Complex Trauma Training Assistants
Lisa Gillispie
Email: lisa@columbusmindbody.com
Location: Columbus, Oh
Website: columbusmindbody.com
Phone Number: 614-259-7965
Bianka Hardin
Email:biankahardinpsyd@centeredtherapychicago.com
Location: Chicago, Il
Website: centeredtherapychicgo.com
Phone Number: 773-569-1426
Jacob Art
Email: jacob.mft@gmail.com
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Website: jacobarttherapy.com
Phone Number: 415-854-1877
Rikki Grace
Email:rikki@rubycounselingohio.com
Location: Columbus, Oh
Website: rubycounselingohio.com
Phone Number: 614-461-3302
Benedikta Karaisl von Karais
Email: hello@bvkcounseling.com
Website: bvkcounseling.com
Phone Number: 718-687-6588
Henaris Curiel Shaw
Email:papillionvioletpsychotherapy@gmail.com
Location: Austin, Tx
Phone Number: 512-299-7377
Alex White
Email: alex@alexwhitecounseling.com
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Website: alexwhitecounseling.com
Phone Number: 801-382-8409
Samantha Montemayor
Email:Sam@intersectionalpsych.com
Location: Austin, Tx
Website: intersectionalpsych.com
Phone Number: 512-948-3719
Michael Gentry
Email: Mike@gentrytherapy.com
Location: Scottsdale, Ar
Website: gentrytherapy.com
Phone Number: 480-269-1727
Laurie Berson
Email:laurie@heartmindingatx.com
Location: Austin, Tx
Website: heartmindingatx.com
Phone Number: 512-763-5368
Samantha Alcalde
Email: samantha@alcaldetherapy.com
Location: California & Texas
Website: alcaldetherapy.com
Phone Number: (626) 842 – 4728
Wei-Hao Wu
Email: weihao.wu@reconnect-mentalhealth.com
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Website: reconnect-mentalhealth.com
Heather Parker
Email: heather@waterstonecounseling.org
Location: Birmingham, Al
Website: waterstonecounseling.org
Phone Number: 205-502-4636
Valerie Kuykendall Rogers
Email:Valerie@ascentpsychotherapycenter.org
Location: Houston, Tx
Website: ascentpsychotherapycenter.org
Phone Number: 877-393-9695
Jason McNaughton
Email:Jason@Ascentcc.net
Location: Birmingham, Al
Website: ascentcc.net
Phone Number: 205-224-9754
Sarayu Meraki
Email: sarayu.meraki@merakicounseling.org
Location: Wisconsin.Wn
Website: merakicounseling.org
Phone Number: 920-285-4900
Jessica Willman
Email:jessica@honeyruncounseling.com
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Website: honeyruncounseling.com
Phone Number: 530-712-3755
Sabrena Ness
Email: sabrena.ness@lifestance.com
Location: Utah
Website: lifestance.com
Phone Number: 763-464-0376
Katy Lackey
Email: katyannlackeylcsw@gmail.com
Location: San Francisco, Ca
Website: katyannlackeylcsw.com
Phone Number: 415-343-5271
Lutfi Alkaddour
Email:lutfi@journeyhomepsychology.
Location: Chicago, Il
Website: psychologytoday.com
Phone Number: 708-566-6205
Leslie Filsinger
Email: Leslie@sedonapsychotherapy.com
Location: Sedona, Az
Website: Sedonapsychotherapy.com
Phone Number: 928-592-8732
Katherine Kaufmann
Email: katherine@kaufmann.earth
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Website: katherine.kaufmann.earth
Phone Number: (+49) 177-775-4611
Lily Jaser
Email: Lily@Lilyjaser.com
Location: Bay Area,San Fransisco,Ca
Website: LilyJaser.com
Phone Number: 510-984-1883
Maren Deaver
Email: mwdeaver@aol.com
Location: Evanston, Il
Website: mwdtherapy.com
Phone Number: 847-840-9719
Djahane Banoo Salehabadi
Email: drdjahanebanoo@gmail.com
Location: Freiburg, Germany
Website: djahanebanoo.com
Andréa Martin
Email: andrea@wasatchfamilytherapy.com
Location: Sandy, Ut
Website: wasatchfamilytherapy.com
Phone Number: 801-944-4555 Ext. 126
Zazu Tauber
Email: zazutaubertherapy@gmail.com
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Website: zazutaubertherapy.com
Phone Number: 310-922-4675
Karen Ihrig
Email: karen@herewithyoutherapy.com
Location: Tempe, Az
Website:herewithyoutherapy.com
Phone Number: 480-943-7150
Elinor Kadera
Email: elinor@resonancecounselingut.com
Location: Cedar City, Ut
Website:resonancecounselingut.com
Phone Number: 435-256-9763
Jamie Grant
Email: Jamie@metanoiadallas.com
Location: Dallas, Tx
Website: Metanoiadallas.com
Phone Number: 214-914-3612
Sharon Hale
Email: Sharon@HaleCounselingNW.com
Location: Tigard, Or
Website: HaleCounselingNW.com
Phone Number: 971-251-1557
Mamie Payne
Email: mamie@stillirisecounselling.com
Location: Campbell River, BC
Website: stillirisecounselling.com
Phone Number: 250-202-5528
Mamie Payne
As an integrative and trauma-informed therapist, I draw on years of experience and training in various somatic approaches, mindfulness meditation practice, internal parts work, adult development and developmental trauma theory, and shame resilience to creatively support your unfolding exactly where you are, as you are.
