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"Trauma is not what happens to a person, but what happens within them. It is the unhealed wound a person is compelled to defend against by constricting their ability to feel, be present, and respond flexibly to situations." ~Gabor Matè.
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Most people have experienced at least one trauma in their lifetime, but not all will go on to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Several factors increase the risk for an individual to develop the disorder, including gender, race, greater severity of traumatic stressors, interpersonal violence, a lack of social support, ongoing stressors, or repeated exposure to traumatic events. The saying, "time heals all wounds," does not apply to a trauma wound because traumatic memories can become frozen in time and continue to affect individuals long after the event.
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Common Symptoms​​​​
​Unprocessed trauma can manifest itself in many ways. Common symptoms may include distressing dreams or memories about the traumatic event, problems with concentration, feelings of fear, anger, shame, or the inability to experience positive moods, feelings of distress when reminded of the traumatic experience, sleep disturbances, avoidance of traumatic reminders, angry outbursts, hypervigilance, or engaging in reckless, self-destructive behaviors.
Treatment Approach​​​
The treatment of trauma typically involves three phases. In the first phase, a sense of stability and safety is established. This involves assessment, building rapport and trust within the therapeutic relationship, and developing healthy coping skills. In the second phase, trauma processing occurs. Several evidence-based trauma processing models are effective in reducing trauma symptoms. I am trained in Written Exposure Therapy, a brief, effective approach that can be conducted in as few as five sessions. In the third phase, the work of reintegration begins. This involves grief work, meaning-making, and fostering post-traumatic growth. The pacing of sessions is tailored to your unique trauma history.
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If you have any questions or want to learn more about my treatment approach, contact me for a free 30-minute phone consultation.