Trauma Therapy in Kansas City, MO.

Liz Davis Therapy offers trauma-informed care for all people seeking relief from symptoms of trauma, PTSD, or CPTSD.

Trauma is real. And the impact is immense. Let me help you get the healing you deserve.

Healing from trauma is a journey, and at Liz Davis Therapy, I am here to support you every step of the way. I’m Liz Davis, M.S., LMFT, and if you are seeking trauma therapy, trauma-informed therapy, or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), you've come to the right place. My approach is compassionate, personalized, and designed to help you reclaim your life.

Trauma-Informed Care in Kansas City, MO.

Many of us have experienced trauma, whether we realize it or not. Trauma is any experience that totally overwhelms our nervous systems and our ability to cope. In my practice, I refer to the different types of traumas as “Big T” and “little t” traumas. Both types are equally valid and can have a massive effect on our lives, our sense of self, our relationships, and how we cope to manage our symptoms.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I took additional post-graduate training to be able to offer truly trauma-informed care using evidence-based techniques. See below to read about some of the most common issues in processing trauma and the techniques I use to help you reclaim your life, manage distress and symptoms more effectively, and improve your relationships. You deserve to invest in yourself and your healing, and I want to help you do it.

AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) for Trauma.

At Liz Davis Therapy, we understand the profound impact that trauma can have on your life. If you're seeking trauma therapy with a focus on innovative approaches like AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy), you've come to the right place. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for your healing journey.

AEDP is a cutting-edge therapeutic approach that focuses on fostering emotional healing and transformation. Here's how AEDP works:

Safe Exploration in a Safe Environment

Liz Davis, our skilled therapist, creates a secure and supportive space for you to explore and process difficult emotions.

Experiential Technique

AEDP utilizes experiential techniques to help you access and express emotions, promoting healing at a deep level actually within the present moment in the therapy room.

Emphasis on Positive Transformation

AEDP focuses on positive experiences and aims to transform negative emotional states into more adaptive and resilient ones, using a relational, growth mindset.

Mind-Body Connection

AEDP recognizes the intricate connection between the mind and body, incorporating somatic (body-based) techniques to promote holistic healing. The mind-body connection is researched and powerful!

Integration of Positive Changes

Throughout the therapy process, positive changes are integrated to enhance emotional well-being and resilience.

A Relational Approach

AEDP is a relational approach that uses the therapeutic alliance between the client and therapist to foster healing in an experiential way. Heal in relational safety.

Common Issues in Processing Trauma.

Trauma can manifest in various ways, and individuals may face challenges such as:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Persistent distress following exposure to a traumatic event or multiple events, resulting in CPTSD.

Flashbacks and Intrusive Memories

Overwhelming feelings of fear and anxiety from traumatic memories from the past.

Depression

Persistent sadness, loss of interest, lack of energy, and feelings of hopelessness.

Chronic Pain or Health Issues

Physical symptoms that may be linked to unresolved trauma.

Sleep Disturbances Due To Distress

Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing nightmares.

Emotional Numbness or Feeling Disconnected

Feeling disconnected from emotions or the world around you.

Difficulty Trusting Others

Struggling to build or maintain trust in relationships due to wounding in the past.

Self-Esteem Issues

Impact on the sense of self and identity, self-worth, and confidence.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for Trauma, PTSD, and CPTSD.

EMDR is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process traumatic memories and alleviate the symptoms of PTSD. This evidence-based therapy involves the following steps:

History-Taking and Treatment Planning:

I will work with you to understand your history and develop a personalized treatment plan in order to successfully engage in EMDR treatment.

Preparation

Before beginning EMDR, I will ensure you have healthy coping strategies to manage emotional distress.

Desensitization and Reprocessing

Using bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), you will revisit distressing memories while focusing on external stimuli. This process helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact.

Installation of Positive Cognitions

I will guide you in replacing negative beliefs with positive, adaptive ones to promote healing.

Closure

Each session concludes with stabilizing techniques to ensure you feel grounded and secure.

Reevaluation

Over subsequent sessions, progress is monitored, and adjustments are made as needed.

Hear it directly from my clients! Here are some testimonials that my clients have voluntarily asked me to share with you about the impact of their healing!

