Trauma Therapysara09212024-07-20T23:31:54+00:00

Is trauma keeping you from living the life you dream of?

Do you have difficulty experiencing pleasure because you spend much of your time feeling numb, anxious, or just empty?

Maybe you’ve lost important relationships because you were almost always on edge, either withdrawing or losing your temper. Perhaps you experience mood swings of happiness, sadness, or anger. You may struggle with trusting others in relationships. Possibly, you feel guilty and shameful much of the time. Sometimes, it might feel like just going it alone would be easier.

Perhaps you feel disconnected from yourself, others, and life in general. You find yourself just going through the motions, doing what you think you must. Or you might live with tight shoulders and a nervous stomach, worried about when the other shoe is going to drop. Those worries may keep you awake at night or hinder your ability to thrive at work.

As a result, you may wonder what it would be like to trust others and build meaningful relationships. Perhaps you long to find fulfillment and experience more freedom in life. With trauma therapy, you can learn to make choices based on what brings peace and happiness, rather than on what feels “safe” from triggering memories or overwhelming fears.

Trauma is more common than you might expect.

Almost everyone deals with a traumatic experience at some point in their lives. According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, “70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives. That’s 223.4 million people.” This prevalence highlights the widespread impact of trauma and underscores the importance of seeking help when needed.

Whether you have experienced a significant trauma as an adult or the complex trauma of abuse or emotional neglect as a child, you may find yourself struggling with relationships or finding fulfillment in life. Trauma often leads to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD may show up a month or so after a traumatic event or sometimes not until years later. Symptoms may include intrusive memories, flashbacks, intense emotional reactions to triggers, and nightmares. You may find yourself avoiding any thought of the event or avoiding places, people, or activities that remind you of the trauma. Relationships may become challenging; you may be irritable or feel numb, easily startled, or frightened. You might engage in risky behaviors such as drinking too much or driving recklessly.

You may be struggling with the trauma of a car accident, natural disaster, or the loss of a loved one. Especially now, you may be challenged by the impact of wars around the world, political divisiveness, economic concerns, and more. Or maybe as a child, you were exposed to the complex trauma of abuse or emotional neglect. You may have been hit, bullied, or sexually abused. On the other hand, you may have suffered from the neglect of parents who were always at work, never had time for you, or had their own mental health problems. Or perhaps their demands on you to perform left you feeling that you could never be good enough.

Complex trauma, particularly from childhood neglect and abuse, can profoundly affect your sense of self and your ability to trust others. Early experiences of emotional neglect, physical or sexual abuse, and even bullying can create deep emotional scars. When parents are preoccupied, mentally ill, or place unrealistic demands on you, it can lead to feelings of perpetual inadequacy and chronic insecurity. These early traumas can shape how you view yourself and the world, making it difficult to form healthy relationships and achieve a sense of fulfillment.

Whatever trauma you have experienced, you are not alone! By working with a trauma therapist, you can begin to heal, building the life you dream of and developing deep, meaningful relationships.

Trauma treatment can help you begin to live your life fully!

Whether you have experienced a single significant trauma or complex trauma over an extended time in your family, trauma therapy can help. With a trained, compassionate, intuitive therapist, you can heal and create a fulfilling life with meaningful, trusting relationships and creative, adventurous experiences that fit the authentic you.

I understand the emotional pain that comes in the aftermath of traumatic experiences. I know that it is difficult to even consider asking for help, much less to follow through. So, I want to acknowledge your courage in looking for support. I am glad you are here!

My approach to therapy is gentle, allowing you to choose your pace, always starting where you are. Often, we attain our goals more quickly by slowing down, especially when working through such deep pain. I will take time to get to know you, where you have been, and where you would like to be, offering you room to know me as a therapist as well. During our sessions, you can share openly and freely. I provide a safe, judgment-free space where your background and experiences are welcome, respected, and honored.

We will discuss your concerns and experiences, honing in on specific challenges that are bothering you. Additionally, I can help you learn and use new coping skills and tools to manage stress and respond to experiences more effectively.

I have been working with trauma survivors since 2007, building a large toolkit to support you in your journey. I utilize many mindfulness skills, helping you to be present in the moment.

For some, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is effective in helping process the trauma itself. EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that can help you reduce the intensity of emotion and reactivity related to traumatic experiences. I am EMDR trained and bring the same gentle and attentive approach to this modality as I do to all of the work we do together.

Somatic therapies can also be beneficial, focusing on the connection between the mind and body. Techniques such as body awareness, breathwork, and gentle movement can help release stored trauma from the body, promoting overall healing. These therapies recognize that trauma often resides in the body, and addressing physical symptoms can be an important part of the healing process.

Often, creative therapies are helpful as well. Writing, collaging, drawing or other imaginative approaches can provide tremendous support in the healing process.

Over the years, I have worked with many individuals who, like you, have experienced terrible traumas and bravely committed to their healing. Many have built close friendships with people who are consistently there for them and with whom they enjoy fun, satisfying activities. Even romantic relationships have blossomed. Several have returned to school and embarked on careers that offer them a deep sense of purpose. In the words of one client, “I am in a space of happiness and freedom that I never could have imagined.”

You believe that trauma therapy can help you, but you may still have questions…

Will I have to relive the trauma? Will I fall apart if I do this?

Most important to me is that you feel safe in therapy. During trauma treatment, I am sensitive to your needs and offer space for you to feel comfortable expressing in the moment. I will never force you to do anything you do not feel ready for.

Your body has an innate ability to heal and, in a safe space, can release the stress it has been holding. Every person’s journey is unique, and healing can look many different ways. Sometimes, it can be as simple as feeling seen, heard, and validated. Other times, you may need to explore patterns of emotions and behaviors that are keeping you stuck. I will follow you in supporting your unique healing to unfold.

I am so busy! How will I ever have time for trauma therapy?

Counseling for trauma is an investment in yourself. You are worth that! You deserve to have the life you want. Setting aside time now can help you begin to fill the rest of your life with the experiences and relationships you dream of. Many of my clients even share that, because they become more focused on what’s important to them through therapy, they begin to have more free time in their lives.

How do I know if you are the therapist who is best for me?

I am so glad you are asking that question. Working with a trauma therapist who is a good fit for you is so important. You may have even tried therapy before but didn’t feel like the therapist understood you or the pain you were feeling. To do the deep healing work of trauma therapy, you need to trust the person you are sharing such personal information with, feel safe with them, and believe that they understand you. You can find out some things just by reading a therapist’s website, but you likely still want to know more before choosing to make an appointment. That’s why I encourage you to reach out to me at (561) 533-0948 for a 15-minute telephone consultation to ask me questions and explore whether I feel like the right fit for you.

You can find relief and healing from trauma

If you are ready to start trauma counseling, I invite you to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation at (561) 533-0948. And if you don’t feel a connection with me during our first session, that’s okay. I can offer suggestions for another colleague who may be a better fit for you. My priority is that you get what you need from your therapy experience.

Contact Sara

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