Greetings! My name is Summer Krause (she/her), LPC and I am a professional listener and rebuilder of hope. I empower people to cope safely with the worst moments of their lives without the use of substances or other unsafe behaviors (self-harm, isolation, over/under-eating, dangerous relationships, behavioral addictions, etc.). I bear witness to people's trauma stories, guide them toward a personalized path to healing and connect them with other trauma survivors by facilitating groups aimed at making today and tomorrow better than the past. I have specialized training in treating trauma and addiction, which often go hand-in-hand. I utilize evidence-based trauma-specific treatments, motivational interviewing and person-centered approaches.

Are you a good clinical fit?

No one counselor is right for everyone. Sometimes you "click" and sometimes you don't. It is important that you feel safe, respected and understood by who you are working with. I am very open to feedback and strive to come along side of you in a way that aligns with your values and reasons for coming to counseling. If we ultimately are not a match, I'm happy to help connect you with others who may better fit your needs. The best way to discover if we are a good fit is to meet and talk it over together. Bring your questions! One reason that people may choose to see me is because I have expertise in both trauma and addiction, focusing on the intersection between the two. I am a compassionate person and love what I do.

My Approach

I facilitate Seeking Safety groups for adolescents and adults of all genders. Seeking Safety is an evidence-based, present-focused approach to treating trauma and addiction (although it is now used more broadly) that does not involve sharing trauma stories from the past, but rather aims to increase safe coping skills in the present. In fact, one of the rules in the group is "headlines, not details" to minimize triggers and keep the sessions anchored to the here and now. Participants do not have to be abstinent from substances to participate (although for safety, it is important not to come under the influence). Typically, some participants will have current substance abuse issues, some will be in recovery, and some will have never had problems with substances but do have other unsafe ways of coping. What is safe for one person may not be for someone else. The skills can be applied to a broad range of traumas and unsafe behaviors or addictions. Check out some of the skills from the treatment here: Safe Coping Skills Handout.

I also provide a past-focused treatment for trauma called EMDR individually for a limited number of folx that have a primary therapist at Psychological Services Connection. EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. This treatment does involve going into trauma memories, helping the brain and body to know that it is over, restoring a sense of safety. One client described the results as like have a big wad of Christmas lights that were able to be untangled. 

Outside of my very part-time clinical work at PSC, I am a trainer in the Seeking Safety model, teaching conferences and doing consultation with organizations around the world in treating trauma and addiction. I am the author of the Seeking Safety Adolescent Toolkit and co-author of the Christian Faith-Based Guide to Seeking Safety.  

I look forward to working with you!