Trauma Therapy

Do The Effects Of Trauma Negatively Affect Your Life? 

“The survivor who is accomplished in her recovery faces life with few illusions but often with gratitude.” – Judith Herman, from her book Trauma and Recovery 

Are you a trauma survivor living with the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? Has persistent anxiety, depression, or emotional dissociation or numbness prevented you from leading a fuller, more deeply connected life? Do you struggle with building trust, developing closeness, or communicating your needs in relationships?  

In the aftermath of trauma, you may have become disconnected from the world around you. Rather than feeling engaged and present in your daily routine, it might be difficult for you to escape the sense of feeling like something is wrong. Not only could nightmares, flashbacks, and panic attacks be an ongoing reminder of your trauma, but your need to remain hypervigilant could impact your ability to problem-solve and think on your feet.  

The Emotional Impact Of Trauma 

Perhaps you often feel anxious and can’t stop worrying about the worst possible outcome. Or maybe you suffer from bouts of depression that cause severe sadness, irritability, or lethargy. At other times you may experience emotional numbness and feel empty inside. Underscoring it all may be a deep sense of shame or guilt you can’t shake. Even though you know it isn’t rational, you might engage in negative self-talk, as though what happened to you is somehow your fault. 

In addition to physical symptoms—such as headaches, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances—you may have trouble maintaining close relationships with friends and family. Your challenges may result from a lack of trust, fear of abandonment, or unhealthy boundary-setting. 

If only you could find a way to heal from past traumas, you would shed the burden you carry and reengage in life. Therapy offers a safe space to process your trauma and address your trauma-related symptoms as well as PTSD alongside a compassionate, supportive therapist. With trauma treatment, you can take back control and become the person you want to be. 

Therapy Provides You A Safe Space To Process And Heal Your Trauma 

Experiencing traumatic events can be devastating. Not only can unresolved trauma negatively impact your emotional, mental, and physical well-being, but it can also affect your ability to maintain relationships, excel at work, and connect on a spiritual level. I provide a warm and trusting environment where you are safe to discuss and process past or current trauma. Within this space, you can work towards healing and recovery by regaining your safety, identity, and sense of control. Tapping into your innate resilience can empower you to fortify your relationships and reawaken your engagement in life. 

What To Expect In Sessions 

Initially, we will work on establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship where you will feel at ease talking about your trauma. We might review the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) for trauma together to confirm what symptoms challenge you the most. I also like to incorporate psychoeducation into sessions to explain the physiological impacts of trauma and how they affect the brain and body.  

In ongoing therapy sessions, we will address your trauma comprehensively and set goals to track your progress. Exploring trauma processing, coping skills, cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation, relationship issues, and resilience-building will provide you with the necessary tools to heal. By the end of therapy, we hope to reduce your PTSD symptoms, improve your daily functioning, and increase your self-awareness to enhance your quality of life. 

A Well-Rounded Approach To Trauma Therapy  

As a trauma specialist, I have trained in a variety of modalities effective for treating the symptoms of PTSD. This well-rounded approach allows me to customize treatment based on your unique needs: 

• Narrative Therapy: Exploring and reconstructing your narrative related to trauma empowers you to reshape your self-identity and find meaning and resilience through storytelling; 

• Somatic Experiencing (SE): Focusing on bodily sensations and releasing the physical tension related to trauma allows you to process your experience and regulate your nervous system where trauma is stored. You will also develop grounding techniques to connect with your body and cultivate a sense of safety;  

• Mindfulness-Based Exercises: These techniques cultivate present-moment awareness, helping you develop a non-judgmental attitude toward your thoughts and emotions. Through breathing exercises and visualization, you can learn how to anchor yourself in the present when triggered by trauma-related sensations or memories;  

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs related to trauma serves to quiet your critical inner voice. Trauma-focused CBT can help you develop cognitive restructuring techniques to reframe distorted thinking patterns and promote more positive and adaptive thinking. 

Recovering from trauma is a courageous and transformative process. With help and support, profound healing and growth are possible. While the journey may have its ups and downs, remember that you are not alone. Therapy can begin to unravel the layers of trauma, process the pain, and gradually reclaim your life. You can develop new coping skills, find healthier ways to regulate your emotions, and cultivate a sense of safety and trust within yourself and in your relationships.