Neuroscience-Informed, Embodied Trauma Therapy

Nectar is the sweet, transformative essence that sustains and nourishes life.

Hummingbirds have long been a symbol of healing for me, often making appearances when I was in the darkest moments of life. It was during these moments that I was able to move away from the pain for just a moment and immerse myself in the awe of this small wondrous creature - providing a resource in that moment & proving that there was beauty and life outside of the darkness. In trauma healing, these moments are what we want to notice and expand. In times of pain and difficulty, we can get swept up in the pain, feeling as if there is all that is and ever will be. We become restless and hypervigilant. However, when we start to notice the glimmers - the hummingbirds - we can find our way back to our innate way of being. Healing is the nectar - the nourishing, life-giving liquid that can restore vitality, joy, ease, and presence.

A smiling woman with dark brown hair standing outdoors in front of pink and green foliage.

Kristan Baer, LICSW, MSW, SEP

Hello! I’m a trauma specialist, Licensed Independent Social Worker (LICSW), Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), and Lifespan Integration therapist based in Birmingham, Alabama. My approach blends compassion, neuroscience, and body-based healing to support clients in finding safety, balance, and connection within themselves.

My own path of healing through trauma and personal growth has deeply shaped how I hold space for others, with warmth, authenticity, and respect for the body’s natural wisdom.

I believe that healing unfolds gently when we feel safe and supported to reconnect with all parts of ourselves.

Learn more about me

My Unique Approach to Therapy

How Somatic Experiencing & Lifespan Integration Work Together:

  • Support both implicit (body-held) and explicit (story-based) memory

  • Help the nervous system release stuck survival patterns

  • Reinforce a sense of safety in the present moment

  • Rebuild a coherent life narrative through memory integration

  • Strengthen the mind–body connection

  • Promote deep regulation and long-lasting healing

  • Offer a gentle and paced approach to trauma processing

  • Restore a loving & compassionate connection to self

Services I provide:

Specializations:

  • Trauma :

    • Complex PTSD & PTSD

    • Sexual Trauma

    • Attachment & Developmental Trauma

    • Medical Trauma

  • Anxiety

  • Chronic Stress & Burnout

  • People Pleasing & Boundary Issues

  • Women’s Issues

A beige sofa with brown pillows in front of a green bookshelf filled with books, plants, and decorative items, with a lamp on each side.
Living room with white sofas, wooden armchairs, side tables with lamps, a rug, a small plant, and wall decor.
Living room with beige sofa, wooden armchair, wooden cabinet, white rug, floor lamp, and wall art.