Ramona Cortez, M.Ed.
My name is Ramona Cortez. I have a Masters in Education with a Mental Health Counseling specialty. I am a Certified Professional Coach and Somatic Experience Practitioner and excited to bring this practice to GCCS Trauma Healing and Recovery Center. I am also a Practitioner of Reiki and Healing Touch Energy work. I am not a Mental Health licensed clinician. Being a Reiki Practitioner has helped me tune into clients which also helps to understand the body’s energy. My SE training has guided me in assisting clients to become aware of what their body needs in order to return to the its natural ability to heal.
My medical background as an EMT -B and EMT -A, has helped me become familiar with how the body reacts to physical injury and trauma. One of my passions is to provide a safe place for first responders to also do their own trauma healing. There is a stigma among first responders that in order to be in control of your emotions and protect your reputation, you are stronger when you disconnect from your patients or the incident that occurred. This has caused an array of issues for our first responder, that many continue to harbor. Studies have shown that cumulative traumas produce burnout and ultimately lead to PTSD. This burnout and PTSD leaks into our personal lives at home with our families. They receive the secondary trauma. I feel very strongly about the work that first responders do and want to send a message that we are here to assist you to discharge the trauma, so you can go on with your work of saving lives.
Working in the mental health and addiction field for 18 years as a frontline provider, has allowed me to utilize brief intervention counseling and crisis counseling on a daily basis. The ability to be present and aware of where the client is at the time of their crisis is essential. This is a pivotal point for them, so understanding the role you play for each situation can be taxing and rewarding.
Another area that I am passionate about is helping those heal from human trafficking trauma. ATA – Anti-Trafficking Alliance, first introduced me to Human Trafficking survivors and the many faces it affected. Those survivors were dealing with sexual trauma, substance abuse and other mental health issues. All areas that my training and experience has guided me to work with them in their healing journey. I have gratitude for the dual learning that comes from working with these survivors. Not only have I helped them, but they have helped me grow in my experience.
I look to forward to working with you where you are and get you to a place of peace in your mind, body, and spirit. Movement is progress so let’s move together!