Christianna Van Dalsen MA, LCMHCA
Let's face it: trauma is a beast. Whether it’s recent or long-buried, it holds tight, and it’s exhausting. If you're living with the emotional weight of trauma—whether it's from childhood, military service, being a first responder, or just life being… well, life—I get it. That constant fight-or-flight feeling. The racing thoughts. The nightmares that refuse to stay in the past. You might feel like you’re stuck, running on empty, and too tired to keep up the fight. I’m here to help you reclaim your life from that heavy, unshakable weight.
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I specialize in working with those who’ve faced life’s hardest blows. You've been through some intense stuff, and you're carrying a lot. But I also know that you’re strong and that you’ve survived because of that strength. That said, you shouldn’t have to just survive anymore. Let’s work together to help you feel alive again—emotionally, mentally, and physically.
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I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help clients process recent and past trauma, and to reduce the intensity of those memories that feel like they're permanently etched into your mind. It works. It helps. And no, you don’t have to relive every painful moment to heal. I’ll guide you through it, and we'll do it at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
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But that's not all I do. Outside of EMDR, I take a holistic, psychodynamic approach to therapy, helping uncover the deepest parts of you—the ones that have been hiding, misunderstood, or overlooked. Our dreams, subconscious, and bodies hold powerful clues about what your mind is working through, even when you’re asleep. And when it comes to nightmares? We can work together to transform them from something that haunts you, to something that empowers you.
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You’re not broken. Trauma can make us feel fragmented, but you're whole. I’ve worked with many people who’ve spent years putting everyone else first, only to realize they’ve neglected their own emotional health. The anxiety, nightmares, hypervigilance, or emotional numbness you’re experiencing are signs that it’s time to re-center yourself.
In our work together, you’ll find a space to be vulnerable without judgment. A place where you can break through the fear and shame that often come with acknowledging your pain. No sugarcoating, no glossing over the hard stuff—we’ll give space to the discomfort, while also building new tools for coping, healing, and growing stronger.
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I’m not here to “fix” you, but I will help you unpack the trauma that’s been weighing you down. We’ll collaborate and uncover the roots of your struggles, exploring the ways your body, mind, and spirit have been affected. You deserve to feel empowered, in control, and free to live your life on your own terms. I’m here to help guide you through the challenges, step by step, toward your next chapter.
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Are you ready to get out of survival mode and start living? Let’s talk. We'll dig deep, honor your journey, and get you to a place where trauma doesn't rule your life anymore. I’m here to guide you through that process, one step at a time.
Ready to take the first step? Schedule a consultation today. We'll explore what you're dealing with, and together, we’ll figure out if we’re the right fit to work through it.
Contact Christianna
Phone: (828) 222-3762
Email: vandalsenmhc@gmail.com