Alicia Evans

I work specifically with trauma and traumatic stress that shows up in people's lives like many disorders, can come from big and little sources, and has a lot of it's base in self criticism, self doubt, and patterns of maladaptive behaviors. I believe in looking at systems that cause hurt and keep it happening through beliefs about ourselves that may not be true. I like to use nervous system science in recognizing trauma, anxiety and depression, and self doubt for example, to help clients recover a healthy relationship with themself and others.

I have a Masters of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and many years experience of working in experiential education, substituting in schools, and bartending. I have lived abroad for many years, experienced divorce, and am a solo parent of three adult kids with whom I share secure attachment, personal healing, and endless support of each other.

I like to build working relationships of trust with my clients, model safety in relationships, and explore clients goals and measures together. I believe in letting clients decide what they want to achieve, find tools that fit their needs and motivations, while challenging their beliefs about themselves and patterns of response. I can be more hands on for people who prefer homework, and less "pushy" for those who like to find their own way through self exploration together. I use psycho-education, somatic, and experiential tools to support clients, which means basically carefully building awareness of one's body/emotions relationship, and learning emotional regulation tools that are felt, experienced and also cognitive.

I recognize that feeling safe to be vulnerable is important to a solid therapeutic relationship, so exploring what that means and looks like together is first priority. The first several sessions are spent in getting to know your goals, challenges, and patterns, with respect and clarity, which leads to skillset building and tools for healing and change.