Trauma and Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Practical Tools to Ease Distress

If you’re reading this, I’m going to take a wild guess: you’re curious about how trauma is treated through the lens of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Maybe you’re a clinician wanting to learn more about applying DBT to trauma, or perhaps you’re someone who has experienced trauma and is searching for ways to cope, heal,…

Somatic Experiencing 101

“I have come to the conclusion that human beings are born with an innate capacity to triumph over trauma. I believe not only that trauma is curable, but that the healing process can be a catalyst for profound awakening—a portal opening to emotional and genuine spiritual transformation. I have little doubt that as individuals, families,…

What is Dyspareunia and the Underlying Diagnoses of Sexual Pain

Addressing unwanted sexual pain is a key component of sexual health. The presence of unwanted sexual pain, also known as dyspareunia, can make engaging in sex become quite stressful. Dyspareunia can vary based on the person, and can occur before, during, or after sexual intercourse. It can sometimes even happen while using female hygiene products—such…

Dialectical Behavior Therapy in the Treatment of Trauma

Note: This article is primarily intended to be a resource for mental health professionals who are treating individuals impacted by a history of trauma and who are seeking additional evidence-based tools to support their work. If you are not a mental health professional, you may also find this article helpful in learning more about the…

Applying DBT to the Treatment of Trauma: Trauma Explained

Note: This article is primarily intended to be a resource for mental health professionals who are treating individuals impacted by a history of trauma and who are seeking additional evidence-based tools to support their work. If you are not a mental health professional, you may also find this article helpful in learning more about the…

Therapist Spotlight: Hillary Urban, PsyD, PMH-C

As a psychotherapist, Hillary believes therapy should be a collaborative process and considers her clients to be experts on themselves. Hillary is passionate about working with adolescents and adults with a variety of presentations, including anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and trauma. Hillary obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Michigan State…

Therapist Spotlight: Elizabeth Aljets, MA, LCPC

Elizabeth is a psychotherapist and works with individuals and couples who are looking to make meaningful change in their life, whatever that means for them. Elizabeth has clinical experience in working with anxiety, depression, struggles surrounding prenatal and postpartum mental health issues, grief and loss, complex trauma, sexuality and relationship issues. Elizabeth obtained her Bachelor’s…

Therapist Spotlight: Reyna Schwartz, PsyD

Reyna is a psychotherapist and believes her role as a therapist is to act as a guide in helping individuals work toward living a meaningful life in accordance with their values. Her clinical work focuses on the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship concerns, and women’s health issues. Reyna obtained her…

Wildflower Stands Against Racism

Dear Wildflower Community, At Wildflower, we condemn all forms of racial injustice. As human beings and mental health professionals, we are horrified and heartbroken by police brutality, racialized violence, systemic oppression, and injustice experienced by Black people. We vehemently oppose a system that continuously oppresses and traumatizes Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. We stand…

Therapist Spotlight: Amanda Matousek, MSW, LCSW

Amanda is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and her Master’s degree at Loyola University Chicago in Social Work. Amanda has extensive training in evidence-based modalities used in treatment of trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, relational conflict, and other challenges. She works with individuals, couples, and families.…