Professional Training & Clinical Development

Trauma-Informed Therapy, Couples Therapy & Relational Healing

I am committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based continuing education to provide grounded, ethical, and research-informed care.

My training focuses on understanding relational and attachment patterns, emotional safety, and accountability in therapy while supporting meaningful and sustainable change for individuals and couples navigating trauma, betrayal, and complex relationships.

My clinical approach emphasizes how people develop patterns of protection, connection, and survival within relationships, and how those patterns can be understood and shifted over time.

Couples Therapy, Attachment & Relationship Science

Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Levels 1 & 2) — John Gottman, PhD & Julie Gottman, PhD

Research-based approaches to strengthening relationships, improving communication, and managing conflict in intimate partnerships.

Gottman Method: Treating Affairs and Trauma — John Gottman, PhD & Julie Gottman, PhD

Training in infidelity recovery, betrayal trauma, and relational repair after rupture.

Emotion-Focused Therapy: Attachment-Based Interventions for Couples in Crisis – Sue Johnson, EdD

Healing attachment injuries and relational trauma. 

Attachment Theory in Practice — Sue Johnson, EdD

Application of attachment science to deepen emotional safety and connection in relationships.

Sex Therapy & Intimacy

Integrative Sex and Couples Certification Training Program (CSTIP) — Tammy Nelson, PhD

Training in sex therapy, desire discrepancies, intimacy concerns, and sexual wellbeing within relationships.

PACT in the Bedroom: Using PACT Interventions in Sex Therapy — Karen Berry, PhD & Caroline Russell Smith, LCSW

Training focused specifically on applying PACT interventions to sexual connection, intimacy, and secure functioning in relationships.

Family Systems & Emotional Immaturity

Treating Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents — Lindsay Gibson, PhD

Clinical training in emotionally immature family systems, adult attachment patterns, and relational boundaries.

Boundary Setting Strategies & Emotional Autonomy — Lindsay Gibson, PhD

Training in boundary development, emotional differentiation, and autonomy in family systems.

Family Systems Therapy

Graduate-level training in family systems theory, relational roles, and intergenerational patterns.

Trauma Treatment & Nervous System Approaches

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): An Evidence-Based Approach to Treat PTSD & Related Conditions — Kathleen Chard, PhD

Training in structured, evidence-based treatment for PTSD that helps individuals process trauma and reshape trauma-related beliefs.

EMDR from Start to Finish: Treating PTSD and Complex Trauma — Stacy Ruse, LPC & Arielle Schwartz, PhD

Training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD and complex trauma.

Complex Trauma Certification Training, Levels 1 & 2 — Janina Fisher, PhD

Advanced training in complex trauma, dissociation, nervous system regulation, and parts-based approaches to trauma recovery.

When Grief Meets Trauma — David Kessler, MA, RN, FACHE & Paul Denniston, RYT 500

Training integrating grief work and trauma treatment through emotional and somatic approaches

Narcissistic Abuse & Control Dynamics

Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Training — Ramani Durvasula, PhD

Training in narcissistic dynamics, coercive control, emotional abuse, and recovery from toxic relationships.

Breakthrough Results with Difficult Men — Terry Real, LICSW

Working with narcissistic, avoidant, defensive, and high-control relational patterns.

Treating “The Untreatable” — Terry Real, LICSW

Training in relational accountability, defensiveness, and high-conflict couples dynamics.

Shame & Self-Concept Work

Certified Shame-Informed Treatment Specialist — Patty Ashley, PhD, LPC

Training in shame, self-worth injuries, and their impact on relationships and emotional wellbeing.

Other Continuing Education

When Spirituality Masks Pain — Richard Sears, PsyD, PhD, ABPP

Training in recognizing spiritual bypassing and emotional avoidance.

Guiding Clients Who Are Dating — Christiana Awosan, PhD

Training in dating, attachment patterns, and relationship formation.

How This Training Shows Up in My Work

  • Trauma, complex PTSD, and nervous system dysregulation (including EMDR, CPT, and somatic approaches)

  • Betrayal trauma, affair recovery, and rebuilding trust after relational rupture (Gottman Method)

  • Attachment injuries, emotional disconnection, and insecure relational patterns (EFT, attachment-based work)

  • High-conflict couples dynamics, communication breakdowns, and relational gridlock (Gottman + EFT-informed work)

  • Family estrangement, emotionally immature family systems, and long-term relational rupture (Lindsay Gibson–informed work)

  • Narcissistic abuse, coercive control, and emotionally abusive relational patterns (Durvasula + Terry Real–informed work)

  • Emotional regulation difficulties, overwhelm, and nervous system activation patterns (trauma + somatic frameworks)

  • Intimacy concerns, sexual disconnection, and desire differences (sex therapy + PACT + CSTIP training)

  • Anxiety, depression, grief, and relationally rooted emotional distress (integrated trauma and attachment lens)

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re considering therapy, a brief consultation can help you get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit.

It’s a space to talk about what’s bringing you in, what you’re hoping for, and whether my approach feels aligned with what you need right now.

You’re welcome to schedule a free consultation at a time that works for you. If you don’t see a time that fits or you have questions before booking, you can reach me at tsavener@seekthesuntherapy.com.

Schedule A Consultation

In-person in Northwest Austin & Round Rock
Virtual therapy throughout Texas