The Vision
The Vision behind 14 Peaks
Dr. Kimberly Dunkin
Doctor of Psychology Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP)
Body and Somatic Education Practitioner (BASE-P)
EMDR Trained The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics
Neuroaffective Touch
Master's Degree in Professional Counseling
Master's Degree in Religious Education
Bachelors Degree in Physical Education
14 Peaks was created as a resource for individuals and clinicians in the area of trauma. I believe God created each of us fascinating beings with the capacity to heal, and that sparked my interest in neurophysiology as a conduit to healing trauma.
I am passionate about bringing together neuroscience research and applying it practically, helping clinicians access protocols for clients who suffer from PTSD, somatic issues, attachment issues, and particularly developmental trauma.
My husband of 30 years and I have one musically gifted college-aged son and enjoy being part of the adoption community. The first part of my life I spent as a teacher, soccer coach, and martial arts instructor.
I was blessed to have sports as a major part of my life, playing college soccer and then ending my competitive career as an extreme expedition adventure racer. In my free time, I enjoy all things outdoors, including riding ATVs, paddle boarding, kayaking, and skiing.
This space was built for those whom I have witnessed walking through life with adverse childhood events, many from our adoption community.
Many have reached out for help and found some great healing with psychotherapy, yet sometimes there was still a missing element. For those with developmental trauma, there was an inability to shred those last bits of flashbacks, sensation issues, hypervigilance or dysregulation.
After discovering Somatic Experiencing and having my first personal session, I knew I was on the right track. It led me to also discover Neuroaffective Touch and BASE. Still there seemed to be a missing element with developmental trauma. Then I discovered the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, which targets gaps in brain development.
I wrote my dissertation on the impact and treatment of developmental trauma. The theory is called Dunkins Developmental Trauma Treatment. My colleagues and I offer this proprietary protocol at 14 Peaks as I am passionate about our community and the future generations.
Did you know being a part of a group can help lower depression? It can also teach social skills, negotiation skills, and just be plain fun. Community helps with the healing of trauma.
Not sure how to get started in finding a group. Some ideas for meeting new people include church, sports, book club, rowing, rock climbing, mountain biking, joining a band, geocaching, martial arts, tai chi, orienteering, running, playing tennis, choir, and more. Finding local activities and giving them a try can be the start to finding your connections.
Reaching out to join a group is not always natural for me. I am comfortable and enjoy alone time in the outdoors, as much as I do groups. However, had I not risked being outdoors with others, I would have missed some amazing opportunities. Taking a risk with others allowed me to participate in some adventures of a lifetime. It can be uncomfortable to branch out, but you may just find your people!
Find Your Community
Finding Each Other
According to Polyvagal Theory, a sense of safety occurs when we are in the ventral vagal state of our autonomic nervous system. When in this state of safety, we are flexible and open to connection. It is a state of regulation and peace. This allows us to be open to connection.
How do you get that sense of safety? The first step is to attune to the body-mind connection, tracking sensations and emotions. Next, the state of the nervous systems is mapped and an intervention applied.
This cycle continues until you climb up the polyvagal mountain to a sense of safety. Now the opportunity to reach out and connect is available.
According to neuroscience, telling your narrative with a witness, while in the ventral vagal state, can help with trauma resolution. That is how powerful connection can be.
The goal of the polyvagal protocol is to experience a sense of safety in everyday life. With practice, you can rest in this state, allowing for the possibility of connecting with others.
"Fire can warm or consume, water can quench or drown,
wind can caress or cut.
And so it is with human relationships;
we can both create and destroy,
nurture and terrorize,
traumatize and heal each other."
— Bruce D. Perry
