TRAUMA TREATMENT THERAPY
Do you feel emotionally numb and disconnected in your life? Do you feel like you have lost your way in the world? Do you avoid anything that can bring back memories of the event? Does your life feel out of control? Do you lack pleasure and have difficulty trusting others or telling the truth? Do you feel hopeless and alone? Do you blame yourself or feel shame or guilt for what has happened to you?
WHAT IS TRAUMA AND POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)?
Trauma can be described as any past experience that a person has witnessed, experienced and/or perceived as life threatening and has negatively impacted one’s present life. These disturbing and terrifying experiences can be one time events or recurring events over a long period of time. Traumatic events and experiences become unprocessed memories that get stored in the brain and body as disturbing sensations and memories and without treatment may lead to distressing symptoms and behaviors. On a body level, trauma is experienced as immobile survival instincts that were unable to be processed with an empathetic lens. A traumatic memory is stored as a cognitive, emotional, and physical memory that manifests as symptoms of acute anxiety and depression, deep shame and guilt, nightmares, erratic mood swings, uncontrollable emotions, uncomfortable body sensations, or disruptive thought patterns. This can feel debilitating on a regular basis. PTSD symptoms continually impact the nervous system and translate as acute and severe anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts and memories, and acute body sensations that feel very challenging to manage and function. Many people express the pain they feel through addiction to a substance or behavior, self-harm, sexual abuse, or a strong desire for self-growth.
HAVE I experienced a TRAUMATIC EVENT? COMMON SYMPTOMS OF TRAUMA…
If you find yourself relating to any of this above, rest assured, you are not alone. You may be experiencing common symptoms of PTSD and you may be unaware that you are experiencing unresolved trauma that you have been trying to manage on your own. Many experience these conditions and through counseling learn to overcome and reduce these trauma symptoms you are experiencing.
Trauma is common and a part of life. Often, people justify or minimize their past, leaving them feeling like they are not that “bad” off compared to others. This often leads to people not getting help sooner. When an individual experiences trauma, it is inherent to develop physical and emotional defenses and habits to help them function and survive from the horrific events that have occurred or that one has witnessed. These mechanisms that once served us, are often, no longer serving their purpose in present day. They often keep us feeling “stuck” in unhealthy patterns, causing many physical and emotional disturbances in our lives.
LIVING A LIFE OUTSIDE OF TRAUMA
The great news, is that if you are here, you have already taken a big action step towards finding help. It means you desire external support and may be realizing you are unable to resolve these issues alone. It is a sign of strength and vulnerability and takes courage to reach out for support. With the appropriate support and guidance, trauma can be a transformative experience on a psychological, social and spiritual level.
I specialize in trauma and PTSD treatment, using the body-centered approaches of EMDR Therapy and Somatic Psychotherapy. Trauma isn't only something we remember. It's something the body holds onto. It can live in the nervous system, the breath, muscle tension, and a constant sense of being on guard, long after the danger has passed. Understanding how the body stores trauma is a vital part of healing it. The body also has an innate capacity to heal. In our work, we'll slow down and gently bring attention to what you notice in your body, moment by moment, so your nervous system can settle and release what it has been carrying. This happens through presence and curiosity rather than through reliving painful experiences or being overwhelmed by intense emotion. This work moves slowly and with care, at a pace your nervous system can take in.
I believe no human can manage life alone and people need human connection and external resources to manage and work through the adversities of life. Life doesn't have to be a constant struggle because of the symptoms you're living with. If you're dealing with PTSD or the aftereffects of trauma, EMDR and body-centered therapy can offer a safe way to explore your past. Many people find that these approaches ease distressing symptoms, restore a sense of empowerment, and help their bodies feel safer in the present, so the past no longer runs their daily life. Life can feel safer, more enjoyable, and less of a struggle. It's possible to feel like yourself again!
Mental Health and PTSD Resources:
Colorado Crisis Service Line (24/7): 1-844-493-8255- Provide Free, immediate crisis support for mental health, substance abuse, and emotional support
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24/7): 1-800-273-8255- Provide FREE, immediate confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources
Mental Health Partners (MHP): Provide 24/7 walk-ins for mental health crisis
National Alliance on Mental Health Issues (NAMI): Provides local Colorado resources for mental health issues