Trauma

Let’s break it down

Trauma- it’s a big word. And it carries a lot of weight and meaning. So let’s break it down to understand what it actually means. In its simplest form, trauma is an emotional and psychological reaction to a negative event. Many types of events can create this response- ranging from more “overt” situations such as a car accident, sexual abuse, war/combat, physical violence etc. to “covert” events such as emotional neglect, verbal abuse, grief and loss, and experiencing a general lack of psychological safety.

Impacts of Trauma

If you have experienced a stressful life event (or multiple events), you may have noticed a change in how you feel. Maybe you notice you’re more wired or tense. Or that you’re feeling blue, tearful, and depressed. You notice it is easier for you to get irritated or angry in situations that never used to, causing conflict with the people around you. Other times, your mood varies widely- one minute you feel ok, the next you’re anxious and overwhelmed, and finally just exhausted and emotionally drained. You might also be feeling changes in your physical body or functioning- pain in different parts of your body, difficulty sleeping, or brain fog. Things that feel like you- your hobbies, career, relationships, self-esteem, and friends- don’t feel the same anymore.

Normal Response to an Abnormal Event

If you experience any of these symptoms, I will let you in on something: all of these reactions are a normal response to an abnormal event. Yes, you read that right. These are completely normal responses to an event that is abnormal. It is very important to know that the reactions you are having is your brain and nervous system doing what they can to keep you protected, safe, and functioning. Right now, your brain and body are doing exactly what they should be.  

Healing starts here

Our work together starts here. Trauma work is often best started with education. It is important you understand what and why you are experiencing what you are. It sounds cliché, but it’s the truth- knowledge is power. Knowledge helps shift the power balance from the difficult experience back to you- where it belongs. We then help you master a foundational set of coping tools for your mood and overall wellbeing. Lastly, we work to unravel your experience of the stressful life event in a way that is more balanced and less impactful on your current life.

My approach will help you:

• Understand your reactions to trauma such that you become less afraid of them. The power goes back to you.
• Learn how your trauma manifests in your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, allowing you to be more present within your life and relationships.
• Create more safety within yourself such that you can better regulate the ups and down of your mood
• Unravel imbalanced beliefs caused by the trauma and replace them with beliefs that are more grounded, centered, and compassionate.
• Use somatic and body-based practices to connect with deeper emotional states in a safe and contained method.
• Feel unstuck from your past and move forward with growth and hope.

You don’t have to heal alone

I deeply and personally understand the often difficult nature of trauma work. It is personal, vulnerable, and sometimes scary. Trauma does not happen in isolation. So your healing doesn’t have to either. My role as your therapist is to walk beside you and guide you as you work at your own pace. Our work together will integrate effective research based tools, theories, and techniques with real human connection and conversations. If you’re ready- even just curious- about taking the next step, contact me to schedule a free consultation.