Trauma therapy

Your past doesn't get to run the show anymore.

 
Lianna Purjes's profile on the Gottman Referral Network

Trauma therapy helps you break free from the patterns, thoughts, and reactions that keep dragging you back into the past. If you grew up in a dysfunctional family, experienced neglect or abuse, or have been through experiences that still affect how you think and relate to others, you're not broken. You're having a normal response to abnormal circumstances.

I'm Lianna, the therapist behind Fuzzy Socks Therapy. I offer trauma therapy in Scottsdale, AZ and online throughout Arizona, Colorado, and Florida. My approach combines deep healing work with practical skills you can actually use. No fluffy jargon. No vague advice that sounds nice but doesn't help when you're spiraling. Just real, concrete support.

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Sound Familiar?

You're constantly on edge, waiting for something bad to happen, even when things are fine. Your nervous system learned a long time ago that relaxing wasn't safe.

Sleep is a battle. Racing thoughts, nightmares, waking up with your heart pounding. Your brain won't let you rest.

You want real connection, but trust feels impossible. You either push people away or end up in relationships that feel familiar but aren't healthy.

You keep repeating the same patterns. Different relationship, same problems. Different year, same struggles. You're wondering if this is just who you are.

Basic tasks feel overwhelming. Keeping the house clean, eating regular meals, making decisions. Things that seem easy for everyone else take everything you've got.

If this sounds like you, trauma therapy can help you understand why these patterns exist and how to actually change them.

 

How I Work

My approach pulls from multiple evidence-based methods to fit what you actually need.

Psychodynamic Therapy helps us understand the "why" behind your patterns. When you get why you do what you do, you can decide if you want to keep doing it.

DBT gives you concrete skills for managing intense emotions, handling distress, and improving relationships. When you're overwhelmed, you'll have something to actually do.

EMDR helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they stop controlling you. Learn more on my EMDR therapy page.

Emotionally Focused Therapy helps you understand your emotional responses and needs, especially in relationships.

For kids, I use Play Therapy approaches that let them process difficult experiences in developmentally appropriate ways.

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What You Can Expect

I start with a free consultation so we can make sure we're a good fit. Book it through my online scheduling system.

If we move forward, you'll complete paperwork online before our first session. For adults, I spend one session on intake, assessment, and goal-setting. For children, I meet with parents first, then begin seeing the child.

You can schedule recurring appointments or book online as needed. I sometimes assign homework if it's helpful. We track progress regularly and adjust as we go.

For children, I meet with the child for four to six sessions, then discuss parental involvement. I provide updates on general themes but keep session details confidential unless there's a safety concern.

Ready to Stop Living in Survival Mode?

The patterns you're stuck in aren't permanent. Trauma changes the brain, but healing changes it back.

This work isn't easy. Facing your past takes guts. But you don't have to do it alone.

For pricing and scheduling info, visit my FAQs & Rates page or contact me directly.

I offer trauma therapy in-person in Scottsdale, AZ and online in Arizona, Colorado, and Florida. Visit my locations page for details.

Location:

Scottdale, AZ

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FAQs: Common Questions About Trauma Therapy

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  • Trauma isn't defined by the event but by how it affected you. Childhood neglect, emotional abuse, growing up with an unpredictable parent, or any experience that overwhelmed your ability to cope can be traumatic. If your past still affects how you think, feel, or relate to others, it's worth exploring.

  • Trauma therapy specifically addresses how traumatic experiences have affected your nervous system, beliefs, and relationships. It uses specialized approaches to process memories and help your brain move out of survival mode.

  • No. Memory issues are common with trauma. You don't need clear recall or specific details to heal. We can work with emotions, body sensations, and patterns even without complete memories.

  • There's no expiration date on healing. Whether it happened in childhood or years ago, therapy can help you process it and reduce its impact now.

  • Not necessarily. Some approaches, like EMDR, can process memories without extensive retelling. We'll find what feels safe and effective for you.

  • It varies. Factors include the nature of your experiences, how long you've had symptoms, and your goals. Some people improve in months; others benefit from longer work. We'll track progress together.

  • Attachment trauma happens in your early caregiving relationships. Inconsistent, neglectful, or harmful caregiving affects how your brain develops and how you relate to yourself and others.

  • Yes. Anxiety and depression are often symptoms of underlying trauma. When we address the root cause, those symptoms often decrease.

  • You might feel temporarily stirred up when working on difficult material. That's normal. We pace treatment carefully and make sure you have skills to manage distress before we go deep.

  • If you're asking, you're probably more ready than you think. During our consultation, we can discuss where you are and whether now is the right time.