What is Trauma?
Trauma can take many forms—whether it’s the impact of a sudden, life-threatening event like an accident, combat, or a dangerous situation on the job, enduring abuse, the loss of someone important, or even the emotional weight of regularly facing distressing circumstances. For police officers, military personnel, and others who encounter high-stress environments, trauma may not always stem from a single moment but can accumulate over time through repeated exposure to intense situations. For anyone, trauma might also arise from personal loss, ongoing stress, or difficult life events. It’s important to understand that trauma affects people in many different ways, and no one is immune, no matter their role or experience.
Understanding Different Types of Trauma
It’s essential to recognize that trauma can manifest in various ways, and each person’s experience with it is unique. Some common types of trauma include:
Acute Trauma: This is typically a result of a single, overwhelming event—such as a car accident, natural disaster, or a traumatic situation at work. The effects can be immediate and deeply distressing, but with time and support, healing is possible.
Chronic Trauma: This occurs when someone is repeatedly exposed to distressing events, such as ongoing abuse, domestic violence, or persistent stress at work. This prolonged exposure can have long-lasting effects on mental and emotional well-being.
Complex Trauma: This form of trauma arises from multiple, often overwhelming events, typically in situations where the individual feels trapped—like living in an abusive environment or working in a high-risk, emotionally taxing profession. The impact can be profound, but therapy can help individuals address these deep-rooted experiences and work toward healing.
My Approach to Trauma Therapy
I understand that healing from trauma requires a compassionate, individualized approach. I offer teletherapy to ensure that people in different areas, whether in high-stress careers or facing personal challenges, have access to the support they need. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you can feel comfortable sharing your experiences and working through them at your own pace.
Evidence-Based Techniques
The journey through trauma requires specialized methods. I use proven, evidence-based therapies that have been shown to help individuals heal and move forward:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This widely-used therapeutic approach helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns related to trauma. Through CBT, you’ll gain practical tools to reframe your responses to difficult memories and emotions, fostering emotional healing (Beck, 2011).
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR therapy is specifically designed to help process traumatic memories and reduce the emotional intensity connected to them. Research has shown that it’s particularly effective for PTSD and other trauma-related symptoms, helping individuals work through their past and regain a sense of peace (Shapiro, 2018).
Personalized Therapy Plans
I understand that trauma is deeply personal, and no two experiences are exactly the same. When you work with me, we’ll collaborate to create a therapy plan that fits your specific needs and goals. I will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you have a personalized, flexible approach that empowers you to heal in a way that feels right for you.
Trauma Therapy Can Help
Engaging in trauma therapy can lead to profound changes in your mental and emotional well-being. As you move through therapy, you may notice:
Reduced Symptoms: Trauma therapy can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, offering relief from the emotional weight of past experiences (Bisson et al., 2007).
Improved Coping Strategies: Through therapy, you will learn healthy ways to manage stress, triggers, and difficult emotions, helping you regain control over your life (Hofmann et al., 2012).
Enhanced Relationships: Trauma can affect your connections with others, but therapy can help you rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen your relationships with loved ones (Johnson et al., 2005).
Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Therapy
How Long Does Trauma Therapy Take?
The duration of trauma therapy is unique to each individual. Some people may find short-term therapy sufficient, while others may benefit from longer-term support. We’ll regularly check in to assess your progress and adjust the therapy plan to meet your evolving needs.
What Should I Expect in My First Session?
Your first session will be a safe and open space to discuss your history, your current struggles, and your goals for therapy. There’s no pressure to share everything at once—this initial session is about building a foundation of trust and setting the stage for your healing process.
References:
Beck, A. T. (2011). Cognitive therapy: Basics and beyond. The Guilford Press.
Bisson, J. I., Ehlers, A., Matthews, R., Pilling, S., Richards, D., & Turner, S. (2007). Psychological treatments for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 190(2), 97-104.
Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427–440.
Johnson, S. M., Makinen, J. A., & Millikin, J. W. (2005). Attachment injuries in couple relationships: A new perspective on intimate partner betrayal. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 31(2), 145-158.
Shapiro, F. (2018). EMDR therapy: An overview of its development and neurobiological mechanisms. In M. L. Gorman & R. S. Hayes (Eds.), The Wiley handbook of trauma (pp. 389-408). Wiley-Blackwell.
READY TO GET STARTED?
If you’re ready to take the next step or have any questions, I'm here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Saorsa Counseling offers teletherapy services to clients throughout Texas and South Carolina, including Aiken, Chapin, Columbia, Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Augusta, Summerville, Frisco, McKinney, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and San Antonio. Whether you’re located in these cities or beyond, our online therapy options make it convenient to connect with us for the support you deserve on your path to recovery.