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Trauma-informed counseling for ptsd after surgery, illness, or hospitalization

medical trauma therapy in nashville, tn

Experiencing a medical event can change everything. Even long after the procedure, diagnosis, or emergency has passed, your body and mind may still be trying to make sense of what happened. If you’re noticing fear, anxiety, panic, or a sense of being “on alert” every time you see a doctor’s office- or even think about medical care- it might be a sign that it is time for extra support.

Medical trauma is real. It can affect both individuals and couples physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. If the illness or complications are ongoing, medical events can mean navigating a new normal.

I specialize in helping individuals and couples in Nashville and throughout Tennessee recover from medical trauma, hospital-related PTSD, chronic illness trauma, and fear of medical care so they can feel safe, grounded, and in control over their bodies again.

What is medical trauma?

Medical trauma is the emotional and nervous system impact of a scary or overwhelming medical experience. It often shows up when your medical care involved fear, pain, confusion, a loss of control, or not feeling heard or cared for.

It can include experiences like:

+ chronic illness or repeated medical procedures

+ traumatic diagnosis

+ childhood medical trauma

+ feeling unseen by medical providers

+ surgery (planned or emergency)

+ birth trauma or complications

+ icu stays

+ miscarriage or pregnancy loss

Signs you may be experiencing medical trauma

Medical trauma can show up differently for everyone, but common symptoms include:

  • Feeling panicked, shaky, or nauseous before appointments

  • Avoiding medical care (even when you need it)

  • Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories

  • Trouble sleeping or relaxing

  • Feeling disconnected from your body

  • Anxiety around hospitals, doctors, or procedures

  • Difficulty trusting medical professionals

  • Being hyperaware of your symptoms or physical sensations

  • Feeling emotionally overwhelmed when discussing your health

If you’ve wondered, “Why can’t I just get over this?”—please know that trauma isn’t something you think your way out of.

But with support, your nervous system can absolutely heal.

working together is simple.

Schedule a consult

the process:

Click the button to schedule a free, no-obligation 15 minute phone consultation. I will reach out within 24 business hours to confirm our call. If we’re a good fit, we can schedule your first session during our call together.

Therapy approaches for medical trauma

  • Cognitive and Mind-Body Therapies

    Tools to understand your triggers, calm your nervous system, and reconnect with your body.

  • Attachment-Informed Trauma Work

    We explore how support (or lack of it) during your medical experience shaped your emotional response. This is especially helpful for couples navigating medical events.

  • EMDR for Medical Trauma

    EMDR helps your brain process overwhelming medical memories so they no longer feel like they’re happening “now.”

  • Somatic and Nervous System Regulation Techniques

    Somatic therapy techniques for soothing overactive anxiety/panic responses and helping your body feel safe again.

More about my background

 FAQs

  • IAny medical experience that felt frightening, overwhelming, or out of your control—including surgery, childbirth, hospital stays, or traumatic diagnoses.

  • IYes. Many people develop PTSD symptoms after emergency procedures, birth trauma, or unexpected medical complications.

  • Specialized trauma therapists understand medical systems, power dynamics, and the unique ways medical trauma shows up in the body.

  • Everyone’s timeline is different. Many clients begin feeling relief within the first few months of consistent therapy.Everyone’s timeline is different. Many clients begin feeling relief within the first few months of consistent therapy.