Smiling woman with long brown hair, wearing a textured dark sweater and a gold necklace, standing against a black background.

Director & Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Specialist

Licensed in Utah and Nevada

Book a Free Consultation | Psychology Today Profile

My Approach to Trauma Healing

Healing from trauma is not easy, and I don't believe in sugarcoating how challenging this process can be. What I do believe is that you shouldn't have to navigate this journey alone. For over 6 years, I've specialized in working with survivors of sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and abuse. I understand that finding the right therapist for this sensitive work is crucial, which is why I encourage a free consultation call to ensure we're a good fit before beginning our work together.

My approach to trauma therapy centers on reconnecting your mind, body, and spirit to facilitate complete healing. I recognize that traumatic experiences can have lifelong impacts on individuals, relationships, and futures. Through an integrative approach that combines evidence-based modalities like EMDR, CBT, and ACT with holistic elements such as animal-assisted therapy, mindfulness, movement, art, and music, we create a comprehensive healing experience that addresses trauma at every level.

I believe that each client has unique needs and goals. Together, we'll create a customized treatment plan aligned with your specific healing objectives. We'll review this plan regularly to ensure we're making progress toward your desired outcomes. My ultimate goal is to support you in reclaiming your power, control, and life from the traumatic experiences you've endured—because you absolutely deserve that healing.

Evidence-Based Approaches

Holistic Elements

I integrate several holistic elements to enhance the healing process:

  • Animal-Assisted Therapy

  • Movement & Embodiment Practices

  • Creative Expression Through Art

  • Music as a Therapeutic Tool

  • Mindfulness & Breathwork

  • Nature-Connected Healing

  • Somatic Experiencing Techniques

My Background

As the founder and director of Holistic Counseling, I've dedicated my career to creating a therapeutic space where trauma survivors can experience genuine healing and transformation. After earning my Master of Social Work degree, I pursued extensive specialized training in trauma-informed approaches, completing advanced certifications in EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and somatic trauma therapies. My professional journey has included work in crisis intervention, advocacy organizations, and clinical settings before establishing my private practice.

Beyond my professional qualifications, I bring a deep personal commitment to trauma work. I understand the courage it takes to begin therapy after experiencing violation and betrayal, and I honor each client's unique path toward recovery. My approach balances compassionate understanding with practical skill-building, creating a therapeutic relationship where both healing and growth can occur.

What to Expect When Working With Me

Our work typically begins with a thorough assessment phase where we establish safety and stability before diving into trauma processing. I believe in providing clear education about trauma's effects on the brain and body, helping you understand why you're experiencing certain symptoms and how our therapeutic approaches address them.

In our sessions, you can expect a balance of structure and flexibility. While I bring clinical expertise and specific therapeutic techniques to our work, you remain the authority on your experience and healing needs. I practice trauma-informed care that prioritizes your autonomy, safety, and empowerment throughout the therapeutic process.

Some clients work with me for focused, short-term trauma processing, while others benefit from longer-term therapeutic relationships. Either way, my goal is to help you develop the insight, skills, and internal resources needed to continue thriving long after our work together concludes.

Schedule Your Free "Vibe Check" Consultation

I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation to ensure we're a good fit before beginning our work together. During this call, you can ask questions about my approach, share what brings you to therapy, and get a sense of how I work.

shahar@yourholisticcounseling.com
(385) 202-6155

Telehealth based in Highland, UT 84043; Las Vegas, NV 89135

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect in the first session?

Our first session focuses on getting to know each other, discussing your goals for therapy, and beginning to create a treatment plan together. I'll explain how I approach trauma work and answer any questions you have about the process.

How long does trauma therapy typically take?

The length of therapy varies significantly based on your specific experiences, goals, and circumstances. Some clients experience meaningful relief within 8-12 sessions, while more complex trauma may benefit from longer-term work. We'll regularly assess your progress and adjust our approach accordingly.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, I am currently in-network with Select Health and DMBA. For all others, I can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. Please contact me for specific insurance information.

Do you offer telehealth sessions?

Yes, I provide secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions to clients throughout Utah and Nevada. Many clients find that online therapy offers comparable benefits to in-person sessions with added convenience and comfort.

What's the difference between EMDR, ART, and other trauma therapies you offer?

Each trauma therapy approach uses different mechanisms to help process traumatic memories. During our consultation, I can explain these differences and help determine which approach might be most beneficial for your specific situation.