I’m glad you’re here
it’s so nice to virtually meet you!
Hi, I’m Celia
My passion for helping people heal comes from my own personal journey. After years of suffering, I reached out for help when I realized that I couldn’t figure it out on my own. And though traditional talk therapy was a helpful start, it was the deeper trauma work that allowed me to find the peace and wholeness I was searching for. I have been lucky to work with amazing therapists on my own journey and I knew I wanted to pass that on to those who continue to suffer.
Based on my experiences, I’ve sought out training in the trauma treatments that I believe to be the most effective in creating deep healing and long-lasting change. Though trauma work takes time, I believe specialized trauma treatments can provide faster relief without having to rehash the past and stay in therapy for years. By integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR, I help my clients address the root of the issues they are facing and develop the insight and self-compassion necessary to work through life’s challenges.
I have spent many hours “on the couch” as a client and I know the vulnerability required to show up and work through the past. This personal experience is why I strive to create a warm and safe environment for my clients to work at their own pace.
From the many clients I have worked with over the last 10 years, I know that no matter what we have gone through, healing is possible.
MY APPROACH
I believe we are all doing our best based on our experiences and beliefs. Throughout our lives we find ways to survive and protect ourselves. And though it may work for a time, at some point, those patterns stop being effective. We aren’t able to block out the pain anymore and the ways we learned to survive are getting in the way of how we want to live. Even when we realize this and we want to change, we find ourselves stuck in these old patterns and can’t seem to think our way out.
This is where trauma therapy comes in. From a place of compassion and curiosity, we begin to understand where these patterns come from. Everything we struggle with has a story to tell. Often there are parts of us that are stuck in the past and react out of fear and pain. Once we heal these parts of ourselves, we get the freedom to let go of the old patterns and find new ways of being in the world that feel safe, supportive and empowering.
Learn More About My Approach
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Celia completed her Masters is Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University in 2015.
Celia is Level 1 IFS trained and completed her training with IFS creator Richard Schwartz, Martha Sweezy, and Nancy Sowell.
Celia is certified as an IFS Informed EMDR Therapist (IEE-CT) through the Syzygy Institute.
Celia is EMDR Certified through EMDRIA and an EMDR Consultant in Training (CIT).
Celia is a NM Social Work Board Approved Supervisor and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
Celia has completed over 200 additional hours of continuing education in IFS, Integrating IFS with EMDR, Attachment and Preverbal Trauma, and Treating Complex PTSD.
In memory of Louie, the most empathetic and loving therapy dog.
Louie taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things - a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, an afternoon nap. One look from Louie and you knew you were loved unconditionally and he gave that gift to everyone he met.
Starting therapy, especially to heal trauma, can feel overwhelming & difficult. But you don’t have to do it alone.
Our Promise
At Spring Lake Counseling we promise to be there for you every step of your journey. Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life. If for some reason, we are unable to provide you with the services you need, we will gladly refer you to a better fit.