  • "Liz was the first person to help me realize I had trauma. I had seen three past therapist and had never realized how much stress I was carrying from my past."

    -Anonymous

  • "Before therapy I didn't even know who I was. Now, I actually know who I am outside of what had happened to me. I'm so grateful to Liz for helping me finally find myself."

    -Anonymous

  • "Liz helped me so much that I've actually referred three of my friends and colleagues to her as well! I've been with Liz for two years and I can't even believe how much progress we've made."

    -Kaitlyn Z.

I truly wish healing for you, and I want to help you get there.

Feel free to schedule an appointment with me today to begin your healing journey. Trauma doesn’t have to steal the rest of your life. Let’s reclaim yourself and your life, together.

  • Trauma-Informed Therapy acknowledges the broad impact of trauma and emphasizes creating a safe space for healing. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I incorporate this approach into my practice. With additional training, I tailor care to address the diverse manifestations of trauma, fostering a compassionate and evidence-based environment that prioritizes safety, trust, and collaborative healing.

  • What is considered traumatic is so subjective. I recognize and provide support for various types of trauma, whether it's "Big T" traumas such as major life events or "little t" traumas that may be less obvious but still deeply impactful to you.

  • I incorporate trauma-informed care using evidence-based techniques. This approach is designed to address the impact of trauma on your life, relationships, and overall well-being.

  • Yes, trauma therapy is tailored to address a range of symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and other challenges that may arise from traumatic experiences.

  • I offer EMDR, a specialized therapy involving a structured process to help individuals process traumatic memories. This evidence-based approach focuses on desensitization, reprocessing, and installing positive cognitions.

  • EMDR is personalized to each individual's needs. Before starting, we ensure you have healthy coping strategies in place to manage emotional distress effectively.

  • I utilize Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), an innovative approach emphasizing emotional healing, experiential techniques, and positive transformation. It recognizes the mind-body connection and promotes holistic healing.

  • AEDP is a relational approach that leverages the therapeutic alliance between you and I. This approach fosters healing in an experiential manner, emphasizing a safe and supportive environment.

  • Sessions involve safe exploration of difficult emotions, experiential techniques, and an emphasis on positive transformation. The mind-body connection is recognized, and positive changes are integrated throughout the therapy process.

  • The duration varies based on individual needs and progress. I work collaboratively with each client, monitoring progress over sessions and making adjustments as needed.

  • I distinguish myself through a personalized, compassionate approach, integrating evidence-based techniques to address the unique impact of trauma on individuals.

  • Yes, trauma therapy is designed to address both recent traumatic events and past traumas, recognizing that the impact of these experiences can persist over time.

  • I employ a tailored approach to address trust issues, acknowledging the challenges individuals may face in building and maintaining trust. The therapeutic process is guided by a commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment.

  • I provide trauma-informed care to individuals, couples, and families, recognizing that trauma can impact various aspects of relationships.

  • I emphasize cultural sensitivity in trauma therapy, and all of my therapy, recognizing the diverse backgrounds of individuals in Kansas City, MO. The therapeutic approach is respectful of cultural nuances and diverse perspectives.

  • I collaboratively work with clients to develop personalized coping strategies, ensuring they have tools to manage symptoms effectively between therapy sessions.

  • Yes, I address trauma not only in your personal life but also acknowledge the impact of workplace-related trauma or stress, offering support for individuals navigating these challenges.

  • Self-care is integral to the trauma healing process, and I can offer guidance on incorporating personalized self-care practices into daily life to promote overall well-being and resilience.

  • While I do recommend in-person sessions for intensive trauma work, yes, I offer virtual sessions, providing flexibility for individuals who may prefer or require remote access to trauma therapy.

  • Scheduling an appointment is easy! You can reach out to me directly by clicking the button below to start your healing journey and take the first step toward reclaiming yourself and your life from the impact of trauma.

 Frequently Asked Trauma Therapy Questions

Not ready to commit to scheduling an appointment just yet? That’s ok! Feel free to check out some of my blog posts to learn more about me, my style, and my perspective on mental health and healing here.

Here’s a post on “What is the Difference Between AEDP and EMDR? [And Why do They Work so Well Together?]”.

If you’re interested by this or any other blog articles, we may just be a good fit! Feel free to click the button below to schedule your first appointment today!