Trauma

What is Trauma?

Trauma encompasses a spectrum of experiences that profoundly affect an individual's mental and emotional well-being. It can stem from singular incidents like accidents or disasters, as well as ongoing hardships such as abuse or violence. Regardless of its origin, trauma can deeply impact one's psychological and physical health. It arises when a distressing event overwhelms coping mechanisms, its essence defined by the survivor's narrative.

Traumatic life occurrences can often accumulate, forming a cascade of unresolved memories and emotions that persistently haunt individuals, trapping them in a whirlwind of unwelcome thoughts and behaviors. These events might include commonplace transitions like job changes or relocations, relational upheavals like divorce or bereavement, and stressors such as financial strain. I also work with individuals who have experienced a variety of different types of trauma, including religious trauma, bullying, abuse, and childhood trauma. Religious trauma can occur as a result of negative experiences with organized religion or religious leaders. Bullying can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and low self-esteem and can have long-lasting effects on an individual's mental health. Abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, can cause significant trauma and can have long-lasting effects on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. Childhood trauma, such as neglect, abandonment, or exposure to violence, can have a significant impact on a person's mental health and can increase the risk of developing mental health disorders later in life.

Trauma isn't limited to isolated incidents; it can also manifest as prolonged stressors like domestic violence, war, chronic illness, political strife, or religion. Regardless of the cause, trauma can have long-lasting effects on a person's mental, emotional, and physical health.

How can Trauma Therapy Help?

Trauma therapy is a specialized form of therapy that is designed to help individuals heal from traumatic experiences. Trauma therapy is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as EMDR or even couples therapy. The goal of trauma therapy is to help individuals work through their traumatic experiences and to develop coping skills and strategies to manage their symptoms.

As a marriage and family therapist, I utilize a trauma-informed lens in my practice. This means that I am trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma and to understand the impact that trauma can have on individuals, families, and communities. I am also trained in several different trauma-centered approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Trauma Art Narratives, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

EMDR is a form of therapy that uses eye movements or other types of bilateral stimulation to help individuals process traumatic memories. The goal of EMDR is to help individuals reprocess traumatic memories so that they are no longer as distressing or overwhelming. EMDR is often used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. 

CPT is another form of therapy that is commonly used to treat PTSD. CPT helps individuals to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that may be contributing to their symptoms. The goal of CPT is to help individuals develop a more balanced and realistic view of their traumatic experiences.

Trauma Art Narrative Therapy employs a structured cognitive exposure method aimed at enabling you to recollect a distressing experience without experiencing overwhelming emotional turmoil. By integrating art and introspection, the therapist facilitates the resolution of emotions such as shame, grief, fear, or guilt associated with the trauma. This process can alleviate symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, bodily recollections, and avoidance behaviors related to the traumatic incident. Ultimately, you'll emerge from this therapeutic journey with the confidence to discuss the event without being consumed by intense emotions.

TF-CBT is a form of therapy that is specifically designed for children who have experienced trauma. TF-CBT incorporates several different therapeutic techniques, including talk therapy, play therapy, and relaxation techniques. The goal of TF-CBT is to help children develop coping skills and strategies to manage their symptoms and to help them work through their traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

Your reasons for seeking support are valid and important, whatever they may be.

Trauma therapy can be a challenging and emotional process, but it can also be incredibly healing and transformative. In trauma therapy, the therapist serves as a supportive and non-judgmental ally who is there to help individuals work through their trauma and to develop the skills and strategies they need to manage their symptoms. Trauma therapy can help individuals to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and to gain a deeper understanding of how their traumatic experiences have impacted their lives.

It's important to note that trauma therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each person's experience of trauma is unique, and their healing process should reflect that. As a trauma-informed therapist, I work collaboratively with my clients to develop a treatment plan.