TRAUMA INFORMED THERAPY

Trauma can result from many different experiences such as car accidents, natural disasters, combat, witnessing violence or being the victim of a crime. The most prevalent trauma experience is developmental trauma, trauma experienced in childhood as a result of sexual or physical abuse as well as emotional abuse, deprivation or neglect.

Research shows that the effects of developmental trauma are far-reaching and long-lasting. As adults, trauma can manifest as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, violent outbursts, emotional numbing, self-harm or addiction. Many health challenges such as migraines, eczema, intestinal problems, back pain, memory loss, hypertension or compromised immune system can be trauma-related. A life coloured by trauma can affect your ability to regulate your emotions, complete simple tasks or hold down a job. Sadly, and all to often, the emotional and psychological damage caused by developmental trauma is most evident with a history of failed relationships.

Shame is often the overarching emotion for a person who has suffered developmental trauma. Shame can cause you to reject love, friendship, even a simple compliment because deep down you believe you are unworthy. As a result, shame can make you avoid being with others when what you desperately want is deep human connection.

Trauma therapy is not a specific technique but an overall approach that incorporates several modalities that emphasize memory integration, mindful-awareness and mind-body connection. The goal of trauma therapy is for you to come to terms with your trauma history so that it no longer hijacks your present-day life. In time, what happened to you becomes a part of your life, not the whole of your life. This is a longer-term therapy that gently guides you towards self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-compassion, and to making deeper, more meaningful relationships.