How Traumatic Events Impact Our Lives
When uncontrollable events that cause prolonged periods of stress or make us feel extremely terrified and threatened, happen, you may develop an emotional or psychological wound.
Sometimes these wounds can lead to
  • an inability to cope and function in daily activities.
  • pervasive patterns of behavior that shape the way we interact in certain areas of life
 
There is no "normal" reaction to trauma.

Every response to these types of events is unique. And,

The response to traumatic events is often not something you have control over.

Our brain takes over during these traumatic experiences. It works to protect us by shutting down the logical part of the brain and putting us in a heightened state of awareness, preparing us to fight or flight. This is important for survival at the time.

Sometimes though, the survival actions the brain takes creates a major problem because the logical part of the brain is unable to fully process the event(s) and the event(s) becomes stuck, stored in our memory without any logical awareness that the event is over and we are now safe.
 
​This "unresolved trauma" can manifest itself in self-destructive ways and may show up in pervasive patterns of behavior that do not necessarily serve us anymore, even though they were important during the actual event, such as
  • Emotional reactivity
  • Irritability, anger, lashing out
  • Avoidance
  • Sleeplessness
  • Nightmares
  • Excessive worry and anxiety
  • Depression
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​Healing these wounds can have a profound impact on people's lives. The healing part is not always easy. It is hard work but often the lasting effects of the traumatic event(s) are much more difficult to face. If you have been dealing with the impact of trauma, you know that the lasting effects can be damaging.

Central to the recovery process is the relationship formed with a knowledgeable, empathetic and affirming therapist who can provide a foundation and space for this healing work to happen.

I invite you to learn more about how healing these traumatic wounds can change your life. I can provide support to you as an individual or work with you and your family as you move toward wellness. 
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​Call today for a free 10 minute consultation or to schedule an appointment

Trauma Informed Practice

Integrative Counseling and Trauma Recovery Center provides treatment to survivors of interpersonal, developmental, relational and single incident trauma

Treatment and Support for

  • Interpersonal trauma
  • Developmental trauma
  • First Responders
  • Vicarious trauma
  • ​Single incident trauma 
  • PTSD
  • Rape
  • Domestic violence
  • Life transitions
  • Chronic illness and pain
  • ​Depression
  • Anxiety 
  • Phobias
  • ​Emotional distress
  • ​Burnout
  • ​Role changes
  • Adolescents
  • Relationships​​​

Types of Trauma

  • Abandonment 
  • Neglect
  • Childhood sexual assault/abuse
  • Rape
  • Sexual Harrassment
  • Medical/ Illness
  • Death of a loved one
  • Injury or illness of a loved one
  • Loss
  • Violence/ Assault
  • Witnessing violence/ assault
  • Adultery
  • Military experience
  • Suicide
  • Robbery​​

Symptoms of Trauma

  • Irritability/Anger
  • Bad dreams
  • Flashbacks
  • Feeling disconnected
  • Feeling numb
  • Emotionally reactive
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feeling distracted
  • Feelings of being outside the body
  • Avoidance of places or things
  • Invasive thoughts
  • Behavioral patterns that impact functioning
  • Hopelessness
  • Anxiety
  • Hyper-vigilance/ Fear​