Arbor Cove Therapy, LLC, was established in 2016 out of a desire to provide mental health care to individuals and families impacted by developmental trauma. Developmental trauma is a term used to describe the long-lasting psychological and emotional effects of adverse experiences and stressors during a person's early development, particularly in childhood. These experiences can have a profound impact on a person's emotional well-being and can influence their behavior and relationships throughout their life.

 

Some examples of developmental trauma include:

• Child Abuse and Neglect: Physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse during childhood, as well as chronic neglect, in which a child's basic needs are not met, creates wounds that can leave lasting in multiple areas of development. Children subjected to abuse and neglect often struggle with feelings of negative self-concept, difficulties trusting themselves and others, and emotional dysregulation.

• Early Loss and Separation: Experiencing the death of a loved one or going through permanent or frequent separations from primary caregivers can result in developmental trauma that manifests in difficulties with attachment, emotional regulation, and forming close relationships. One specific form of this type of developmental trauma occurs prior to adoption, when a child is separated from their first parents. Each member of our team has specialized training and experience addressing the needs of individuals who are adopted, as well as their families (first and adoptive), related to the multifaceted and complex nature of this particular kind of traumatic loss. 

• Chronic Illness or Hospitalization: A child facing prolonged illness or hospitalization may experience chronic stress, disruption of routines, pain, and fear associated with such experiences. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and difficulties in coping with future health challenges.​

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Over time, Arbor Cove Therapy has grown to support individuals and families healing from other forms of trauma as well, including:​

• acute (or shock) trauma (e.g. accidents, medical procedures, traumatic loss)

• vicarious or secondary trauma (i.e. when professional or familial caregivers develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress as a result of ongoing exposure to witnessing or hearing about the trauma of the person they are caring for) 

• religious trauma

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We also specialize in treating anxiety disorders, complicated grief, ADHD, depression, and childhood behavioral disorders, and, since 2018 when Dr. Lee Anne Dickerson joined the practice, have offered psychological and psychoeducational testing for children and adolescents along with assessments of adult attachment styles. We also help clients through parenting difficulties, challenges with life transitions, and seasons of professional burnout.

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Each of our clinicians has individual interests and areas of expertise, but we share a core belief that when trauma occurs in relationship it can only be healed in relationship, and therefore approach our work from a relational, attachment-informed lens based on the foundation of Dr. Stephen Porges' precept that "safety (the absence of threat PLUS a feeling of connection) is the treatment."

 

We utilize a holistic approach that recognizes body, mind, and spirit are intertwined and must each be understood from the client's perspective and integrated into the healing process. As a result, we utilize cognitive, somatic, relational, and expressive modalities in our work. We especially love to incorporate play and creativity into therapy and view our clients as the primary drivers of the goals and pace of the work. 

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We invite you to read more about each of us below and let us know how we can help you or your child. We look forward to hearing from you.

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