Trauma-Informed Therapy
Trauma, in the field of counselling, means experiences which have been so shockingly painful that you are left feeling changed. Examples of some types of trauma include: childhood neglect, abuse, and sexual assault; intimate partner violence; adult and teen sexual assault; exposure to war; and first-responder vicarious trauma*. There can be significant impacts when human beings are exposed to violations of their safety.
Some survivors of trauma notice changes in their mood. Others may experience 'intrusions,' meaning emotions, thoughts, images and nightmares about traumatic events, which can feel difficult to control. One example of this are the 'flashbacks' of combat veterans. Some other common symptoms are irritability, difficulty sleeping and eating, or having unexplained physical symptoms.
Therapy which is trauma-informed typically moves in three overlapping stages. Establishing safety in the client's daily life is the first, and paramount stage. The second stage is talking about the event(s), which we also call 'processing'. Not everyone will require processing to heal, so this stage is flexible. The third stage of trauma-informed therapy occurs when the survivor has regained their sense of control and can meaningfully move on.
What I want trauma-survivors to know about therapy is I will not choose how therapy happens without their consent. This is a time where you need to have as much control over your life as possible. I do have various effective ways of helping you to heal, and I take your unique needs seriously.
As I get to know clients' unique situations, I provide a holistic approach to exploring and resolving the impacts of trauma. I frequently highlight the physiological component of clients' symptoms as a basis for managing how they feel. As with my approach to other issues, such as depression and suicidal behaviour, I help trauma survivors to draw on what's already worked in the past, and what can help moving forward.
If you have noticed changes in yourself following painful life events, these changes may be symptoms of exposure to trauma. and can be effectively addressed in therapy.
*First-responder Vicarious Trauma occurs when individuals such as police, victim-service workers, and fire-fighters are routinely exposed to traumatic situations experienced by others. The symptoms of Trauma and Vicarious Trauma can be identical.
If you have any questions about Trauma-Informed Therapy I am happy to answer them. I also offer educational services on these topics. This information can be catered to individuals or groups. Contact me for more information.
Some survivors of trauma notice changes in their mood. Others may experience 'intrusions,' meaning emotions, thoughts, images and nightmares about traumatic events, which can feel difficult to control. One example of this are the 'flashbacks' of combat veterans. Some other common symptoms are irritability, difficulty sleeping and eating, or having unexplained physical symptoms.
Therapy which is trauma-informed typically moves in three overlapping stages. Establishing safety in the client's daily life is the first, and paramount stage. The second stage is talking about the event(s), which we also call 'processing'. Not everyone will require processing to heal, so this stage is flexible. The third stage of trauma-informed therapy occurs when the survivor has regained their sense of control and can meaningfully move on.
What I want trauma-survivors to know about therapy is I will not choose how therapy happens without their consent. This is a time where you need to have as much control over your life as possible. I do have various effective ways of helping you to heal, and I take your unique needs seriously.
As I get to know clients' unique situations, I provide a holistic approach to exploring and resolving the impacts of trauma. I frequently highlight the physiological component of clients' symptoms as a basis for managing how they feel. As with my approach to other issues, such as depression and suicidal behaviour, I help trauma survivors to draw on what's already worked in the past, and what can help moving forward.
If you have noticed changes in yourself following painful life events, these changes may be symptoms of exposure to trauma. and can be effectively addressed in therapy.
*First-responder Vicarious Trauma occurs when individuals such as police, victim-service workers, and fire-fighters are routinely exposed to traumatic situations experienced by others. The symptoms of Trauma and Vicarious Trauma can be identical.
If you have any questions about Trauma-Informed Therapy I am happy to answer them. I also offer educational services on these topics. This information can be catered to individuals or groups. Contact me for more information.