My clinical experience has been forged in acute psychiatric settings, including inpatient treatment, partial-hospitalization, and intensive outpatient settings; as well as addictions treatment and private practice since 2018.
I have facilitated group therapy and group psychoeducational intensives over many years and have a particular passion for working with groups in both therapeutic and organizational capacities.
Kelli Klinger LCSW
Kelli is an LCSW in private practice outside Chicago. She has been treating trauma in various settings since 1983. She trained in psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, interpersonal, relational and somatic models, EMDR and SE, until finding NARM in 2017. She has been actively learning NARM since as student, TA, Lead TA, Individual and Group consult provider, and is on the Faculty Track.
Benedikta Karaisl von Karais
Before entering the field of Mental Health Counseling, I worked in fashion, design, and publishing. I completed my BA at Parsons School of Design and my MA in Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University. I am a NARM Master practitioner and continue to deepen my learning as part of their training team.
I was born and raised in Munich and spent parts of my life in Paris and Berlin, allowing me to offer clients different cultural perspectives and sessions in English, German, or French. I live and work in the Hudson Valley with my three children and two dogs, enjoying the outdoors and the many cultural offerings the area provides.
James Horne
James Horne is a relational coach and a Masters level practitioner trained in NARM (Neuro Affective Relational Model). He has a masters degree in professional counseling and has been in practice for over 20 years. As a relational coach, James is passionate about helping others be their true, authentic selves by assisting them in identifying the barriers that keep them from realizing who they were created to be. James has spent over 20 years working in trauma-focused treatment centers serving in the roles of therapist, trauma specialist and clinical director.
His first career was as an Army officer, and after 6 years in the service, he chose to resign his commission and began his own healing journey which included inpatient and residential treatment for addiction and developmental trauma. This experience inspired him to pursue a degree in counseling which allows him to give back the love that was so graciously given to him.
James is currently in private practice as a relational coach. He also facilitates individual and group intensives, and is available for training and speaking engagements.
Sabrena Ness
Below is a biography that combines my current biography on my work website and also adds info about NARM. Let me know if you need something else. Feel free to use some or all of this. Thanks.
Sabrena is a compassionate therapist who understands that beginning therapy can feel overwhelming. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe, and supportive space where clients can feel comfortable exploring their challenges and working toward personal growth. Believing that no one should face life’s difficulties alone, Sabrena partners with her clients to identify meaningful steps toward building fulfilling and balanced lives.
As an ACMHC in Utah and an LPC in Colorado, Sabrena brings extensive experience and expertise to her practice. She earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wyoming and has worked in both community mental health and university settings. Currently, she serves as the Regional Clinical Director for LifeStance Health in Utah, where she provides guidance to clinicians statewide while maintaining a small caseload of clients.
Sabrena’s therapeutic approach is rooted in the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), and she tailors her methods to meet each client’s unique needs. She specializes in working with couples, adolescents, and emerging adults, supporting them through relational challenges, self-discovery, and personal growth. Additionally, she has extensive experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities, offering affirming and inclusive care.
Committed to her professional development, Sabrena is a Level 2 NARM therapist and is actively pursuing her master’s level certification in the model. She remains deeply invested in advancing her skills to better serve her clients and support her team.
Whether leading clinicians in her leadership role or working directly with clients, Sabrena approaches her work with authenticity, collaboration, and compassion. Her dedication to fostering growth and connection reflects her passion for helping others create positive, lasting change.
Michael Gentry
I took my first Level 2 training in Mayer, Arizona in 2018-19, and have been a TA since 2020. I am in private practice in Scottsdale, Arizona, specializing in relational trauma and addiction.
I am currently a General TA, a NARM Therapist, and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner.
