What is Trauma Therapy?
“Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.” — Rumi
Let’s start with what trauma is…trauma is any event or series of events, no matter how big or small, that occurs in a person’s life that impacts their ability to function and live life the way they wish they could. The effects of trauma may show up in a variety of ways. Some common symptoms are anxiety, depression, flashbacks, or physical pain.
As you work to heal from trauma, we will work together to identify and hold on to the things in your life that support you. We will get to know your strengths, deepen your self-knowledge, focus on your healthy relationships, and use these as a springboard for healing. In time, and when you are ready, we will work together to let go of what holds you back. You’ll be able to release burdens like shame, fear, and anxiety. We create an emotionally safe space to discover this balance of holding on and letting go so that you can lead your life from a place of inner freedom, harmony, and purpose.
I do this by utilizing evidence-based, experiential trauma therapies such as IFS and EMDR. We integrate these modalities into our sessions to help you access self-compassion and work to heal wounds left by trauma.
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IFS (Internal Family Systems) views the mind as composed of multiple parts, each with distinct emotions and perspectives that contribute to self-understanding. These parts may include wounded aspects carrying painful emotions and protective elements. By resolving internal conflicts, IFS seeks to restore mental balance and promote healing. This approach is non-pathologizing, compassionate, and non-judgmental.
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) uses guided eye movements and other forms of bilateral stimulation (BLS) to help clients reduce the power of distressing memories. During sessions, clients focus on a specific thought, emotion, image, or sensation while using BLS, facilitating the re-processing and healing of traumatic experiences.
