PTSD and Trauma.
Our brains are hard-wired to attend to threatening, life-changing events. Our survival instincts make us remember these events even while we are desperately trying to avoid the distress and horror of reliving them. PTSD continues when we do not have the space to process what we have experienced. Our brains need the space to make sense of where our lives go from here.
Coping with Trauma
When you have been struggling with reminders, nightmares, and overwhelming emotions, it may feel like your life is out-of-control. We work to identify your triggers and more effective strategies to respond with calming techniques and self-compassion. You can get your feet back solidly on the ground.
Trauma Processing
Unwanted memories and emotional pain keep coming back until you have the chance to talk about your experience in a safe and supportive environment. We will talk about how trauma affects your current thinking and your emotional reactions, so that you can rebuild your own story. Both Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) are proven to decrease PTSD symptoms by helping people put those events truly in the past, so they can focus on what matters most to them now.
Complex Trauma
People who have experienced multiple kinds of trauma (often beginning in childhood) struggle with Complex Trauma, often making it difficult to feel comfortable in their own skin, have kindness towards themselves, and develop satisfying relationships. If you have complex trauma, we can work with you to develop skills on how to better manage your emotions and build a support network. Ask for more information about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Relationships (STAIR).