**Everyone Has a Story - Here's Mine**
Not long before the pandemic, while working as an independent IME consultant, I began to notice that several pop-up companies were offering IME advocacy services. As I attended IME appointments and listened to the conversations between the provider and the client, or between the provider and an unskilled receptionist in an open waiting area, I often felt embarrassed for them.
When a doctor would ask, “Which one are you? There are so many of you all now. Are you the dog that watches over clients?” and then chuckle, it not only left me feeling degraded but also made me deeply concerned for the client. It was clear that the IME doctor viewed the service as a joke, which discredited the client's testimony when they responded.
From a clinical perspective, I studied the client’s behavior and observed the hidden trauma, confusion, and re-traumatization they were experiencing. After the appointment, many clients would ask, “Ms. Evans, how did I do?” I would reassure them by saying they were not taking a test, so there was no pass or fail, as I did not want them to feel anxious. However, I recognized that many of them provided responses that did not accurately reflect the facts of their cases. It became clear to me that I needed to enhance my expertise in ways that would benefit both the clients and the attorneys involved.
Let's Get Acquainted
I'm not new to the field of trauma or its damaging effects, including secondary trauma. With over 35 years of experience in social services, responding to crises, and helping individuals and families recover from traumatic life experiences, I have learned valuable lessons.
I realized that my awareness of how the trauma of my clients triggered my hidden trauma was a crucial advantage. To be most effective in my work, I knew I had to address this personal trauma. Here are the steps I took:
First, I took time off from serving others to focus on my well-being. I became honest with myself and began documenting all the triggers that contributed to my hidden traumas. From this self-reflection, I enrolled in an Ayurvedic program and earned my NYS esthetic license to develop specific tools that I could incorporate alongside my cognitive-behavioral tools, which led to the creation of the Keys Program. I reviewed and adjusted this program quarterly as I coached myself throughout my journey of trauma care.
Equipped with the self-help tools from my program, I re-entered the field as an Independent Medical Examination (IME) consultant. The years of observing how clients were becoming retraumatized during the examinations, made it clear that a trauma-informed approach was necessary.
I possess a comprehensive understanding of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and have experience working in trauma-embedded communities. These skills are critical in helping clients navigate their trauma and achieve the best outcomes during the litigation process.
Healing from trauma while dealing with retraumatization is not easy.
As a licensed Esthetician, I began creating Ayurveda candles for inner peace and to help bring balance to the mind and body as the smell from the candles help calm emotions.
My Credentials and Testimonials Confirms My Expertise in the Field
- New York State Master License Esthetician
- Master of Social Work degree - Yeshiva University
- Master of Public Administration degree - John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- Undergraduate degree from Mercy College with a major in Psychology
- Certified Crisis Intervention and Acute Traumatic Stress Management
- Certified Behavioral Coach (DISC Personality Assessment & Applied Behavioral Analysis
- New York State Certified Mediation Trainer with the IMCR Dispute Resolution Center
Being recognized as a third - time international bestselling co-author, receiving an elit book award among other achievements led to me being featured on the cover of the Published magazine. Below are some additional mentions of my work.
