Trauma Therapy

"Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know."
- Pema Chödrön 

People frequently seek trauma therapy when the effects of a stressful or traumatic event(s) have become so overwhelming it is negatively impacting their daily life.  This might include: 

• changes in relationships

• a decreased ability to complete daily life activities including working or attending school

• changes in mood, such increased anxiety or fearfulness, sadness, or irritability 

• feeling jumpy, easily startled, or hyper-alert

• feeling disconnected from life or others

• feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame

• low self-esteem or self-worth 

• feeling chronically low or down 

• nightmares or other sleep issues

• a sense of hopelessness or helplessness

• physical sensations of tension, numbness, or exhaustion

Traumatic experiences can include experiences of abuse or neglect, physical or sexual assault, accidents, natural disasters, sudden death or loss, crime, divorce, illness or injury, homelessness, bullying, domestic violence, or witnessing a traumatic event.  Additionally, chronic stress, developmental concerns, attachment issues, and certain relational events may also result in traumatic symptoms and responses. 

The goal of trauma therapy is to not only alleviate the negative effects of the traumatic experience but to also help people experience what is sometimes called post-traumatic growth.  Post-traumatic growth refers to one’s ability to create positive growth and change after a traumatic event.  Post-traumatic growth doesn’t mean the traumatic event was good or wanted but does recognize when things happen to us that are outside of our control, our ability to heal and move forward in a meaningful way is positively impacted by our ability to make sense of the event its' impact.  Trauma therapy can help you not only decrease your current symptoms but can also assist you in re-processing the underlying traumatic event in a way that can lead to renewed feelings of safety, connection, value, peace, and purpose within your life.

When seeking therapy to address and resolve previous traumatic experiences it is necessary to not only treat your symptoms but also treat the underlying traumatic experience(s) that are causing your symptoms.  I have additional training in both Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), allowing us to tailor treatment to your unique needs and experiences and to treat the multitude of ways you may be impacted by those traumatic experiences, including cognitive, emotional, and physical effects.  Clients frequently choose to work with me due to my additional training and experience in these treatment approaches.  To learn more about ART please click here.  To learn more about IFS please click here.