In a safe place to heal, you’ll learn how to permanently reduce the feelings of being haunted by the past. These may include…
- panic attacks or feeling as though you’re having a heart attack or can’t breath
- flashbacks that may include strong sensory or tactile impressions
- insomnia, or sleeping with the lights or TV on all night
- brain fog
- no known medical cause for exhaustion, shakiness and other physical symptoms
- depression or sorrow for no obvious reason
- feeling like you’ve lost all enthusiasm or your sense of humor
- avoiding certain places, events, or people, including good friends and loved ones
- phobias and random, quirky, or irrational fears
- anxiety, worries, or being fretful
- floaty sensations
- eating or drinking problems
- feeling ashamed or guilty
Trauma includes being an eye witness to or experiencing …
- current, recent or past emotional, physical, or sexual violation
- childhood neglect, endangerment or abuse
- chronic tension at home or work
- car or industrial accidents
- bereavement
- natural disasters
- war
The first step in trauma therapy is to replenish your sense of inner calm. Once you feel safe and grounded, you’re taught how to gently process all of the unfinished business connected to the trauma.
During this stage, clients are relieved to discover that while memories become more quiet and clear, the old overwhelming emotions, intrusive thoughts, and disturbing sensations fade away for good.
The final phase of therapy integrates how one’s healing has lead to an expanded sense of personal identity and growth.
In addition to talk therapy, you may learn EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprogramming) and other adjunctive therapies that promote feeling secure.