Support for Trauma Recovery
What Is Trauma?
Trauma refers to experiences that overwhelm the nervous system and exceed the brain’s ability to cope or make sense of what is happening. Trauma is not defined solely by the event itself, but by how the experience is processed and held in the mind and body.
Trauma can occur following a single, sudden event, or through ongoing exposure to stress, harm, or neglect over time. Common forms of trauma include:
- Single-incident trauma, such as car accidents, medical emergencies, or near-death experiences
- Developmental or complex trauma, often related to early relational experiences with family members or caregivers, attachment wounds, or chronic stress
- Ongoing or systemic trauma, including racial, historical, intergenerational, or systemic oppression
Each person’s experience of trauma is unique, shaped by their history, supports, and internal resources.
Signs Trauma May Be Affecting You
- Feeling disconnected, numb, or shut down
- Shame, self-blame, or emotional overwhelm
- Irritability, anger, or heightened reactivity
- Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, or strong reactions to triggers
- Anxiety, hopelessness, or difficulty feeling safe
Therapy for Trauma Recovery
Trauma therapy is approached with care, pacing, and respect for each persons capacity. My work is grounded in a trauma-informed, compassionate, and collaborative approach which prioritizes safety and stabilization.
Support for trauma may include:
- Psychoeducation about the impact of trauma on the brain, body, and nervous system
- Overview regarding the process of trauma recovery
- Grounding and stabilization strategies to increase present-moment safety
- Enhancing self-soothing skills to reduce fear, shame, and overwhelm
- Using evidence based approaches such as Flash or Progressive Counting to support memory reconsolidation; the process helps the brain to put traumatic memories in the past
- Building the ability to recognize and respond to trauma triggers
- When appropriate sharing the trauma story
- Understanding nervous system responses through a polyvagal-informed lens
- Exploring how past traumatic experiences continue to affect present-day life
- Enhancing wellbeing, joy, and meaning making
Therapy for Trauma Recovery
Moving Toward Healing
Trauma therapy is not about reliving the past, but about helping the body and mind learn that the danger has passed. With appropriate support, it is possible to develop greater regulation, self-understanding, and a renewed sense of connection and choice.
If you are considering trauma therapy and would like to learn more about whether this approach may be a good fit, I invite you to reach out.