What does trauma treatment look like?
Trauma is a broad category covering a number of experiences and disorders. When we experience a traumatic event, part of us gets “stuck” and it takes conscious, intentional, deliberate work to get unstuck. I base my approach off a foundation of Narrative Therapy, which looks at the way that we tell our story to ourselves and others and the way that this impacts how we move through the world. I also utilize interventions from Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (CBT & DBT) as well as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These help to build habits that foster mental health, tolerate distress, and move past “stuck” points of trauma. If you have questions or are interested in setting up a 15-minute free consultation to see if we might be a good fit, please reach out to me using the link below.
The Client-Therapist Connection
Research shows that effective therapeutic work tends to have on common element: a trusting, secure relationship between the client and therapist. I enjoy tailoring my work to each of my client’s needs and building trust and connection along the way. I also like to emphasize that working on mental health doesn’t have to be scary or tedious. I genuinely believe that there is room for levity & humor in healing.
Comorbid Conditions
It is not uncommon for trauma to have comorbid conditions, meaning that trauma exists alongside another diagnosis (i.e. someone experiencing PTSD and anxiety simultaneously). Often the symptoms of comorbid conditions reduce as the primary disorder is treated. However, I frequently assess client’s comorbid symptoms to help ensure treatment efficacy and adjust my approach accordingly.
Distress Tolerance
No one should pretend that healing trauma is simple. However, it does not need to feel overwhelming or scary. Learning how to manage triggers, re-regulate the nervous system, and understand emotions are important foundational skills when approaching trauma work. Knowing that each person is the expert in their individual experience, I follow my client’s pacing for treatment (with the occasional nudge if avoidance comes into play!).
