Medical trauma can complicate our relationships with the health care system, but we don’t have to avoid care
Therapy for Medical Trauma in Youngstown Ohio
Therapy Available Virtually Throughout OH
When the systems that are meant to heal us make us feel frightened or cause us harm, there can be lasting psychological wounds.
Healing those wounds and finding safety in your body is an important next step.
When our body feels unsafe in the very spaces that are meant to heal it, we can find ourselves avoiding the labs, appointments, and procedures we need for our care.
Medical Trauma Can Impact Our Confidence and Our Autonomy…
“I would rather live with the pain than go through another invasive procedure while my body lays there uncovered.”
They asked if a resident could observe, and I wasn’t sure how to say no. It made me really uncomfortable.
I told them something didn’t feel right during the procedure, but they told me everything looked normal. Later I learned I had experienced an injury during the procedure.
The way they talk about my body with the rest of the treatment team as if I’m not there… it makes me feel invisible and ashamed.
"They didn’t believe me when I told them I wasn’t numb. The doctor said that wasn’t possible. I was too scared to speak up again.”
I have to explain my diagnosis to all my providers each time and remind them about the exceptions my diagnosis requires, like needing additional precautions for pain management.
I’m afraid if I self-advocate too hard, they won’t treat me at all.
I’m constantly walking the line between pushing for the care I need and trying not to get labeled as a hypochondriac.
“I told them how much pain I was having after surgery, and they blew me off. They told me I was probably just having anxiety. I feel like I’m being gaslit.”
I feel like they don’t take my concerns seriously if I come in to talk about research I’ve looked up on my own. They always brush me off without running any additional tests.
One of my doctors told me my issues were just due to mental health and to try therapy. I’m giving therapy a shot because I could use the support, but I know my issues aren’t all in my head.
I don’t know whether to trust my own body anymore, because I’ve been told I’m “fine” for so long when I know I’m not.
Therapy Can Support You As Heal From Medical Trauma
Medical trauma can make it feel unsafe to seek medical support when you need it, but together we can find ways for you to help your body feel safe in those spaces again
What if…
Instead of avoiding doctors appointments because you’re feeling scared of what has happened there before…
You could develop assertive communication skills to help you communicate with your medical team and request written records of your concerns?
Instead of avoiding sleep because you’re worried about the nightmares returning…
You could develop a sleep routine that feels safe and restful, allowing you to feel refreshed and peaceful when you wake up?
Instead being fearful about self-advocating “too much” and getting labeled as a “problem patient”…
You could develop strategies for supporting yourself in medical settings to help you feel safe receiving the care you need?
Instead of remaining silent or scared during procedures that feel invasive or insensitive…
You could confidently ask for clarification on each step and how your privacy and modesty will be maintained during the appointment?
What Makes Stephanie Different From Other Therapists With a Chronic Illness Speciality?
Hello - I’m so glad you’re here!
Choosing the right therapist can feel overwhelming. If you’re feeling nervous, about finding the right support, I totally get it.
What makes me different is that I know first-hand what it’s like to feel the loss of identity associated with chronic illness. I’m happy to say that I also feel like I have a good sense now (after years of getting in my own way!) of the kind of things that can help bring us back to ourselves.
Our bodies and health may never be quite what they were before, but we can still build a life we feel passionately about.
I can’t wait to support you!
Stephanie
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? The answers to some commonly asked questions can be found in this section, but you can always reach out with additional questions. I want you to feel confident that I’m a good match for your needs by making sure all your questions are answered.
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My fee for an individual session is $150 for self-pay or anyone wanting to explore out of network benefit options.
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I accept all major credit cards, HSA cards, or FSA cards as permitted by your plan.
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I do not accept insurance, and I understand that may be disappointing for some people. In the past, being an in-network therapist has meant I spend considerable admin time on paperwork, billing, denied claims, etc. By operating on a self-pay basis, I am able to pour all my focus into my work with clients. Time I would spend on admin work can be refocused on building resources to further support my clients.
If you are looking to use your insurance for therapy, you can explore reimbursement for services through any out of network benefits you may be eligible for with your primary health plans. Reach out to your insurance provider for more details on whether this is possible for your specific plan.
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Getting started is simple! Reach out through my contact form or call to schedule a free consultation—I will walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
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I think the most important thing that sets me apart from other qualified and compassionate therapists is that I myself live with chronic pain, illness, and health uncertainty. I know first hand what it’s like to navigate these challenges, and I also understand why more generalized approaches to therapy tend to fall short for those of us with unpredictable bodies. My lived experience combined with my extensive clinical experience means I really get it.
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You can reach me anytime through my contact form, via email, or by phone. I aim to respond within one business day. I know that once you’re ready to get started, you will want to get things moving forward right away.
You don’t have to navigate chronic illness alone.
Are you ready to talk more about how therapy can help?
