Trauma Therapy
WHat struggling with trauma is like…
If you're struggling with sleeplessness and a constant sense of burden from past events, trauma may be at the root of your feelings. Perhaps you've experienced abuse in past relationships and now find it difficult to trust, always questioning whether your partner has your best interests at heart. Or, you might feel powerless and undeserving, as if your career and life goals are out of reach and you're simply drifting without direction.
The impact of trauma can be deep and far-reaching, often leading to feelings of tension, low self-worth, and self-doubt. Memories that you've tried to suppress may resurface unexpectedly, making it hard to feel safe or secure. Trauma can also skew your ability to trust others, as past experiences may have taught you that even when you hope for the best, the worst can still happen.
The effects of trauma can linger, making it feel as though your past is always lurking in the background, ready to undermine your efforts to move forward. But despite the weight of these experiences, there is hope. Trauma therapy can help you process and heal from the past, providing a path to reclaim your life and rediscover joy. With the right support, you can break free from the grip of past trauma and build the future you deserve.
Questioning if you've experienced trauma?
Navigating the aftermath of a traumatic experience can be incredibly challenging, whether it stems from a single, overwhelming event or the result of ongoing, complex trauma. A major trauma typically refers to a single, intense incident, such as witnessing a war, surviving a natural disaster, experiencing a car crash, coping with the death of a loved one, or enduring a traumatic assault like rape.
In contrast, complex trauma involves the accumulation of distressing events, often within the context of family or other intimate relationships, over an extended period. This can include experiences like family dysfunction, neglect, abandonment, child abuse, attachment difficulties, domestic violence, or long-term work-related stress. Identifying complex trauma can be more nuanced, but both forms of trauma can have similarly profound effects on your emotional and mental well-being.
It’s important to recognize that seeking therapy is a common and essential step for those dealing with the impact of trauma. Whether you've experienced a single traumatic event or ongoing stressors, therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an effective and proven way to support healing and recovery. Therapy provides a safe space to process trauma, develop coping strategies, and begin to rebuild a sense of safety and control in your life.
You are not the only one…
A survey by the World Health Organization found that 70% of individuals will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, regardless of their gender, race, economic background, or sexual orientation—though women and minorities may be at higher risk due to societal vulnerabilities.
Dealing with trauma can be especially difficult because it often leaves us feeling out of control in our own lives. Admitting to a moment of powerlessness can make us feel weak or like there’s something wrong with us, even when the traumatic event was entirely outside of our control. Unlike other negative experiences that we can eventually shake off, trauma can become deeply embedded in our psyche, leading to long-lasting complications such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and a range of mental and physical health issues that require professional support.
When we don't have the right tools to process and connect with our emotions, it becomes even harder to release the pain associated with trauma. This struggle can be further complicated by a culture that values external achievement over emotional well-being. Many of us have been conditioned to prioritize success and productivity, making it difficult to acknowledge and sit with our emotional pain. As children, some of us may not have had positive role models to teach us how to healthily navigate painful experiences, which further hinders our ability to cope.
Additionally, the fear of being stigmatized or labeled as "broken" often prevents people from seeking therapy for trauma. It's important to remember, however, that seeking help for trauma doesn’t mean you are broken; it means you are a person who has faced tough, life-altering experiences and needs support to heal. A trauma therapist can provide the guidance and tools you need to work through those painful experiences and move forward with a renewed sense of strength—no longer weighed down by the past.
The benefits of Trauma therapy
Trauma therapy offers a profound opportunity for healing and recovery, helping individuals regain control over their lives after experiencing distressing events. I provide a safe and supportive space for individuals who may be feeling feeling isolated and overwhelmed, after experiencing trauma. Therapy offers a confidential and nonjudgmental environment where clients can freely express their emotions and experiences. A therapeutic alliance with me can foster trust and allows you to explore your trauma at your own pace.
Moreover, trauma therapy equips individuals with essential coping strategies. It helps them understand how past traumas have impacted their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, empowering them to develop healthier responses to triggers and stressors. Clients learn to recognize and challenge negative thought patterns, replacing them with more adaptive beliefs. Through various evidence-based techniques, individuals can process and integrate their traumatic experiences, ultimately reducing the emotional and psychological impact of trauma.
Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of trauma therapy is the potential for post-traumatic growth. It's not just about managing symptoms but also about discovering newfound resilience and strength. As individuals work through their trauma, they often emerge with a deeper understanding of themselves, increased self-compassion, and an enhanced capacity for forming healthier relationships. Trauma therapy can be a transformative journey towards reclaiming one's life and finding hope, even in the aftermath of adversity.
How Does Trauma Therapy Work?
In our therapy sessions, you have the freedom to express yourself openly and authentically, knowing that judgment has no place here. I am dedicated to providing a safe and accepting space where your gender, cultural background, and spiritual orientation are honored and respected. My practice places a strong emphasis on creating a culturally sensitive environment and being fully inclusive and LGBTQIA+ friendly.
Beyond the welcoming atmosphere, I offer effective tools to help alleviate the symptoms of PTSD. Together, we can explore and integrate new coping skills and mindfulness techniques into your life. These positive strategies empower you to better manage and respond to stress in a healthier manner. My body-centered approach uniquely supports your journey by enabling you to attune to your body's signals, helping you differentiate between genuine threats and past trauma responses.
With time and dedicated effort, as your anxiety subsides, you'll find yourself growing in confidence, knowing that you have the resilience to navigate life's challenges. This newfound strength will enable you to confront stress and lead a life imbued with greater peace and freedom.
Trauma Therapy Surprise Location:
18789 N Reems Rd., Suite 260, Surprise, AZ 85374
Offering in person therapy for the greater phoenix area. Phone and online appointments for individuals across the state of Arizona and Washington.
Virtual and In person Appointments Available
Appointment Hours
Sundays: 12:00pm-8:30pm
Tuesdays: 12:00pm-8:30pm
Wednesdays: 12:00pm-8:30pm
Phone
(602)-633-5712
Take the Courageous Next Step
Interested in working together? Let’s talk! Book a consultation today.