Jonna Morse Fries, PsyD

I specialize in developmental trauma, defined as exposure before the age of 18 to multiple, chronic traumas, usually of an interpersonal nature. The impact of threats, physical abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment, neglect, being demeaned or ostracized, coercion, etc., can show up throughout the lifespan in many ways, including disorders such as anxiety, depression, addictions, eating disorders, difficulties in relationships, and functioning below our true capacity at work or in academic pursuits. The problem is that we unconsciously repeat coping patterns that worked in the past. To meet the needs of the more sophisticated life we want to live, we need to recognize and revise our coping skills. We can be grateful for, and not ashamed of, those now anachronistic, vestigial coping strategies. Easier said than done! I use methods tailored for each unique client based on expertise developed by becoming an EMDR Trainer, studying and teaching Integrative Body Psychotherapy for 13 years, my doctoral concentration in diversity, teaching over 100 graduate courses in a clinical forensic program, involvement with iaedp and providing consultation to eating disorder professionals as well as my doctoral work in eating disorders and co-editing a textbook on the treatment of eating disorders, and becoming a CSAT by studying sex addiction with IITAP.