Trauma

Understanding Trauma

 

What is Trauma?

Trauma is the result of extremely stressful events that shatter your sense of security, leading to feelings of helplessness and vulnerability. It can be caused by a single distressing event or a series of prolonged distressing events. Trauma has a profound and lasting impact on a person’s nervous system, emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors.

Who Experiences Trauma?

Trauma is not limited to specific groups such as military personnel or assault survivors. It is experienced by people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, socio-economic groups, and nationalities. It can also occur collectively in communities or among groups of people. Early childhood trauma, in particular, can disrupt brain development, affecting how information is retained and processed, how danger is perceived, and impacting relationships and the ability to develop trust and safety.

Types of Trauma:

Trauma manifests in various forms including, but not limited to:

  • Acute Trauma: Resulting from a single incident.
  • Chronic Trauma: Resulting from repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events.
  • Complex Trauma: Exposure to varied and multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive and interpersonal nature.
  • Vicarious Trauma: Trauma that can occur when one is exposed to the details of traumatic experiences of others.

 

My Approach to Treatment

 

Holistic Trauma Therapy: Recognizing that trauma affects many aspects of a person’s life, my approach to treatment is holistic and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. I work with:

  • The Nervous System: Employing somatic-based interventions and polyvagal therapeutic strategies to help clients regulate their nervous systems.
  • Emotions: Helping clients recognize, manage, and process their emotions effectively.
  • Thoughts and Beliefs: Addressing and reshaping the thoughts and beliefs that may hinder healing.
  • Behavioral Patterns: Evaluating and adjusting the coping strategies and behaviors developed over time that may no longer serve the individual well.

My goal is to support each client through their healing journey, providing the tools they need to reclaim their sense of security and well-being. Therapy sessions are designed to empower individuals to understand and overcome the impacts of trauma, fostering resilience and promoting recovery.