Trauma Based Therapy for Survivors
There is nothing wrong with you!
During deeply distressing or disturbing events our mind and body work together into survival mode. We call this trauma or traumatic events. Our nervous systems adjust so that our brain is not overwhelmed. However, sometimes our bodies forget that we are not in the event anymore and do not need to be in survival mode.
You may not even be aware that your nervous system is out of whack, since you have adapted to this way of life. Nervous systems that are working too much can look like someone that is overly alert-hypervigilant-overstressed to zoning out in front of the TV and computer for hours. This can lead to emotional swings and flashbacks that lead to negative or self-blaming thoughts. Of course this can disrupt your sleep and bring about various physical symptoms like racing heart, headaches, digestive issues, or mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and complex trauma.
I want you to know - this is normal - and there are ways to bring about change!
Traumatic growth can be challenging and can lead to increased resilience, new perspectives on life, and deeper emotional strength.
Growing from trauma can look like ....
New Perspectives
After trauma, people often gain a deeper appreciation for life, relationships, or spirituality. They may start valuing things differently—such as enjoying the present moment more, or seeking out meaning in their experiences.
Personal Strength
Individuals may feel a sense of personal growth, recognizing newfound emotional resilience. Surviving hardship often shows a person their inner strength, which they may not have been aware of before.
Improved Relationships
Therapy fosters emotional regulation, healthy boundaries, and trust which can lead to more meaningful and empathetic connections with others. People who have experienced hardship may become more compassionate, open, and connected to those around them.
Greater Sense of Purpose
Many people who experience trauma report a newfound sense of purpose. This might involve a desire to help others, or it may inspire a shift in priorities or goals, such as pursuing work or activities that feel more aligned with personal values.
Spiritual Growth
Some individuals undergo a transformation in their spiritual or philosophical beliefs after trauma, seeking deeper meaning or understanding of life and their place in the world.
Brainspotting (BSP)
Brainspotting (BSP) is an effective, targeted therapeutic approach that helps identify, process, and release the deep neuro-physiological sources of emotional and physical pain, as well as unhealthy coping mechanisms linked to PTSD. It enables clients to harness their own internal resources and understandings to transform distressing traumatic memories and the negative beliefs they hold about the experience. Brainspotting can accelerate the healing process, especially in cases of trauma.
Brainspotting (BSP) is effective for trauma and PTSD and a range of other psychological issues, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief
- Phobias
- Performance anxiety (e.g., athletes, performers)
- Chronic pain
"Where we look affects how we feel" - David Grand