Rikki Grace
I am a licensed Counselor and Supervisor located in Columbus, Ohio, and a NARM Master Therapist. I have been working as a therapist since 2013 and fully in private practice since 2019. I have worked in various levels of addiction treatment, therapeutic foster care, and in a county corrections center. I have participated in the NARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model) training for therapists since 2017, and continue to study this model of therapy in order to deepen my understanding of the complex experiences we have as human beings and to support my own healing process.
I work with clients who have seen lots of therapists in the past as well as clients who are trying therapy for the first time. I enjoy working with therapists as clients and offer consultation around case conceptualization and countertransference. My hope as a Counselor is to work with you to identify and explore what you want for yourself, and work through what might be getting in the way of that.
I am the owner of Ruby Counseling – a small group practice that specializes in supporting clients experiencing PTSD and/or C-PTSD. Our hope is to create an environment that cultivates healing and growth.
In addition to the work we do with clients, we enjoy creating connections in the community and in the network of mental health and addiction services in central Ohio.
Lisa Gillispie
Lisa Gillispie is a NARM Master Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and Supervisor in private practice. Prior to counseling, Lisa was a bodyworker for over 20 years. Lisa is a Lead Training Assistant for the Level 2 trainings, provides experiential consults and active coaching for Level 2 students, facilitates Level 2 Active Coaching groups, and is an ongoing Level 4 student.
Zazu Tauber
Zazu Tauber (she/her) was born and raised in Los Angeles, but received her education and training in New York City at Columbia University. After spending years dedicated to criminal justice and the community mental health space, she now works as a somatic trauma therapist in a group practice in LA. She specializes in working with queer folks, adolescents, and couples.
Valerie Kuykendall-Rogers
Valerie Kuykendall-Rogers is a LPC-S and provides individual and couples counseling to adults in Houston, TX. Valerie earned her Master of Arts in Community Counseling Psychology from Loyola University in Chicago, IL. As a trauma-informed, NARM certified, psychotherapist with more than 25 years of experience, Valerie’s goal is to create and cultivate generational emotional well-being by breaking “generational curses!” I focus on working with my client, in a collaborative manner, to help them heal from the deleterious impact of intergenerational, developmental, and/or complex trauma including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, poor interpersonal/intrapersonal relationships, failed relationships, attachment, narcissistic relationships, and perfectionism by developing greater connection, self-acceptance, and heartfulness. In addition, as a Level I Gottman Certified and Developmental Model Certified Relationship clinician, I also work with couples who desire to improve their communication and increase connection.
Sharon Hale
Hi, I’m Sharon! I’m an LMFT in Tigard, Oregon and work primarily with adult individuals and couples.
I like to consider therapy as a practice in being human, with my role as a therapist being more like a “process consultant” instead of an expert in how others need to live their lives.
I’m married to another marriage therapist, and we have three kids together. Many people like to ask how our home life is like (with two therapists as parents), and I always respond that it’s a lot like any other family – messy, chaotic – and also full of life and love!
Qiaoyi Li
I am a registered Music Therapist in the UK/Ireland, and also an SEP, NARM therapist, and NeuroAffective Touch therapist. Apart from that, I have completed other somatic therapy related workshops. My current clinical work is also influenced by Gestalt approach. I integrate all these modalities and principles into my practice to tailor for each individual’s needs.
The majority of my clients are the victims and survivors of the conflict (commonly known as The Troubles), and systematic/institutional trauma. I work with young people and adults who have been through shock traumas, complex PTSD/Developmental & relational trauma, PTSD, and medical trauma.
I truly value my experience as the Co-TA during the Summer 2024 training, and I feel honored and grateful to be part of the NARM community and to both receive and share support with each other.
Karen Ihrig
Karen Ihrig (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working in private practice in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a NeuroQueer artist, griever and psychotherapist, who began practicing therapy after completing her Masters in Social Work in 2012. Karen has an eclectic approach to therapy, specializing in traumatic grief, expressive arts, and complex trauma. She has a niche providing therapy to the neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and non-traditional communities. Her work is rooted in the intention to co-create an anti-oppressive, compassionate and secure relational space, with her expansive clients, who have often endured marginalization, complex trauma and traumatic bereavement.
Karen began her NARM journey by reading Healing Developmental Trauma after being introduced to NARM by a close friend and colleague. She then dived into her first year of personal NARM therapy, which was transformational on all levels. After making space for her own therapy, she became certified as a Level 2 NARM Therapist within the Austin 2022 cohort. Karen has since completed the Level 3 Masters training in the Bay Area 2024 cohort. She is so excited to step into the co-TA role in 2025, to continue integrating the learning, and deep diving into discovery with our heartful NARM community.
