Healing from Trauma

Processing & Healing Your Trauma

Welcome to a safe space where we’ll explore how past events might still affect your life today. Together, we’ll delve into recognizing the signs and symptoms of unresolved trauma and discuss various therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CBT), and Commitment Therapy, which can support your journey toward recovery. I aim to offer insights and guidance as you take steps toward healing and personal growth.

How Do I Know If I Have Trauma?

Trauma can mean a variety of things. It can manifest in various ways and result from different experiences, such as little ‘t’ trauma (e.g., losing a job, being bullied, or experiencing the loss of a pet). Little ‘t’ trauma usually does not threaten the life of an individual, but still creates a stress response in their nervous system. Big ‘T’ traumas are defined more often as events that can pose a life-threatening risk (e.g., an assault, natural disasters, or school shootings), and other acute psychological experiences like the loss of a loved one, or serious accidents. Identifying the signs and symptoms can be the first step in your healing process.

Some common indicators of unresolved trauma include:

If you recognize any of these symptoms, know that you are not alone, and there are resources available to support you on your journey toward healing and recovery.

Signs Your Body Is Releasing Trauma Or Letting Go Of Trauma

An essential step in the healing process is recognizing the signs of your body releasing trauma. Of course, everyone’s experience may vary, but here are some common indicators that your body is letting go of trauma:

Physical Signs

Psychological and Emotional Signs

As your body releases trauma, you may notice a combination of these physical, psychological, and emotional signs. Being mindful of these changes can help you gauge your progress and guide you on your path toward healing and recovery.

How Long Does It Take To Heal From Trauma?

The healing journey for trauma is unique to each individual and the time frame cannot be defined perfectly. It may take weeks, months, or even years to process unresolved trauma. Factors like the nature of the trauma, personal resilience, and the support you receive can influence the healing process. While some traumas resolve more quickly, others may require more time and effort. However, with therapy and consistent work, it’s possible to reduce the intensity and duration of the trauma and develop the skills to live with it as opposed to feeling like the symptoms rule your life, even if some aspects of the trauma never fully disappear.

Let Me Help You Overcome Your Trauma

As a therapist trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), I’m here to guide you through the process of healing and overcoming your trauma. Together, we’ll explore the root causes, develop coping strategies, and foster resilience. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a more peaceful and empowered life, contact me today to schedule a consultation. I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Going To Therapy Can Help

While it’s true that you cannot change the past, the good news is that the distressing symptoms of trauma can be significantly reduced, if not eliminated entirely. Although the traumatic event itself may never be forgotten, it’s possible to find healing and build a new, fulfilling life with the right support and guidance. In our work together, we’ll focus on alleviating the chronic pain and physical symptoms associated with trauma, empowering you to reclaim your well-being and live life to the fullest.

How Is Trauma Treated In Therapy?

In my therapy sessions, I employ a variety of techniques to help individuals process and heal from trauma. I tailor the approach based on each client’s unique needs, but some of the primary methods I use are:

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

This method involves identifying and replacing negative thought patterns, and creating new neural pathways in the brain to encourage more positive thinking.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR relies on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model of how the brain stores memories developed by Francine Shapiro, PhD. This theory recognizes that your brain stores normal and traumatic memories differently because the mind and the brain are different.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

This approach focuses on mindfulness techniques to increase self-awareness, recognize triggers, and better understand one’s feelings.

Our brain is an organ, while our mind is a collection of thoughts, beliefs, and memories. The brain stores trauma like a wound and EMDR helps you reprocess this trauma more smoothly in a safe environment, to heal your mind.

Trauma Processing Techniques

Incorporating daily practices can support the healing process for individuals who have experienced trauma. First and foremost try and practice more mindfulness throughout your day:

Do one thing at a time

If you are making your breakfast, make your breakfast and eat it without your phone to distract you. Many individuals are distracted and do not know why they feel anxious and forgetful.

Connect with your experiences

Become more intentional by observing your emotions and sensations, fostering awareness, and reducing anxiety or unexpected panic attacks.

Create a calm environment

By decreasing multitasking, you can ease your central nervous system and create a sense of tranquility.

We are not meant to multi-task, even though multitasking may greatly distract you from your pain. It is important to notice your feelings throughout the day, which is much easier when you are not doing many tasks at once.

Trauma can be challenging, but with the right support and guidance, healing is possible. By practicing mindfulness techniques and working with a skilled therapist, you can learn to navigate life beyond the pain of your past experiences. If you’re ready to embark on this transformative journey, contact me today. I look forward to supporting you every step of the way.

Trauma: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Crying Release Trauma?

While crying alone may not release the trauma completely, it can serve as an emotional release and help you feel better. Crying is natural to humans. Holding back tears may have a greater negative effect than letting them out.

Does Trauma Ever Go Away?

Although past events cannot be changed, the feelings associated with trauma can diminish with appropriate guidance and self-work. Through commitment and support, you can learn to process and release the pain.

Why is Trauma Therapy So Hard?

Reliving your trauma is naturally hard because the brain stores trauma in a different way than other memories. Our traumas get stuck and are processed differently than non-traumatic life events. However, finding a therapist who creates a comfortable environment for you is crucial to making the experience more manageable and effective.