Therapy For Trauma

I work with clients recovering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. While PTSD typically arises from a single traumatic event (think one assault, or one car accident), C-PTSD stems from ongoing and repetitive traumatic experiences--often in the context of relationships.

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a psychological reaction to trauma that can develop as a result of prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic events, particularly in interpersonal relationships. It is often associated with experiences such as childhood abuse, neglect, or prolonged trauma, for example, being in an abusive relationship.

Potential causes of complex trauma:

  1. Chronic childhood abuse, neglect, or emotional unattunement

  2. Domestic violence

  3. Exposure to war or conflict zones

  4. Captivity or human trafficking

  5. Witnessing traumatic events

  6. Sustained emotional abuse, bullying, or social rejection

  7. Living in a dysfunctional or unstable family environment

  8. Enduring medical trauma or prolonged illness without adequate support

Potential impacts of complex trauma:

  1. Emotional dysregulation: This includes difficulties regulating emotions, experiencing intense and unpredictable emotional responses, and feeling overwhelming sadness, anger, or shame.

  2. Emotional flashbacks: Unlike typical flashbacks, which involve vivid re-experiencing of a traumatic event, emotional flashbacks primarily involve a sudden and intense emotional reaction that is disproportionate to the present situation. It is as if the person is reliving the emotions associated with a past traumatic event, but without the accompanying visual or sensory memories.

  3. Negative self-perception: Individuals with C-PTSD often have a negative self-concept, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and shame. They may struggle with self-esteem and have a distorted or diminished sense of themselves.

  4. Interpersonal difficulties: People with C-PTSD often struggle with forming and maintaining healthy relationships. They may have difficulties with trust, boundaries, and intimacy. They might also exhibit patterns of avoidance or isolation.

  5. Changes in beliefs and worldview: C-PTSD can lead to a significant shift in a person's beliefs and worldview. They may develop a negative outlook on the world, lose their sense of safety, and struggle with feelings of hopelessness.

“Early relational trauma results from the fact that we are often given more to experience in this life than we can bear to experience consciously.”
— Donald Kalsched

How I work with trauma:

  1. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

    • I use EMDR to help clients process and integrate traumatic memories by guiding them through a series of eye movements while they recall distressing events. This can reduce the emotional intensity and negative impact of those memories.

  2. Parts Work (Internal Family Systems, IFS)

    • I help clients explore and understand the different 'parts' of themselves, especially those that hold traumatic memories or emotions. By acknowledging and working with these parts, I facilitate healing and integration.

  3. Relational Psychodynamic Therapy

    • I focus on the therapeutic relationship to uncover and work through unconscious patterns rooted in past trauma. Through our interactions, I provide a safe space for clients to explore and resolve deep-seated emotional conflicts.

  4. Mindfulness (DBT)

    • I teach clients mindfulness techniques to increase their awareness of the present moment, helping them to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This practice can reduce the reactivity to trauma-related triggers.

  5. Regulation Skill Building Work (DBT)

    • I assist clients in developing skills to regulate their emotions and manage stress. By practicing techniques such as deep breathing, grounding exercises, and self-soothing strategies, clients can better cope with trauma-related symptoms.