Trauma

“I have come to the conclusion that human beings are born with an innate capacity to triumph over trauma. I believe not only that trauma is curable, but that the healing process can be a catalyst for profound awakening — a portal opening to emotional and genuine spiritual transformation.”

- Peter A. Levine

Trauma is our system’s response to any experience that significantly impacts our emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. Trauma may result from a single incident or a series of painful events over time. We may also become traumatized by what we needed yet did not receive from others, such as care, empathy, or acknowledgment. Trauma may be personal, intergenerational, or collective in nature. When trauma is present, it may feel like everything is too much, too overwhelming, or that we are just trying to survive. This is our body’s way of telling us that we are unable to cope with what’s happening. Trauma can affect anyone, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances.

Trauma symptoms vary from person to person, but they often show up in these ways:

  • Emotional:

    • Intense emotions (i.e. persistent sadness, anger, or fear)

    • Mood swings (often unpredictable or extreme)

    • Challenges with trusting self and others

    • Feelings of hopelessness / despair

  • Physical:

    • Chronic fatigue that doesn’t get better with rest

    • Insomnia, sleep issues, or nightmares

    • Physical pain such as tension or body aches

    • Hypervigilance (feeling on edge or having

      an increased startle response)

  • Mental:

    • Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks to the event(s)

    • Difficulty focusing or making decisions

    • Memory impairment / brain fog

    • Disassociation / shut down

  • Behavioral:

    • Avoidance (of people, places, activities that may stir up trauma responses)

    • Self-destructive behavior (I.e. substance abuse or pursuing danger)

    • Daily functioning struggles (I.e. managing responsibilities & practicing self care)

    • Isolating from loved ones or community or relationship issues

In order to engage in trauma work, it is essential to develop trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship. This is relational work that requires a great deal of care and intentionality. As therapist, it is my role to pay close attention to what you express both verbally and non-verbally so that we may move at a pace that works for you. When we go slowly and transition between what is distressing and what is resourcing, we develop more resilience and stronger neural pathways. I understand that trauma work can feel daunting, and I am here to offer guidance and reassurance along the way.

Trauma work may look like…

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Somatic therapy and mindfulness techniques

  • Recognizing and acknowledging the impacts of trauma on

    one’s life, relationships, & sense of self

  • Exploring your experiences without judgment or criticism

  • Welcoming and processing your emotions & body sensations

  • Resourcing - accessing what feels good / better for you

  • Building resilience and stepping into more confidence

  • Integrating, storytelling, and reclaiming your sense of wholeness and aliveness