Are You Struggling with Trauma and its Aftermath?
There are many different types of trauma, and each individual’s response to trauma is unique. There is no universal recipe to feel more like yourself again, but feeling much, much, better is indeed possible.
The different types of traumas are summed up here:
Acute trauma/PTSD: a single event (assault, accident, natural disaster, sudden unexpected loss)
Chronic Trauma: Repeated trauma over a period of time (civil war, domestic violence)
Complex trauma: Continuous, interpersonal trauma beginning in childhood perpetrated by caregivers
Trauma, then, can be an assault, a natural disaster, an accident or a sudden death of someone close to you. Or you may have seen something that shook you to your core. Trauma is an experience that overwhelms you, and oftentimes, knocks you off your feet, at least for a while. Trauma therapy can help you get back up again.
In addition, trauma is part of many people’s childhoods, and this developmental trauma has a profound impact on us as adults, on how we interact with others, and on how we develop relationships. A skilled and compassionate therapist can help you put these pieces of your life back together.
Many people try to compartmentalize trauma and may even be partially successful. But trauma overwhelms your whole being, leaving residual pain, illness, fear, anger and confusion. These unprocessed emotions can bubble up when we’re not expecting them, and it’s important to learn to deal with them when they do and work towards them subsiding over time.
It’s very important in trauma therapy to go at a pace that is comfortable for you. We will start by your completely understanding what this work will entail; for example, we will discuss what traumatic memories are, how they are affecting you, and how we can work with them to lessen their impact.
Are you ready to have confront issues from a distant or recent trauma? It’s important to work with someone who is understanding and experienced and who can accompany you on this journey in a way that is safe and productive. There are a range of ways to process trauma, including using art and other forms of creative expression. We will work together to find the approach that suits you best.
You may still have reservations about trauma therapy…
How do I know trauma therapy will help?
Therapy has been shown to be incredibly helpful to people dealing with trauma. However, I understand that there may not be enough information available to you that clearly shows what happens during therapy. That’s why I offer education on exactly what trauma therapy will entail. I encourage you to take advantage of my free consultation so that I can help demystify the process and you can make an informed decision on whether or not to seek therapy.
I’ve had these trauma symptoms forever and I’m used to them. I’m not sure what I’ll be like without them?
It can definitely be strange to live without something that’s been such an important part of you for so long. However, part of our goal is for you to live a fulfilling and meaningful life without being defined by the event—it can’t be erased, but it might be time for you to control your story and your response to it.
I’m worried about not having enough control over my treatment.
In trauma therapy, especially, I will go at the pace you set. Your feeling safe is my number one priority, and everything else follows from there. We won’t do anything you feel uncomfortable with or you’re not ready for. The focus will always remain on you.
Take the First Step toward Getting Help
If you are interested, I offer a free 20-minute consultation. Please contact me at 720-491-1533. You can learn how to work with your emotions, face the future without carrying a large boulder on your back, and make room in your life for the people and things that mean the most to you.