Jamie Grant
Since high school I wanted to study psychology. For practical purposes at the time (and at the insistence of my dad), I earned my BS in nursing, and in 1999 became an ICU nurse with the Veteran’s Administration. After nearly 10-years in healthcare, I returned to graduate school while raising my family and in 2017 received my master’s in counseling.
I began practicing as a counselor with a non-profit group in Grapevine, TX journeying with women recovering from addictions and trauma. Following 5 fulfilling years with this practice, I pursued training and experience with the Meadows, working in the Intensive Outpatient (IOP) setting with trauma and addictions as primary therapist. In November of 2023, I launched my own, Metanoia with my friend and colleague, Delise Morris.
I received my Level 2 NARM therapist certificate in October 2024. I am also certified in EMDR. Perhaps because of my own personal experience with generational and complex trauma, the heartbeat of my interest and treatment is complex Trauma. While NARM is the mainstay of my approach to treating clients, I am also trained in post-induction therapy (PIT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and IFS informed.
I live in the Dallas area with my husband of 25 years and my 2 children, a middle schooler and a high school senior. I like music, travel, coffee, and time with my family. I don’t like working out, but I do it anyway. I like to walk and work in my yard (when it’s not 4,000,000 degrees outside).
Ian O’Dwyer
Ian is an accredited counsellor and psychotherapist in the North of Ireland.
He has been practicing for the past 10 years both in private practice and community mental health.
Originally trained in psychology and integrative counselling he continued training in experiential approaches such as Gestalt Therapy and Somatic Experiencing. Most recently he has trained in NARM which has had a great influence on his work. Ian works mainly with people with complex, developmental, intergenerational and shock traumas relating to the environmental impact of living in the North of Ireland i.e. “The Troubles”. Ian is also a Somatic Experiencing Assistant having assisted at all levels in Europe.
Ian has a particular interest in supporting the community to receive trauma informed therapy and has worked with several organisations such as Cancer Focus, the Probation Service Northern Ireland and a number of health and wellbeing centres.
Elinor Kadera
My name is Elinor Kadera (she/her) and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health therapist in Utah providing counseling to individuals in person and online. My clients describe me as warm, direct, down-to-earth, and they walk away feeling seen and cared for. In therapy with me, you don’t have to feel the “right” thing or have made the “best” choice. We can simply explore the richly complex person that you are and what’s in the way of you being who you want to be.
My clients typically come to therapy to get support with:
• Struggling with a sense of losing themselves while trying to meet others’ expectations.
• Being exceptional caregivers to others but feeling invisible in their own pain and challenges.
• Feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from joy, despite trying to show up as their “best self.”
• Overanalyzing every conversation and interaction, leaving them mentally drained.
• Constantly worrying about upsetting others or not meeting expectations.
• Avoiding uncomfortable situations and feeling stuck because of it.
Healing from trauma isn’t about reaching perfection or “fixing” yourself. True trauma recovery is about reclaiming your sense of aliveness, nurturing meaningful connections, and finding curiosity and joy in everyday life. It’s about embracing presence with the full spectrum of emotions rather than striving for constant calm. Trauma therapy provides a path to feeling grounded, connected, and genuinely at ease in your life. I’d love to walk along that path with you.
Alex White
Throughout a career of more than 15 years in the mental health field, Alex is continually inspired by the power of individuals to realize growth and healing amidst the most challenging experiences of their lives. His approach is warm, collaborative, and relational; built on consent and oriented around a shared intention for the journey undertaken in counseling. He possesses advanced training in the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), specializing in working with the impacts of complex, developmental, and relational trauma. With this lens, Alex seeks to cultivate a supportive therapeutic space within which clients can look beneath the presenting symptoms to the underlying dynamics that fuel them, seeking to support not only short-term relief but long-term healing.
His practice focuses on clients age 18+, with a particular background in working with religious trauma, LGTBQ+ issues, compassion fatigue, burnout, shame, relationship difficulties, and masculinity.
Arne Weber
My journey into trauma healing began with a deep interest in self-awareness and meditation. During my practice, I encountered inner challenges that led me to explore developmental trauma. What I love about NARM is that it reflects my view that humans are like complex ecosystems, where every part has meaning. I support clients in reconnecting with their aliveness and depth while honoring both their desire for growth and their fears.
While I started my career as a teacher for children with special needs, my passion for self-exploration eventually led me to focus on trauma work. Alongside my studies of Gestalt and client-centered approaches, I found NARM to be the most helpful, and I use it as the primary foundation of my work.
As a training assistant for the NARM Institute, I am constantly learning and engaged in human contact. I hold a license for psychotherapy in Germany (Heilpraktiker Psychotherapie) and currently work exclusively in the coaching frame and online.
