T = Triggers are a threat

R = Reactive Responses

A = Alienation & Isolation

U = Unsafe & Uncertain

M = Memory Distortion, Fragmented Pieces

A = Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation

What is Trauma?

Trauma is the lasting emotional response that results from living through a distressing event. It can harm our sense of safety, sense of self identity, and the ability to navigate relationships.  Most, if not all people have experienced a traumatic event in their lives.  It is an inevitable aspect of the human experience.  According to the National Council for Behavioral Health, “70 percent of adults in the United States have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives.”  The aftermath of a traumatic event can cause mood swings, nightmares, flashbacks, anger, difficulty concentrating, and perhaps dissociation.   You may also experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachache, restless legs, increased heart rate, and panic attacks. 

Trauma comes in many forms. It can be a onetime event, like a car accident or a series of events such as domestic violence or sexual abuse.  Moreover, these events might lead to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. 

Even if you feel like you have survived or endured the traumatic event/s as a child, or you feel like you "should" be over the experience by now, the aftermath effects will linger in your daily life.  You may feel like you are stuck in cycles of anger or grief.  You may detach, disconnect, or withdraw from relationships.  Shame will become your best companion, and it feels like there is no way out. 

What to expect in the session?

After our initial consultation, we talk more about you and identify the goals you have for therapy.  It’s important to understand the source of your pain before we dive in the treatment.  My focus is to help you process your trauma safely. There will be no rush to talk about anything until you feel ready to do so. 

How do you treat Trauma?

First and most importantly is to build a healthy good rapport with you!  We can use the most effective modality, but therapy will not work if you do not feel comfortable, heard, and understood.  In addition to the client-therapist relationship I use Internal Family Systems (IFS), CBT, and EMDR therapy. 

IFS is a powerfully transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy.  IFS believes in the multiplicity of the brain believing that we are made up of several parts.  We attend to each part and help the self be as confident as possible to lead. 

You have the option to come in person or stay at the comfort of your place and do telehealth. 

Resource:

The Body Keeps Scores: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma/ By Bassel van der Kolk M.D.