Trauma-Informed Therapy

“When a survivor speaks up, they are speaking from a place that has altered their nervous system. They are speaking from a place that has changed the lens through which they see the world and those in it. They are speaking from a place of extreme vulnerability and pain.”

– Bren M. Chasse, LMFT

HEALING FROM TRAUMA: A PATH TO RESTORING WHOLENESS

Trauma is not just something that happens to us—it is something that lives within us, shaping how we experience the world and our sense of self. When we experience trauma, whether from a single event or a series of harmful experiences, it gets etched into the very fabric of who we are. This deep imprint affects not only our emotional and psychological well-being, but also our physical state, our relationships, and our capacity to feel at ease in the world.

Trauma is often misunderstood as something that is “in the past.” But in truth, it affects us in the present moment and across some of the most important areas of our lives. Trauma can manifest in a variety of ways, but when left unhealed, it disrupts our lives. It lives within the body and influences the way we process and make meaning of new experiences; the way we hold tension, the way we breathe, and the way we react in situations that may trigger old wounds.

Trauma-informed therapy allows clients to begin the process of identifying the ways in which trauma has impacted their lives. More specifically, it enables you to construct a new narrative rooted in your own personal power. It’s about reconnecting with the body, regaining a sense of control, and creating a new sense of safety within yourself. Trauma creates fractures in the self; healing allows us to reconnect to the world from a place of safety and wholeness.

WHY TRAUMA THERAPY IS DIFFERENT FROM TRADITIONAL TALK THERAPY

Trauma-informed work is complex and nuanced—just as the initial trauma is. Traditional talk therapy focuses on a cognitive approach—talking through the trauma to process and understand it. This is important, as trauma often causes us to develop negative beliefs about ourselves (e.g., “I’m unlovable,” “I can’t keep myself safe”). But the footprint of trauma extends beyond the mind; it lives within the body. Trauma-informed therapy focuses on both—it challenges the negative beliefs that are formed when trauma occurs, and it supports releasing the grip trauma has on your body. Simply put, the difference lies in understanding that trauma affects the whole person, and healing requires us to engage with our minds, bodies, and emotions in an integrated way.

REBUILDING YOUR SENSE OF SAFETY

One of the core components of healing from trauma is learning to feel safe again—first in your own body, and then in the world around you. Trauma can leave us with a deep sense of insecurity, often leaving us feeling as if we can never fully trust ourselves or our instincts, those around us, or our environment. When our sense of safety has been shattered, it can be difficult to imagine ever truly feeling safe again. Trauma-informed therapy accounts for the fundamental need for safety as something that extends far beyond just a theoretical idea—it is a practice that begins in the therapy room.

HOW TO BEGIN THERAPY

If you are struggling, I am here to help. I offer a wide variety of trauma-informed services.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD HEALING

OTHER MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES OFFERED AT ANCHOR PSYCHOTHERAPY, INC.

In addition to trauma-informed therapy, we offer a wide range of mental health services to support you throughout your healing journey. Our services include individual therapy for all ages, couples therapy, child and family therapy, EMDR and AF-EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and eating disorder treatment. We also specialize in helping individuals and families navigate high-conflict divorce, parental alienation, and complex family dynamics.