Dr. Bianka Hardin
Bianka Hardin is a NARM Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and Centered Therapy Chicago, PLLC owner.
She founded CTC in 2014 to help children, adolescents, and adults improve their mental health and quality of life.
She provides therapy, supervision, and consultation services. She presents in the community on topics related to self-care, therapist self-care, self-compassion, mindfulness, supervision, trauma-informed care, trauma stewardship, and intergenerational trauma.
She received her doctorate from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2000. During her studies, she trained with refugees, torture survivors, and families referred by the Department of Children and Family Services. She completed a pre-doctoral internship at Advocate Family Care Network and the Childhood Trauma Treatment Program, conducting assessments and therapy for abuse victims, and facilitating various therapy groups.
After earning her doctorate, she completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Department of Health and Human Services in Hoffman Estates, eventually becoming the Assistant Director and Director.
She has been teaching at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology since 2001, serving as the Associate Department Chair of the Clinical PsyD Department and focusing on the Child and Adolescent Track. She has taught as an Adjunct Professor since starting her private practice and has taught courses on Ethics, Diversity, Trauma, Professional and Clinical Development, and Cultural Issues. One of her favorite classes is Intergenerational Legacies of Trauma in Post-WW2 Germany.
In addition to managing her practice and teaching, she remains active as a consultant and clinical supervisor. She consults and presents on topics related to leadership, private practice development, supervision, vicarious trauma, self-care, mindfulness, body-oriented therapy, and trauma-informed care. Since 1997, she has worked with trauma survivors using a relational model of treatment. Her exploration of different modalities led her to Somatic Experiencing and NARM, which she integrates into her practice.
Heather Parker
My desire is to support healing and growth by creating a safe, curious, and collaborative therapeutic space to support clients in exploration of who they are authentically created to be. My approach is grounded in the belief that we are all created for authentic connection with ourselves and others, and that true healing begins in relationally safe spaces as we develop increasing capacity for self awareness, ongoing discovery and reflection moving us towards true growth and change. I consider it an honor to walk with clients as they do the personal work of exploring what it is they truly want for themselves as a living, breathing, imperfect, subjective human being.
Jacob Art
I have been studying & practicing NARM since 2016. In addition to being a NARM Master Therapist, I am a training assistant (since 2019) and assist in Level 2 & Level 3. I have training in couples therapy, advanced training in both Emotionally-Focused Therapy and The Developmental Model. Being a father, I appreciate the challenges and opportunities for growth that parenting brings. I have professional training with Hand-in-Hand Parenting and love to support parents in finding more creative and joyful parenting moments. As a graduate of Naropa University, I trained in Buddhist psychology and mindfulness and have been practicing meditation since 1999. All of my training has a single thread – supporting connection to self and connection to others. I help my clients discover that our natural state of being can be one of ease, openness, compassion and wisdom. These qualities become obscured during our necessary adaptation to our particular family environment and to a culture that overall values producing and consuming over love and connection.
Here’s what I do:
– Deep listening and curiosity toward what you tell me and what your body shows me. I ask a lot of good questions and make plenty of reflections on what I think about your situation. I consider your healing from multiple layers of experience.
– Empathic Feedback. We need to be felt and understood in our experience, and we need help seeing the ways we’re holding ourselves back. I aim to find the right balance and timing of these and solicit your feedback along the way.
– A commitment to an experiential therapeutic process. More than just talk therapy, I’ll guide you in processing difficult emotions and finding a grounded resourcefulness in your body. I’ll ask you to notice what your experience is in the present as we’re doing therapy, and this will anchor positive emotional changes in your body and increase your general awareness and aliveness.
– Mindfulness. So much suffering comes from judging ourselves. Progress in therapy involves increasing acceptance toward our experience. I don’t teach mindfulness; it’s built into the process. Mindfulness helps change patterns of thinking, helps us feel less overwhelmed, and it helps us make sense of our life.
My study of developmental trauma provides a general map to orient me to the process. I know how to guide you through experiences that can change old patterns. Of course, personal experience doesn’t always fit a map. Your experience takes priority.
Henaris Curiel-Shaw, LCSW-S
Congratulations on your journey towards healing and a full life. I invite you to learn a bit more about my practice and the path I have taken to join you. I strive to provide a safe environment for clients to become in touch with their agency, while experiencing the challenges of being human.
Most of my work is done in the context of the parent/child relationship, when working with young children and families. With individuals and couples, I allow clients to identify their inner strength and insight to foster personal growth, or develop deep meaningful relationships.
I was born in Caracas, Venezuela and have lived in three different continents, but have made Texas my home for the past two decades.
