Trauma is any experience that at the time felt life threatening or overwhelming. In those moments the nervous system may not be able to fully integrate what is happening at an emotional, mental and bodily level.
Whether the trauma happened long ago or more recently, there is hope for feeling better.
Because it is your body that has endured the traumatic event, it is at this level that support and resolution is needed. While most talk-therapy is limited to a focus on emotions and thoughts, I use a specialized approach that includes helping the body and nervous system to process what has happened. In this way physical symptoms can begin to subside and your system can begin to calm down.
Sometimes the effects of trauma show up as physical symptoms such as:
- pain or tightness in the body
- stomach problems
- feeling constantly on alert
- feeling shut down or numb
By attending to the body and nervous system these symptoms can often begin to resolve.
In our work I will help you come to a middle ground of relaxed alertness where you can process what has happened without feeling overwhelmed or numb.
Trauma can affect the ability to feel safe or comfortable in relationships. In our work you will learn to understand and pre-empt the ways that traumatic triggers get in the way of your relationships. As you discover the means to being in the present moment and not stuck in the past, you will be able to approach relationships from a place of greater ease and strength.
Trauma therapy doesn’t have to be overwhelming or scary.
I create a safe space where your pace is respected. In fact I will encourage you to go slowly because it’s actually more effective.
You can share as little or as much as you want about what happened. It is not necessary to share details in order for the nervous system to begin shifting.
With curiosity and acceptance, we support new learning that can help you feel safer and more comfortable in your body.
I have many years of experience and training in working with trauma of all kinds. I am trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, developed by Pat Ogden, PhD which is a leading edge modality which uses mindfulness and somatic (body-oriented) processing to guide healing.
For more information on this effective approach visit:sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org
Even if it feels far away right now, a greater sense of safety and ease is possible.