Chelsey Fjeldheim’s journey as a trauma therapist is deeply rooted in the understanding that our early childhood experiences shape how we relate to ourselves and others throughout life. Her passion for this work ignited in 2013 while serving as an intern for men in corrections struggling with methamphetamine addiction. Chelsey observed how their childhood traumas profoundly influenced their paths to addiction and incarceration. This realization underscored the pervasive impact of early relational patterns, often formed in response to trauma, and inspired her commitment to helping others navigate their own healing journeys.

At the core of Chelsey’s practice is the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), a trauma-informed framework that addresses the complexities of developmental and relational trauma. NARM explores the connection between unresolved trauma, survival strategies, and core beliefs about identity. Through this lens, Chelsey assists clients in recognizing how these patterns shape their lives, guiding them to reconnect with their authentic selves. By bringing awareness to unconscious beliefs formed in childhood, Chelsey empowers clients to transform coping mechanisms that, while once necessary for survival, may have become limiting or destructive in adulthood.

In addition to NARM, Chelsey incorporates Ego State Therapy into her practice. This approach recognizes that individuals consist of various “parts” or “ego states,” each with its own beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. By exploring these different parts, clients can understand how they influence their current experiences and relationships. This process helps clients access the wisdom and strengths of their different parts while addressing any internal conflicts, leading to greater self-awareness and integration.

Chelsey also utilizes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a powerful technique designed to help individuals process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional intensity. EMDR facilitates the integration of distressing experiences by guiding clients through bilateral stimulation, which aids in reprocessing the memories and alleviating the associated symptoms. This approach allows clients to move past the emotional burdens of their trauma, paving the way for healing and renewal.

Chelsey’s dedication to her clients and colleagues is evident in the compassionate, transformative space she creates. She is committed to rediscovering and nurturing the innate capacity for growth, healing, and connection within each individual she works with.