Do you have a history of childhood physical or sexual abuse?
Are you a victim of violence?
Have you feared for your life or the life of another?
Have you ever witnessed a natural disaster, accident, violent crime, war, or similarly devastating situation?
We experience trauma when something happens that is so intensely stressful or disturbing that our sense of security in the world is shattered, leaving us feeling helpless. The more vulnerable and frightened we feel at the time of the event, the more likely we are to be traumatized by it. Common responses to trauma range from a persistent sense of danger, frightening and intrusive memories, and difficulty trusting others to feeling numb and disconnected from others. For children, reactions can also include bed wetting for previously potty trained kids, acting out physically, reverting to “baby talk,” not speaking at all, and playing more aggressively.
Understanding that these responses are common reactions to a terrible event, we provide a safe space for you to explore, at your own pace, the difficult memories and feelings related to the trauma. With children, we use non-directive play therapy to engage them in a variety of play activities that foster healing and allow for processing feelings around the traumatic event(s), as more directive talk therapy can be challenging for many young people.
We also work with you to develop positive coping strategies, such as:
- processing intense emotions without being retraumatized
- staying grounded when upset
- discharging the excess energy that results from the fight or flight response
- learning to trust others
We have extensive experience working with patients of all ages who’ve experienced traumas of all kinds. Starting, always, with compassion and warmth, we are committed to providing individualized treatment that helps gently facilitate recovery from the shattering experience of trauma.
