Healing From Trauma & PTSD
What is Trauma?
Distressing incidents or series of events can lead to the development of trauma, an intense, emotional reaction that can cause noticeable and life-altering symptoms in the mind, body and spirit. Experiencing traumatic incidents can impact how we view ourselves and interact with the world around us. This distress can lead to increased anxiety, depressive symptoms, distrust, low self-esteem, unhelpful coping mechanisms and more. Sometimes, trauma leads to the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While not all who experience a traumatic event will meet criteria for PTSD, symptoms of trauma and co-occurring mental health conditions can cause significant impacts on everyday living.
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How we internalize distressing experiences will vary from person to person based on a variety of factors. Traumatic experiences might include (but are not limited to) past or current abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, harassment, bullying, domestic violence, workplace trauma, witnessing a death, serious bodily injury, medical trauma and/or natural disasters.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a broad treatment form that can be utilized to treat a range of mental health conditions, including symptoms and patterns of behavior related to trauma. Using CBT methods, clients can begin to recognize patterns of thoughts and behaviors that are unhelpful to them. Through processing, awareness and reflection, individuals can learn to identify distortions, create positive coping skills, and develop a higher sense of confidence.
Use of CBT will be tailored to the client and shaped to suit individual needs. Strategies utilized might include role-playing exercises, mindfulness activities, gently challenging cognitive distortions, guided discovery, grounding exercises, journaling, reframing and small "homework" assignments to aid in developing skills outside of sessions.
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One of the goals of CBT is to help the client become their own therapist through education. This way, you leave with these tools and can continue to use them throughout your lifetime. Treatment utilizing CBT will be collaborative, so we'll discuss what is and isn't working for you. Your voice matters, and will always be prioritized.
Narrative Approach
Unresolved trauma can be processed in multiple ways. Sometimes, simply talking about the trauma can be too difficult at first. The thought of discussing the trauma might feel overwhelming and cause reluctance to begin therapy. One approach that can be helpful to this is narrative therapy, where we'll explore and process through the use of storytelling.
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Instead of diving headfirst into talking about the traumatic incident(s), we'll work together to add context first through a narrative that starts from the beginning of your life. This method helps place the trauma as one piece of your life, instead of letting it define you as a whole. Through the use of narrative approaches, clients can feel prepared to confront the distressing experience(s).
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment specifically developed for treating the distressing symptoms of trauma and PTSD. This model is structured and uses specific techniques to access and process traumatic events. Research on EMDR shows that clients can experience relief from symptoms of PTSD, often in fewer sessions when compared to other traditional therapies.
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EMDR is a multi-phase approach that consists of history-taking, imagery and stress-reduction techniques, processing, incorporating the mind-body connection, progress tracking and evaluation. In successful EMDR sessions, clients experience empowerment, increased emotional health and resolution of painful events. Research also shows that effectiveness is often maintained after the completion of EMDR phases.
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Due to the structured design of EMDR, clients benefit from completion of all phases and are asked to commit to the full duration of phases (typically 8-12 sessions). However, if you begin EMDR and experience adverse side effects, treatment may be shifted to ensure your emotional well-being is the top priority.
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Potential clients interested in EMDR: I offer a free, 15-minute consultation to discuss further details and help you determine if EMDR is a good fit for you and your needs.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is an alternative therapy developed from EMDR. This technique utilizes the mind-body connection in a manner that is more fluid than the structured approach of EMDR. Trauma can often sit within our bodies, causing distress not only in the mind, but resulting in physical ailments such as sleep disturbances, headaches, anxiety, and muscle tension. Brainspotting aims to work on the mind-body connection to identify where the trauma is "stuck."
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Clients who participate in brainspotting may experience a reduction in symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression while feeling increased energy and abilities to handle stress. Brainspotting can be beneficial for clients who do not wish for the majority of sessions to be focus on specific traumatic memories.
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While this approach will be tailored to your individual needs, techniques utilized will often consist of guided exercises, relaxation techniques, bilateral sound and exploration of physical symptoms associated with trauma. Brainspotting typically consists of 6-8 sessions, with evaluation and discussion of any further treatment needs during the final session.
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For potential clients interested in brainspotting: I offer a free, 15-minute consultation call to provide further treatment details and discuss whether this approach is a good fit for your goals.
General Treatment Information
Often, clients who wish to heal from trauma do not have a singular form of treatment in mind. We can work together to discuss your goals, comfort levels and what feels helpful to you. This will often include an approach comprised of multiple techniques, and not one singular modality.
During sessions, I will encourage open communication to understand how things are working for you. If treatment feels unhelpful, I will work to shift techniques to best serve you. Healing from complex issues like trauma often benefits from a multitude of approaches depending on the individual. Healing may not be linear, and I will support you throughout your journey with compassion and acceptance. You are the expert of your own experience, and I will work to make sure you feel validated, respected and heard.