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Meet Summer
Greetings! My name is Summer Krause LPC, CADCIII, CCTP (she/her) and I am a professional listener. I have the honor of empowering people to rebuild hope and cope safely with the worst moments of their lives. 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 the intersection between trauma and substance abuse, which often go hand-in-hand. I also focus more broadly on the intersection of traumatic stress and other unsafe behaviors such as self-harm, isolation, over/under-eating, dangerous relationships, and behavioral addictions.
You Might Be a Good Fit If...
There is no one counselor that is right for everyone, and it's important that you feel I'm a good fit to do this work with. I welcome people to do a three-session tryout with me and my groups. Generally, how you feel about a provider, treatment, or group by the third session is a pretty good indication of how you will feel about them down the road as well. You may be a good fit for me if you:
Are haunted by the things that have happened to you or have witnessed happen to others.
Don't want to relive past trauma or tell your story, but do want to find ways to heal.
Get stuck in the past and need some guidance processing what you've been through (we can explore together if the timing is right to do that safely).
Self-medicate or cope with emotional pain in ways that are not healthy for you.
Believe you are alone and that no one understands your experiences (groups are really powerful for this).
Distrust others and keep everyone at arm's length or get close too quickly and give too much to those who don't deserve your trust.
Feel too much (overwhelm) or too little (numb, detached).
Have lost hope and optimism that things can get better (there is no way out, but through—let's find the light together).
How I Work
My groups are structured, skills-based, present-focused, infused with psychoeducation, do not involve graphic trauma details, and provide an opportunity for people to connect with others who have lived experience. My style is gentle, compassionate and empowering with a side of humor. Sessions will likely result in a wild metaphor that helps us look at things in new ways. My view of therapy includes the idea that you have choices, 50% of something is better than 100% of nothing, and that "there are many roads but one journey." I am only at PSC on Thursdays and work virtually with people in Oregon individually and in groups. Because I am so limited in availability, most people who see me have a different primary therapist and do group or trauma-focused work with me.
My Approach
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor III and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. At PSC, I utilize evidence-based trauma-specific treatments such as Seeking Safety, Creating Change, Finding Your Best Self, EMDR as well as Motivational Interviewing and other person-centered approaches. For those interested in EMDR, a preferred rhythm is to do group together first where we can focus on skills and get to know one another, then explore if EMDR is an appropriate next step (or needed). Check out some of the skills from the treatment here: Safe Coping Skills Handout. To learn more, see our EMDR page and EMDR Handout.
Education & Credentials
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Oregon
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor III (CADC III)
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Master’s Degree in Counseling, with a focus on children and adolescents
Western Seminary, 2005
Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Ministry, with minors in Business and Youth Ministry
Seattle Pacific University, 1999
Outside of PSC, I teach trauma and addiction conferences for other professional helpers and authored a couple of books related to adolescents and faith-based work. I am a senior trainer with Treatment Innovations and work directly with Dr. Lisa Najavits, the author of Seeking Safety, Creating Change and Finding Your Best Self. My background includes clinical and chaplaincy work with adolescents involved in juvenile justice. I've been facilitating Seeking Safety groups with adolescents and adults for over 20 years. I am an ally.