Trauma Therapy
Trauma
Trauma is defined as an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event. It can have a lasting impact on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical health. People react to trauma differently, and the effects can range from short-term distress to long-lasting psychological challenges such as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxiety, depression, and complex trauma.
Trauma or PTSD may look like
Intrusive thoughts or memories
- Repeated, involuntary thoughts or images that appear suddenly
- Disturbing dreams
- Increased social isolation
Avoidance
- Staying clear of people, places, or activities that remind a person of the traumatic event or distressing feelings
- Not wanting to talk about the event
- Increase use of alcohol or other substances to dull feelings
Negative Mood and Cognitions
- Feelings of worthlessness, shame, anger, or hopelessness that seem overwhelming and persistent.
- Negative or self-blaming thoughts about oneself or others, often leading to a sense of being "bad" or "broken."
- Increased social isolation
- Difficulty remembering or experiencing a sense of detachment
Heightened Stress Response
- Sudden or intense feelings of frustration or rage, often over minor triggers.
- Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless, disturbed sleep due to fear or anxiety.
- Being easily startled or feeling overly alert or "on edge."
- Trouble focusing on tasks or making decisions due to anxiety or intrusive thoughts
Physical Symptoms
- Ongoing physical symptoms such as muscle tightness or headaches caused by stress and anxiety.
- Increased heart rate or difficulty breathing
Additional symptoms
- Dissociation: A feeling of detachment from the body, emotions, or surroundings, like being in a "fog" or feeling as though the world is unreal.
- Self-destructive behaviors: Engaging in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse, reckless driving, or self-harm, as a way of coping with emotional pain.
- Relationship problems: Difficulty trusting others, feeling emotionally distant, or having trouble maintaining close relationships due to fear or emotional withdrawal.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting 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 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
