Tracey Stracener

The mind lies to us all the time.  It tells thin people with eating disorders they are overweight and sufferers of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder they will be safe if they check the door locks multiple times and in a certain order.  But it also lies to people who do not suffer from severe mental health issues.  The mind also tells us we are dumb when we make a mistake or we are angry when we are really hurting.  Severe life stressors and impacts of trauma, especially those from childhood, also inform the way we perceive and experience our lives in the present. Even in the best childhood circumstances, an occasional critical word or an unmet need makes us believe things about ourselves that are simply not true and cause distressing emotions.

My goal as your therapist is to help you understand where you learned who you are and help you to create a healthier and better version of yourself. From adjusting to everyday life transitions or recovering from severe mental health disorders, I utilize a variety of therapy models based on your individual needs to meet the goals we identify together that bring you into therapy.

My name is Tracey Stracener (pronounced Stray-se-ner) and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and in trauma focused therapies such as EMDR and Cognitive Processing therapy, used to treat PTSD and other disorders such as anxiety and depression.  I have clinical experience working in community mental health, private practice settings, and as a former high school counselor. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space for you to grow.