Trauma Therapy in Austin, TX & Claremont, CA
Have Traumatic Experiences Turned Your Life Upside-Down?
Are you so preoccupied with negative thoughts connected to your past that you have difficulty relaxing, and feeling present to enjoy your life?
Do you feel like your mind and body are constantly in a state of alarm even though there is no reason to feel anxious?
Maybe you’re consumed with worries about getting hurt or abandoned so that it is hard to feel safe—even in your most intimate relationships. Or perhaps you realize that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been holding you back, and you’re finally ready to find out if therapy can help you.
Trauma And PTSD Can Wear You Down In Many Ways
Moodiness, irritability, avoidance or anger issues are likely impacting your relationships. Even in the company of family and friends, where others seem secure, you may feel on edge or hypervigilant—as if danger is something that you feel the need to be ready for.
Many people who have experienced trauma are hyper-focus on the past to the point that they can’t eat, sleep well, or even carry out simple tasks. At the end of the day, they may feel totally exhausted from physically and mentally expending themselves, unable to clear their minds of past events.
You may find that you blame yourself for your traumatic experience or how the emotional fallout is affecting others.
With the help of a caring and compassionate trauma therapist, you can learn to move forward with self compassion, confidence, and peace of mind.
Have any questions about trauma therapy? Send us a message!
Many People Struggle With Unseen Trauma And PTSD
Regardless of their gender, a lot of people will endure some form of trauma within their lifetime. Although not all of those individuals will develop PTSD, painful experiences from the past often cause issues in our present lives, particularly if they haven’t been fully acknowledged and attended to.
Because only a portion of people ever seek treatment for trauma it is not surprising that so many people are quietly struggling, or don’t fully realize that they have been traumatized. From the outside, it may appear as if they’re leading a “normal” life.
Most of us are familiar with the common causes of trauma:
severe injuries
medical diagnoses
physical assault
combat experience
loss of a loved one
However, trauma and PTSD can also be caused by prolonged exposure to a toxic situation, such as childhood neglect, bullying, rejection, public humiliation, or emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.
Trauma Can Be Hard To Overcome Without Therapy
When we experience something traumatic, our minds can get lost in a whirlwind of negative thoughts and painful memories. Overwhelming fear, constant worry, or emotional numbness can completely rob us of hope. Additionally our support networks can slowly break down if we withdraw socially.
Unfortunately, there are the painful reminders of our experiences—triggers that keep us stuck in the past, and interfere with our ability to be present and engaged, with clarity of mind. Without help to process our past, we may even find ourselves in unwanted situations that keep us struggling.
Trauma therapy can help by teaching you how to feel calm and focused in the present, and showing you how to move beyond past adversities and traumatic events. Although it may be hard to imagine now, it is possible for you to feel safer, more grounded, and able to navigate this world without reactivity and fear.
Trauma Therapy Can Help You Take Your Life Back
Many people find the idea of trauma counseling scary because they’re worried about getting overwhelmed or having to relive the past. However, as a therapist, part of my job is to make sure that doesn’t happen by going at a pace that is comfortable for you, and providing you with a supportive space where you can express yourself and truly be heard.
One of the most important aspects of therapy is the therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist. That’s why my first goal is to build a relationship of trust with you, walking beside you as you grow more comfortable with the healing process.
No matter what has happened in your past, you will not be judged in our work together. Therapy is a place to heal, grow, and move forward. I want to help you reclaim your life.
How I Approach Trauma And PTSD Treatment
In our initial sessions, I’ll gain a better understanding of the root of your trauma and how it’s affecting you physically and emotionally. Drawing on a range of evidence-based therapeutic methods, I will provide tools and support that match your comfort level and specific needs.
In ongoing sessions, we’ll work together to identify patterns in your life that may be limiting you so that you can make necessary changes, while also exploring new, more effective ways of coping with your symptoms. At the same time, we can also address negative self-talk and other obstacles that are impacting your healing.
To achieve all of this, we’ll explore questions such as:
How has your experience affected your relationships?
How do you respond to current stressors now?
Are there situations in your life now that seem to replicate traumatic issues from your past?
What Else To Expect From Trauma Therapy
Ultimately, I want to help you fully express yourself so you can address core issues toward healing. To do that, I’ll equip you with valuable life skills and coping strategies so that, if we do touch a difficult topic, you’ll be able to manage your emotions and stay grounded.
Because trauma is often complicated by underlying factors, we’ll also explore other aspects of your past together while, at the same time, tackling challenges in the here and now. That means we’ll identify any history of trauma in your family, including the impact of your upbringing and childhood experiences. Of course, we will move at a pace that works for you, and you’ll always have control of the topics we discuss.
Whatever you’ve been through, I will provide a space where you can let your guard down, share your story, and finally begin healing and moving forward.
I realize that reaching out for help can be difficult. By taking this first step, you are opening the door to the possibility of finding a renewed sense of hope, confidence, and peace.
But You May Still Have Questions About Trauma Therapy…
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My job is to help you feel better, not worse. I will always be thinking about your well-being. If you ever feel uncomfortable talking about something, we’ll find a workaround. This process of healing is a personal journey, which means you are in control of where we go, what we do, and how quickly we do it. Wherever your path takes you, I’ll be here to support you.
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First and foremost, you have been through a lot and deserve to be respected for that. I am certainly not here to judge you, but to understand what you have been through, and how I can best help you. Secondly, any fear, self-blame, or shame you feel is likely coming from the wounds of your past experiences.
Fortunately, trauma treatment can help you understand, process, and finally move forward from the past so it’s no longer the driving force in your life. That includes learning to free yourself from feelings of guilt, judgment, and shame.
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Trauma and PTSD affect the brain on a neurological level, changing how you think, feel, view, and interact with the world. Traumatic events often go unshared, or dismissed, so that our perspective and sense of responsibility related to these events gets skewed. This can create additional trauma that is often best worked through with a trauma specialist.
In fact, trauma counseling helps you rewire your brain, enabling you to process painful experiences and move forward instead of helplessly flashing back to the past. This kind of healing journey is made a lot easier by working with someone you trust, who has the experience, expertise, and desire to support you on your way.
Let Me Help You Discover A New Way Of Being
If you’re ready to free yourself from the past and start living your best life, trauma therapy can offer you a newfound sense of freedom and inner peace. To find out more about how trauma and PTSD treatment can help improve your life, I warmly invite you to contact me.
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