I obtained a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and have nearly 20 years experience providing therapeutic services to children and families.
I was employed at Any Baby Can for more than seven years and later was a therapist for Austin Travis County Integral Care. Through my work with these two agencies, I had the opportunity to treat children and adults. Many of my clients experienced trauma or abuse. I have worked extensively with families suffering with grief and loss, as well as parents of children with disabilities. I have significant training in Infant Mental Health and contracted with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to foster family reunification.
Being from Caracas, Venezuela I have a deep connection to the immigrant experience and find work with immigrants transformative. I am completely comfortable providing therapeutic services in English or Spanish.
I have experience in working with young children in the context of the parent-infant dyad and have been trained in TBRI ( Trust Based Relationship Intervention) and Theraplay to address specific challenges faced by adoptive and foster families . I completed the NARM Level II training in 2019 and became a NARM Master Therapist in 2023. I have been a NARM Level II training assistant since 2022.
After offering space to families, couples, children and adults for nearly two decades, I am thrilled to now support therapists through clinical supervision and as a training assistant with CTTC.
Jason McNaughton
When I began my own recovery journey in 2008, I had no idea that the gift of this process would be a continuous discovery of my own identity – of who I really am outside of any behavior, mask, or strategy. This ongoing exploration continues to facilitate a growing embodiment of what we are ALL actually created for – safety and connection.
My personal story has greatly impacted how I want to show up with my clients. I do not believe behaviors and labels fully explain what a person is experiencing. Gabor Mate says that “knowing oneself comes from attending with compassionate curiosity to what is happening within.”
I believe that approaching everyone with curiosity and kindness can be the first steps toward safety and connection creating an invitation to engage in the harder parts of our stories. This is the foundation of a therapeutic relationship.
I approach all of my clients through the lens of trauma and attachment understanding that our often “labeled” responses to human suffering are attempts to ease pain. They are not flaws, weaknesses, or indictments of our character.
The amazing thing is that our pain often illuminates our pathway to wholeness, and it is a privilege to bear witness to another’s journey. “Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.” – Peter A. Levine.
Jessica Willman
I approach therapy sessions with empathy and curiosity, inviting clients into a collaborative space to slow down, question, and reflect. People often feel stuck in difficult patterns, struggle to engage, and criticize themselves for their inability to manage daily stressors and triggers. Central to my therapy practice is creation of a safe environment to process and explore, reconnecting to parts of ourselves we have lost connection with.
I have a lasting commitment to training and treatment on trauma, both PTSD and Complex-PTSD (developmental, attachment, relational trauma) and am an active Training Assistant with the Complex Trauma Training Center and also enrolled in Post-Masters NARM Trainings for continued learning.
I have trained in a variety of techniques, including being a Certified Master NARM Therapist, Certified Brainspotting Practitioner & Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist for Families. These certifications have allowed me to work with people experiencing both shock trauma as well as developmental, attachment, and relational trauma.
Katherine Kaufmann
My passion in this work is to create a space where everything is welcome. I believe this is a fundamental human need—and that this openness alone can be deeply healing.
In my work, my intention is to offer the opportunity to connect with whatever is present in the moment and to explore it with gentleness and compassion.
I see psychotherapy as a powerful tool for personal and spiritual growth. It is deeply fulfilling for me to witness people unfolding and discovering their inner qualities. As a therapist, my goal is to support you in connecting with your innermost self—and from that place, to consciously shape your life and relationships.
I am also a mother, and I’ve spent half of my life outside my home culture and country. I am passionate about supporting parents as they navigate the challenges and joys of parenthood. My focus is on helping them build a secure and resilient connection with themselves—a foundation they can also pass on to their children.
Additionally, I am dedicated to supporting those who, like me, live between two worlds. Drawing from my own experiences, I gladly help other “foreigners” find a sense of home and belonging—no matter where they are.
Laurie Berson
Since 2018 I have explored NARM Therapy as a student, a client, a therapist and as a NARM training assistant. My own internal shifts continue fuel my fascination and dedication to NARM Therapy and the Complex Trauma Training Center. I engage in NARM learning and work from the inside (or bottom-up, embodied experiences) and out (or top-down, cognitive, intellectual pursuits).
Prior to NARM, I engaged in decades of personal growth and psychotherapy while working in multiple careers of occupational therapy and marketing. My own personal growth and work in therapy compelled me to go back to school in my 40s. I earned a MSSW from The University of Texas at Austin and clinical licensure. As an LCSW, my specialty is complex trauma using NARM Therapy.
I practice curiosity and mindfulness in my own life as a parent, and in relationships with friends, family and with myself. I actively seek personal growth through NARM therapy and professional learning. I maintain and re-balance my life through connecting with family, friends, and mentors, through nature walks with my dogs, cooking, and yoga.
