, often used to support stress relief, emotional release, reduction in symptoms of anxiety, and energetic realignment.
Research:
Sound healing reduces generalized anxiety during the pandemic: A feasibility study – ScienceDirect
(PDF) A Review on the Effects of Chanting and Solfeggio Frequencies on Well-Being (solfeggio frequencies)
528-Frequency-Gold-Standard-in-Energy-Medicine.pdf (solfeggio frequencies)
愛知教育大学学術情報リポジトリ (solfeggio frequencies)
Sound Therapy
Sound healing is a holistic therapy that uses vibrations from instruments like singing bowls, gongs, tuning forks, drums, or the human voice to promote relaxation, balance, and healing within the body and mind. Based on the principle that sound frequencies can influence brainwaves and energy flow, this practice aims to reduce stress, release emotional blockages, and restore energetic harmony. In a therapeutic setting, the practitioner creates specific tones or rhythmic patterns tailored to the client’s needs, often while the client lies comfortably in a meditative state. The sound vibrations work to entrain the body’s natural rhythms, calm the nervous system, and facilitate a state of deep inner healing. Sound healing has been found to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depressed mood.
Research:
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7554543/v1/bdba7a51-bbeb-444d-8e1c-9633a18af010.pdf
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7819493/pdf/imcj-19-24.pdf
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing practice that uses essential oils extracted from plants to promote physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Each oil has unique calming or energizing therapeutic effects, and can be used individually or in blends. Essential oils are typically applied through methods like inhalation, or diffusion, allowing their active compounds to interact with the body and nervous system. Oil selections are chosen to address specific concerns such as stress, anxiety, pain, or fatigue, using the aroma and chemical properties to support relaxation, mood balance, and overall health.
Research:
the-use-of-bergamot-essential-oil-for-ptsd-symptomology-a-qualitative-study-13596.pdf
(PDF) Aromatherapy in the Control of Stress and Anxiety
Oracle Decks
Tarot and oracle decks are intuitive tools often used for self-reflection, guidance, and personal insight, drawing on symbolic imagery and archetypes to explore thoughts, emotions, and life situations. In a therapeutic setting, they can be used to facilitate deeper conversations, uncover subconscious patterns, and empower clients to gain clarity or new perspectives on challenges they are facing. These cards act as mirrors that help individuals access inner wisdom, process emotions, and support decision-making. These tools may incorporates into holistic sessions to enhance emotional healing, stimulate personal growth, and encourage mindfulness.
Research:
Integrating Tarot readings into counselling and psychotherapy
Trauma Informed Yoga
Trauma-informed yoga is a compassionate, body-centered approach to yoga that prioritizes safety, choice, and empowerment for individuals who have experienced trauma. Unlike traditional yoga classes, it emphasizes gentle movement, breath awareness, and mindfulness without physical adjustments or authoritative instruction, allowing participants to reconnect with their bodies at their own pace. In a therapeutic setting, trauma-informed yoga can support emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and help rebuild a sense of control and trust in the body. It is often used alongside other therapeutic modalities to promote healing, resilience, and a deeper sense of self-awareness in a non-judgmental, supportive environment.
Shamanic Practices
Shamanic techniques are ancient spiritual practices rooted in indigenous traditions that involve connecting with the spirit world for healing, insight, and guidance. Core methods include journeying (a meditative state facilitated by rhythmic drumming or rattling), soul retrieval, energy clearing, and working with spirit guides or power animals. In a therapeutic setting, these techniques can be used to help individuals address emotional wounds, release energetic blockages, reclaim lost parts of themselves, and restore spiritual balance. Practitioners create a safe, sacred space for clients to access deeper layers of consciousness and gain clarity or transformation, often complementing other holistic or psychological therapies.
Research:
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1812&context=expressive_theses (positive effects of trance states)
Sci-Hub. Shamanic Healing for Veterans with PTSD: A Case Series / EXPLORE, 2017
The evolution of ancient healing practices: From… : Medicine
Spiritual Practices
Spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and ritual are powerful tool utilized to support the clients’ emotional, psychological, and existential well-being. These practices help foster a sense of inner peace, connection, and meaning, which can be especially beneficial for individuals coping with trauma, loss, or life transitions. Meditation enhances mindfulness and emotional regulation, prayer can provide comfort and a sense of support beyond the self, and rituals—whether personal or culturally rooted—can mark healing milestones or create a sense of sacred structure in the healing process. When integrated respectfully and appropriately, these practices honor the client’s spiritual framework and can deepen the therapeutic process by addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Therapists may incorporate these elements in collaboration with the client’s beliefs and preferences, promoting not only support for healthy emotion regulation but empowerment, resilience, and a greater sense of purpose.
Research:
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1812&context=expressive_theses (positive effect of trance state)
The Psychology of Rituals: An Integrative Review and Process-Based Framework
CONTACT
You can contact me through Psychology Today for a free 15 minute consultation: Psychology Today
Or Book a Session with me through Headway: Headway Profile
Rowan Tree Healing 