Trauma can be defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms our ability to cope. Because of a traumatic event, we experience lasting effects as we move forward with our lives. Traumatic experiences can be different for each person and may range from a single event to ongoing experiences. The younger and more vulnerable we are, the more likely we are to experience events as traumatic. However, adults also walk through painful and traumatic circumstances, including betrayal of a partner, death or loss of a loved one, illness or injury, accidents, assaults and more.
Trauma can have a significant impact on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, anger, and avoidance behaviors. Past pain may also have more subtle effects on how we interact with others, pursue work/careers, experience our spirituality, and relate to ourselves and our bodies. These effects can interfere with daily functioning and affect relationships and overall quality of life.
In therapy, we will work together to explore your traumatic or painful experiences and their effects on your life. We will focus on developing coping skills to manage your symptoms, processing your emotions, and healing from the trauma. It may be a challenging journey, but with time and effort, you can find a way to live a more fulfilling life.
It's important to remember that healing from trauma is a process and will take time. It's also important to take care of yourself outside of therapy by practicing self-care, having and using support, setting boundaries, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.
If you're ready to start healing from a painful past or you just want more information, contact me today.