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Leslie Filsinger, LPC, NCC, NARM Master Therapist
Hello!
I am a NARM Master Therapist and NARM Training Assistant and love being on the Teaching Team for NARM Trainings.
I have been a practicing therapist for over 40 years and have worked in outpatient and residential settings as well as private practice. I have a private practice, Sedona Psychotherapy Services. I specialize in treating developmental, relational and shock trauma. Personal and professional experience has shown me first hand the profound impact of complex developmental trauma. For me, the gift of NARM is the compassion one learns to give themselves when seeking to understand the impact of their developmental injury. The insight one experiences allows for movement toward authentic connection and development of one’s truest self.
Lily Jaser
Lily Jaser, LMFT ( Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California) holds a Masters degree in Holistic – Somatic Counseling and is a Master Level Certified NARM Therapist. Lily came to the field of psychotherapy in 2014 after working in mind-body healing. Lily offers a warm and focused approach in helping individuals navigate a variety of issues stemming from complex and developmental trauma. Drawing from a rich background in holistic and somatic therapies, Lily offers a compassionate, and integrative space to work together at the root of the issue, while supporting personal and relational healing. By combining a non-pathologizing framework Lily aims to build a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust where clients can learn and better understand themselves and their emotions as well as the ways they show up in the world. By emphasizing strengths, and working together to build capacities including body mind awareness, Lily supports clients in rediscovering their authentic selves, enhancing resilience, and cultivating deeper self-compassion. Whether addressing chronic stress, intergenerational, complex, developmental trauma, or relationship challenges, Lily provides a nurturing space for growth and transformation for individuals and couples/partners and offers play therapy for children K-6.
Education and Certifications:
* Certified Master Level NARM Therapist
* Training Assistant at Complex Trauma Training Center
* Depth Oriented Training in Child Play Therapy through the Child Therapy Institute, California
* Certified Energy Practitioner, Reiki and Yoga
* Masters Degree Holistic Counseling with Somatic Concentration -John F. Kennedy University
Areas of Focus:
* Integrating Body, Mind, Spirit
* Developmental and Complex trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic stress, grief/loss, life transition, coping with change, relational challenges, partnership and or marriage counseling, authentic living
*Emotional well-being, personal growth and transformation
*Relationships
Lutfi Alkaddour
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice located in IL, enrolled with PSYPACT and licensed in CO, IL, IN, MA, MI, NY, and WA.
I welcome working with all populations. A substantial portion of my caseload identifies as BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+.
I value a genuine and meaningful therapeutic relationship as a core aspect of success in therapy. I work from a collaborative and person-centered approach. I am trained in multiple modalities to address trauma.
Maren Deaver
I started working as a therapist at a local mental health agency using a family systems approach. After eight years, I opened a private practice in Evanston in 2013, working primarily with individuals struggling with substance abuse.
I became curious about certain issues that were more difficult for clients to resolve so I trained in Somatic Experiencing to gain more understanding about polyvagal theory and how the nervous system is involved in the development of symptoms.
I became interested in NARM as it combines both a “bottom up” approach with a “top down” or cognitive focus. Using NARM has allowed me to connect more deeply with clients and to help them move forward in living a more full, authentic life.
I believe that each person is the expert in their own life and my role is to help them uncover what is getting in the way of what they truly want for themselves.
Samantha Alcalde
Hi! I’m Samantha, a Psychotherapist who helps Highly Sensitive People give themselves permission to exist in the world with more authentic aliveness, connect with and trust who they really are beneath all the cultural and familial conditioning, and consciously create new life possibilities by first learning to relate to themselves with the true respect and care they deserve.
Samantha Montemayor
Samantha Montemayor is a practice owner and Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in Austin, TX with specializations in complex trauma, men’s issues, cultural identity, friendships, intimacy, and trust recovery. She works with clients through the lens of attachment and interpersonal neurobiology, utilizing NARM, as well as emotionally focused and somatic oriented practices.
Samantha is also a mental health consultant and educator providing training and consultation on wellness, health equity, and on the impacts of trauma and the possibilities of recovery.
Samantha has been a Training Assistant with the CTTC in NARM since January 2023, and has completed the Level 2 Therapist Training and Level 3 Master Training. NARM has been an influential part of both her personal and professional growth, and has been instrumental in deepening her relationship to herself and to her work with clients. She enjoys supporting other therapists in their learning and exploration immensely, while increasing her capacity in the model as well.
Samantha thinks systemically, works relationally, and strives to bring creativity, boldness, and depth to the work she does.
