Services Trauma
Our Approach
The Nature of Trauma
Something happened–maybe one horrible thing, maybe many–and you can’t seem to get past it. You’ve tried ignoring it, but then you see a reminder and you are instantly returned to an unsafe place. You tried reminding yourself you’re safe now but then you walk outside and everything feels out of control. You’ve tried talking to your friends about what happened and they’re supportive but they just don’t get it.
Trauma can be confusing since we may be “triggered” on one level of consciousness and on another intellectually believe we shouldn’t be triggered. This conflict can lead to a cycle of shame believing that we should be “over this” and yet not understanding why something in the present could be so threatening and even debilitating at times. Many of the answers to trauma can be explained with neurobiology and functions of the brain. Gaining a better understanding of simple brain functions in easy to understand ways can often remove some of the stigma and shame sometimes associated with trauma.
Developing a collaborative trusting relationship with a client creates the foundation of doing trauma treatment where the client feels they are in charge of the pace and direction of therapy. In contrast to the traumatic event where they were not in control, the client understands they are in control in ways that helps develop trust in the process enabling them to make significant progress.
Trauma Treatment Methods
Brain Spotting
Brain Spotting, my primary trauma treatment approach, was developed by David Grand in 2003 and is rooted in neurobiology. This method is a powerful tool for processing trauma in ways that is tolerable and effective. The trauma memory is not erased or forgotten but is refilled or stored in a way that removes the emotional charge. The person is no longer “triggered” or feels panic from situations that had been difficult. The goal is for people to feel whole and experience life’s satisfactions unencumbered by traumatic events.
EMDR Approach to Trauma
EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This is an approach that is more commonly used and is also effective in working through trauma. Brain Spotting and EMDR are more easily tolerated especially compared to Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, or other specific types of trauma treatment that many people find stressful and difficult to tolerate outside of an in-patient treatment facility.
Other Approaches to Trauma
In addition to the two trauma interventions described above I also draw from Sensory Motor therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), mindfulness, and Art Therapy.