Bonao Family Therapy

Hello, I'm Martha Daggett, founder of Bonao Family Therapy. I specialize in helping children and adolescents navigate the effects of childhood adversity and trauma. My work focuses on understanding how early experiences shape emotional well-being, behavior, relationships, and development. My doctoral research explored the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on adolescent brain development. This work deepened my commitment to helping young people and their families make sense of difficult experiences, build resilience, and develop healthier patterns of connection. Using trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), I help children, adolescents, and families address the effects of trauma and strengthen relationships. I also work with adults navigating the lasting effects of childhood adversity. Bonao comes from the name of a town in the Dominican Republic where I grew up. The hydrangea, the local flower, is also part of the story behind my practice. To me, Bonao represents the possibility of moving through adversity toward healing and growth. My goal is to help young people and families understand their experiences, recognize their strengths, and build healthier futures.