Sarayu Meraki
I am a licensed professional counselor in training near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a NARM Master Therapist.
I believe healing happens by redefining how you relate to yourself, your coping strategies, and your beliefs about who you are and what you want for yourself. I hope that you not only find relief from your symptoms but also holistically heal and grow beyond them.
I will compassionately challenge you to be curious about what’s getting in the way of what your heart truly wants. Whether you’re struggling through an unexpected loss or know that you struggle with symptoms and unhealthy relationships – our work will be about creating space to slow down and explore how the ways you’ve been showing up are actually blocking you from more connection, ease, self-trust, and self-compassion.
Stephen Hill
Stephen Hill, MA, LPCC, offers a relational mind-body approach to clients struggling with complex trauma (c-PTSD), anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, and other issues. He holds his Master Therapist certificate in the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), and is proud to serve as a member of the NARM training team.
Before he was called to clinical work, Stephen supported clients in healing from trauma through a framework of meditation and mindfulness. He draws on over 30 years of direct experience with meditation and self-inquiry practices, and continues to be fascinated by the intersection of trauma and spirituality. He was profoundly affected and deepened by his work with hospice, in which he provided support to patients facing end-of-life.
Stephen currently lives in Littleton, Colorado, where he enjoys quiet time with his wonderful wife, Krista. He holds a degree in music performance, and music is still a vital part of his life. He also enjoys cooking, reading, walking in nature, yoga, learning new things, and connecting with others.
Tracy Clark
I specialize in the integration of relational and developmental trauma and post-traumatic growth. Many of my clients are therapists and other helping professionals. I have been studying and practicing various forms of healing and integration (spiritual, somatic, emotional, relational, and mental health and healing) since 2004.
In May 2018, I graduated with an MSW and took the NARM therapist training in 2018-2019. I’ve since completed the master class, am an ongoing participant in the post-master classes, and assist in the NARM master class.
I’ve also taken Somatic Experiencing through Intermediate III. Personally, I highly value receiving my own weekly therapy and frequent active coaching and consultation with mentors.
I feel honored to be witness, passenger, and guide on the journey to discovering deeper layers of the Self.
Wei-Hao Wu
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (Canada). I hold a Master’s degree (M.Ed.) in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa. Before moving to Canada from Taiwan, I worked as a school counsellor for over four years, specializing in supporting adolescents. Currently, I live in Ottawa, Ontario, where I own a private practice, working with adult clients (18+) who face various mental health challenges.
My NARM journey began in 2022 when I was completing my clinical practicum. This model has profoundly impacted both my personal and professional life. To me, learning NARM is a process of becoming—becoming a human with love, heartfulness, and authenticity. It is also a journey of reconnecting with our heart, from which we connect to the beauty of the world and humanity.
My clinical focus includes addressing challenges resulting from complex and developmental trauma, such as depression, anxiety, self-image and self-esteem concerns, relational difficulties, attachment issues, and personality traits or disorders (e.g., borderline, narcissistic, schizoid), among others.
As someone who grew up in an Asian cultural background and identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community, I have a particular passion for addressing cultural and cross-cultural issues, LGBTQ+ challenges, and the unique experiences faced by minorities.
We cannot change or fix what has happened in the past. Instead, my role is to help you restore your innate capacity for healing. Together, we explore and address any obstacles that may be hindering your growth, and create the right condition where you can heal from difficult experiences and emerge stronger.
Andréa Martin
Hi! I’m Andréa (she/her). I help individuals and couples connect to themselves and the relationships they care about.
I approach my work with clients from a trauma-informed, client-centered, humanistic perspective that is supported by the NARM framework. Our sessions together look like collaborating around what it is that you truly would like for yourself from therapy and exploring what might be getting in the way of or supporting that on an internal level (not just the external factors that might be impacting you).
My intention is to support you in supporting yourself in accessing your deepest desires for yourself, whatever that may be. If it feels like I might be a good fit, let’s connect! I offer free 10-15 minute phone consultations designed for us to get to know each other a bit and decide if this is something we want to pursue together.
Catherine Dilger
I need more time to draft this, so I’ll have to email it later.
Djahane Banoo Salehabadi
Can I get back to you about this later in Dec/Jan?
Amy White
With a background in hospice, Amy White believes in the sacredness of supporting other humans through life’s challenging transitions. She holds a Masters degree in Clinical Counseling from Point Loma Nazarene University and is a licensed restorative yoga teacher and reiki practitioner.
She is a certified NARM therapist and is beyond grateful to be a part of the NARM community. Amy lives in San Diego and recharges her batteries by painting large abstract figures, watching sunsets, and hanging out at coffee shops.
Katy Lackey
bio coming soon.