Trauma Focused Therapy

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Your experiences matter. Your story deserves to be heard, and you deserve support that meets you where you are.

Difficult or overwhelming experiences can affect how we see ourselves, connect with others, and navigate everyday life. Sometimes, the effects of these experiences show up as anxiety, feeling constantly on edge, difficulty trusting others, emotional overwhelm, or feeling disconnected from yourself.

At Inner Peace Therapy, we understand that healing looks different for everyone. That's why all of our therapists use a trauma-informed approach to care, recognizing the importance of emotional safety, compassion, trust, and respect throughout the therapeutic process.

Whether you're processing past experiences, navigating current stress, or simply trying to better understand yourself, you deserve a space where you feel supported without judgment.

Trauma-informed care recognizes that difficult life experiences can influence our emotional well-being, relationships, behaviors, and sense of safety. These experiences may include childhood adversity, relationship difficulties, loss, abuse, major life changes, or other events that have left a lasting impact.

A trauma-informed therapist understands that people respond to experiences in different ways. Rather than making assumptions or judging your reactions, your therapist works with you to understand your experiences and identify the support that feels right for you.

Trauma-informed care is not a single type of therapy. It is an approach that prioritizes your well-being throughout the therapeutic relationship.

At Inner Peace Therapy, this means honoring your experiences, recognizing your strengths, and creating space for growth at a pace that feels manageable.

Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially if you've had experiences that made it difficult to trust others or feel understood. Trauma-informed care emphasizes collaboration, choice, and respect so you can participate in therapy in ways that feel comfortable for you.

Depending on your needs, trauma-informed therapy may involve:

• Building emotional safety: Developing a therapeutic relationship where you feel heard, respected, and supported.
• Understanding your responses: Exploring how past and present experiences may influence your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
• Recognizing triggers and patterns: Identifying situations that bring up difficult emotions and exploring ways to respond.
• Developing coping strategies: Building skills to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm.
• Strengthening boundaries: Exploring your needs and practicing ways to communicate them in relationships.
• Supporting personal growth: Recognizing your resilience, reconnecting with your strengths, and working toward goals that matter to you.

You are not expected to share everything at once. You can ask questions, communicate your boundaries, and work with your therapist to determine what feels appropriate at each stage of your journey.

Trauma-informed care can benefit individuals with a wide range of experiences and concerns. You do not need a PTSD diagnosis or a history of a specific traumatic event to appreciate a therapy approach that emphasizes safety, understanding, and collaboration.

You may find this approach helpful if you're navigating:

• Trauma or post-traumatic stress symptoms
• Anxiety, depression, or ongoing stress
• Difficult childhood or relationship experiences
• Grief, loss, or major life transitions
• Challenges with trust, boundaries, or relationships
• Emotional overwhelm or difficulty feeling grounded
• Questions about identity, self-worth, or personal growth

Your experiences are uniquely yours. Therapy provides an opportunity to explore what you've been through, understand what you need today, and discover ways to move forward with greater confidence and self-compassion.

At Inner Peace Therapy, our therapists recognize that each person brings a unique story, set of strengths, and individual needs to therapy. All five of our clinicians approach their work with an understanding of the importance of compassionate, trauma-informed care.

Kayla Cox is the owner of Inner Peace Therapy and offers a supportive, collaborative approach to mental health care. Her work emphasizes meeting individuals where they are, recognizing the impact of life experiences, and helping clients work toward meaningful change at their own pace.

Kera Sanford offers an integrative approach that recognizes the connection between emotional well-being, relationships, and personal experiences. She supports individuals in exploring challenges, building coping skills, and developing greater self-awareness in a respectful, affirming space. She also works wonders with couples and families. 

Tori Alexander takes a compassionate, collaborative approach to therapy, supporting individuals as they explore their experiences, identify their needs, and develop strategies that align with their goals. She offers both in-person therapy in East Lansing and virtual sessions.

Jasmine Sledge provides virtual therapy throughout Michigan. She supports individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, with an emphasis on understanding each person's experiences and creating a supportive, affirming therapeutic relationship.

Liz Storey brings a supportive approach to working with individuals navigating difficult life experiences and personal challenges. Her work includes supporting women and individuals affected by domestic violence, with an emphasis on compassionate, respectful care.

Note: Explore each therapist's individual profile to learn more about their specialties, therapeutic approaches, and availability.