Our brain, body and nervous system’s reaction to enduring life-altering or distressing events that challenge our sense of emotional and/or physical safety can be called trauma. 

“We have learned that trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by the experience on mind, brain, and body.”

Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk, The Body Keeps The Score

The brain can have a hard time processing and storing experiences that threaten our sense of safety. Because of this, when we experience something distressing in the past, we may continue to respond in unexpected or unhelpful ways in the present. This can happen from one distressing experience, or from an accumulation of difficult experiences over time. 

What are some examples of trauma reactions?

Here are some common examples of trauma reactions or responses:

• Anxiety, fear, and/or feeling on edge

• Wanting to avoid certain situations, people or places

• Withdrawal and/or disconnection

• Unexpected and/or intense memories or images

• Trouble with concentration, focus, or task completion

• Difficulty with trust

• Intense or unexpected reactions to certain interactions or day-to-day experiences

• Feeling angry or irritable

• Guilt, self-criticism, low self-worth, shame

• Feeling out of control

• Physiological responses (ex: headaches, nausea, increased heart rate, appetite changes, or other physical symptoms)

If you’ve been noticing some of these responses in yourself, it’s possible you know exactly where they’re coming from. However, it’s also possible that you’re not quite sure why you’re having these reactions.

When we go through something that jeopardizes our emotional and/or physical safety, our body, mind, and nervous system can become overwhelmed. This is why we may begin to experience some of the trauma reactions noted above.

These trauma responses may happen seemingly at random, or in response to certain cues (big, small, or somewhere in between). These responses can even occur well beyond the time of the experience(s) endured.

These trauma responses and reactions can be confusing, overwhelming, and distressing. It might even feel pretty daunting. But none of this has to be permanent, and it definitely doesn’t define you.

What can I expect from working with a trauma therapist? 

“We can now develop methods and experiences that utilize the brain’s own natural neuroplasticity to help survivors feel fully alive in the present”

Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk, The Body Keeps The Score

In our work together, I will support you in finding ways you can take care of yourself, your emotions, and your reactions. We’ll explore ways to find a sense of emotional safety and presence, while enhancing empowerment and growth.

Your brain and body have a natural inclination towards healing, and we’ll consistently reinforce that tendency in our work together.

It can feel vulnerable and overwhelming to start trauma therapy. You can expect our work together to be fully informed by what you decide you want and need. You are always in charge of what you share in session, and what pace you go. I will respect any of your boundaries, and won’t push you beyond any limits that you set during our work together.

I truly believe that you have the capacity to find the growth, empowerment, and presence that you’re hoping for — even if you’re having trouble believing that right now.

My clients tend to start noticing a sense of relief once they begin to understand how their current feelings are impacted by their past experiences. While gaining this insight, we work together to strengthen realistic and doable ways to manage any intense feelings when they arise. Doing so usually helps my clients to begin to feel more in control.

EMDR Trauma Therapy

There are a variety of different ways to address trauma and trauma reactions, and one that we may have the potential of incorporating in our work together is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. This is an evidence-based therapy model that is used to decrease the impact of trauma and trauma reactions on people’s daily lives. As my clients go through this process, the memories or images that have been holding a lot of power over their everyday lives begin to feel less distressing. They begin to feel more at ease in the present, and feel more connected to positive or adaptive beliefs. You can visit the EMDR page for more information.

Ready to start? Me too!

Trauma Counseling in Philadelphia and Across Pennsylvania

Clarity Together Counseling offers trauma therapy using EMDR therapy and other therapy approaches in Philadelphia and across the state of Pennsylvania via a secure telehealth platform.