Trauma-Informed Therapy

Healing begins when you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface.
If you’ve ever said:

• “I feel like I’m too much—or not enough.”
• “I don’t know why I shut down like that.”
• “Some part of me just takes over.”
  You’re not alone—and you’re not broken.

At Pathways to Change, I offer trauma-informed therapy using a compassionate and cutting-edge model called Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST)—developed by Janina Fisher, Ph.D. This approach helps you understand the parts of yourself that formed during overwhelming or painful life experiences, and how those parts still try to protect you—often in ways that cause distress.

What Is Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST)?
TIST is a therapy model that blends the wisdom of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Sensorimotor Therapy, and neuroscience. It’s designed to help individuals who experience symptoms of trauma, anxiety, dissociation, emotional reactivity, and deeply rooted patterns that feel “out of your control.”

Through TIST, you’ll learn to:

• Identify the parts of you that get triggered (like fight, flight, freeze, or fawn)
• Recognize emotional or physical reactions as protective responses—not personal flaws
• Build empathy toward the parts that helped you survive
• Unblend from these parts and return to your calm, grounded self
• Reclaim your ability to respond rather than react
  
  

This work is gentle, empowering, and deeply healing. You don’t have to relive your trauma to move forward from it.

Signs You May Be Carrying Unresolved Trauma

• You feel numb, detached, or disconnected from your body or emotions
• You have strong emotional reactions that seem “out of nowhere”
• You feel unsafe or on-edge even in calm environments
• You struggle with self-worth, boundaries, or trust
• You’ve tried therapy before but felt like something was missing
  
  

Trauma doesn’t have to be a single event—it can be emotional neglect, prolonged stress, loss, abuse, or even growing up in a home where your needs weren’t met.

What Therapy Sessions Look LikeIn our sessions together, we’ll create a space of safety and curiosity—not shame. You’ll be invited to gently observe your inner world and learn how to respond to distress with compassion and clarity.

Some tools and techniques we may use:

• Psychoeducation about trauma and the nervous system
• Parts mapping and internal dialogue
• Grounding and regulation exercises
• Mind-body awareness and mindfulness practices
  
  

You’ll be guided every step of the way—with warmth, respect, and the understanding that you are so much more than what happened to you.

I specialize in working with:

• Adults navigating complex trauma, anxiety, or PTSD
• Women healing from childhood emotional neglect or relational trauma
• Parents, professionals, and caregivers who feel overwhelmed or triggered
• Couples where trauma has affected communication or connection
  
  

Whether you’re new to therapy or returning with deeper goals, we’ll move at your pace.

Begin Your Journey. You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin healing.
You just need a safe space, a steady guide, and a willingness to begin.

The journey starts with you.
Let’s take the next step—together.
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📍 In-person sessions in Cumming, GA
💻 Tele-counseling available throughout Georgia and Indiana
👉 Contact me today to schedule a consultation or learn more.

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