Trauma Therapy
I often hear clients say things like, “it wasn’t that big of a deal or “others have it worse” when talking about tough times in their lives. It’s easy to downplay our experiences, especially when we compare them to what others go through. The truth is, trauma isn’t just about the event itself; it’s about how that event impacts us and how we experience it. What might be a small bump in the road for one person can be a huge hurdle for someone else.
Trauma is how our brains process and store difficult experiences. It's like a hidden thorn that can cause pain and trouble long after the initial event. Sometimes, trauma comes from big, obvious things like accidents or abuse. But it can also come from repetitive, daily experiences like neglect, punishment for showing emotion, constant criticism, and countless others. Trauma therapy, based in neurobiology and experiential approaches, can support you in decreasing your symptoms and distress.
So, how do you know you’re dealing with trauma? You might be noticing some or all of the following:
Constant anxiety, fear, feeling of dread
Somatic symptoms, such as muscle tension, stomach aches, headaches
Intrusive thoughts, memories, flashbacks
Feeling like you don’t have control over your reactions
Emotional responses that don’t seem to match the situation
Emotions feel overwhelming and intense
Nightmares, difficulty sleeping
Challenges with daily living and self-care
Feeling disconnected from your body, emotions, the world, like you’re watching it from the outside (dissociation/derealization)
A diagnosis of PTSD, C-PTSD, or dissociative identity disorder from a psychologist or psychiatrist
Understanding and Healing Trauma
In therapy, we will work together to create a plan that best fits your needs. This plan will include some or all of the following:
Building a foundation: I will help you understand how trauma affects your mind and body. This will involve creating healthy habits to support your healing journey.
Mindfulness and awareness: We will practice recognizing your present-moment experience to understand your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help you feel less overwhelmed by the past.
Processing experiences: We will use specific therapy techniques (e.g., Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Comprehensive Resource Model) to help you work through difficult memories and emotions. This can lead to a shift in how you experience your inner world.
Remember, there's no right or wrong way to feel. If something feels off, even if you can't quite put your finger on it, that's okay. I'm here to listen, understand, and help you find your way forward. Therapy can be a safe space to explore your experiences and learn new ways to cope.
Together, we can build a foundation of understanding and create tools to help you manage challenges. I believe in your strength and resilience, and I'm here to support you every step of the way.
I'm unable to provide formal diagnoses, but I can offer resources and referrals if needed.