“Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.” Peter Levine
My approach to therapy centers on fostering a deep, genuine connection with each individual I work with. I believe the foundation of effective therapy lies in a strong therapeutic relationship—one built on trust, empathy, and mutual respect. I approach our sessions with a collaborative spirit, helping you tap into your inner strength and resilience. Together, we’ll explore the patterns and beliefs that may be holding you back and work to create meaningful change.
I have particular experience working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma (developmental, sexual/interpersonal, intergenerational), codependent relationships, shame and perfectionism, and attachment wounding. As a body-based psychotherapist who has worked with trauma for nearly ten years ranging from community mental health and crisis intervention to victim advocacy, I am passionate about understanding and guiding how we as humans heal from trauma.
You’ll find that I have a calming sense of humor, enjoy movie and literature references, and bring a sense of playfulness and empathy to the hard work of healing. My work is informed by psychoanalytic and psychodynamic theory, with emphasis in Somatic Experiencing and EMDR practices.
I offer therapy services at our Broom Street Clinic and virtually to individuals and couples ages 18+.
AREAS OF INTEREST:
TRAUMA & CODEPENDENCY
I find deep fulfillment in working with individuals navigating trauma and codependency. With a strong understanding of how these issues shape relationships and self-worth, I am dedicated to helping clients break free from patterns of emotional dependency and heal from past wounds. I also work with those have have experienced or are currently experiencing dating violence, interpersonal violence, and sexual abuse.
DISSOCIATIVE AND SOMATIZING DISORDERS
I am also working toward a specialization in helping individuals heal from dissociative trauma symptoms using Somatic Experiencing and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I am passionate about guiding clients through the process of reconnecting with their bodies and emotions, providing a safe space to process deeply held trauma, and supporting individuals as they restore a felt-sense of safety, self-awareness, and inner stability.
RELATIONSHIP ISSUES AND COUPLES WORK
I thrive in helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of relationship dynamics. Whether working with communication challenges, trust issues, or patterns of conflict, I am dedicated to creating a supportive and constructive environment for clients to explore their feelings and goals. I believe in the transformative power of collaboration and am passionate about guiding clients toward deeper understanding, emotional intimacy, and lasting connection. I have completed Clinical Foundations Levels 1 and 2 through the Gottman Institute.
Other Areas I Treat:
- Codependency
- Identity and self worth concerns
- Abortion, miscarriage, & infertility support
- Sex therapy / pain management
- Spirituality
Kendall Ferguson, MSW, LCSW, SEP-IT
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Master of Science in Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison