Trauma
Trauma informed therapy treatment right here in downtown Indianapolis.
Does it feel like your past is controlling your present?
Maybe you find yourself avoiding people and situations, or perhaps you notice tension in your neck and shoulders when reminded of a difficult experience. You may even have difficulty connecting in relationships or simply shut down when overwhelmed by what others find normal. Perhaps you’re feeling like you’ll never escape the burden of the traumatic experiences you have endured.
Whatever it is you’re experiencing, you’re beginning to notice the impact of this in every facet of your life:
worried about experiencing flashbacks
having quick angry or fearful responses to seemingly normal situations
struggling to trust others in relationships
avoiding activities or places that overwhelm you
feel like your body is reacting like you’re in danger but you know that you aren’t
Trauma-focused therapy can help.
It may feel impossible now, but you can be free from your past. I can help you get there.
Trauma-focused therapy helps you do 3 things:
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Feel safe again.
It all begins with establishing safety. Your brain and body are not communicating together, and the result is you feeling like you are not safe. Trauma-focused therapy prioritizes your feeling of safety through awareness of how to communicate with your body when these feelings arise.
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Reprocess the trauma
The events you survived sent your body and brain a message. Unfortunately that message is louder than the logic that you are no longer in danger. Through reprocessing, within the safety of your therapy relationship, you can untangle the way your body responds to those messages.
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Integrate growth
After reprocessing, you will be able to see yourself and the world differently. We will take time together to connect this new view with your life outside of therapy. You can walk a little lighter, and engage with others from a more grounded place.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trauma-Focused Therapy
What are trauma-focused sessions like?
Each session of trauma therapy is unique. Ultimately there are three phases; establishing safety (within the therapy relationship and within yourself), addressing the trauma, and integrating the change into your life. Trauma-focused therapy is unique in that it is not just talking: we work on connecting your emotions to both your brain and your body. This means we may be doing physical activities, or talking about how your body feels during the session. This is a unique aspect to trauma-focused treatment.
How do I know if trauma-focused therapy will work for me?
While there are no guarantees, there is research. Within counseling research, there are continuous studies showing the effectiveness of trauma-focused therapy. We are trained in these evidence-based therapies and use them with great success with clients. We also continue to study the latest research as we learn more about the connection between the body, brain, and trauma.
How long do I need to be in therapy?
Every individual, experience, and response to trauma is unique. Research tells us that recovery from a one-time event takes less time than ongoing exposure to crisis. Some clients find that they are ready to move on after a few weeks, while others may stay in therapy for several months to explore the many ways they have been impacted by trauma. It all depends on making sure you are ready and have everything you need to be successful.
How do I get started?
Reach out! We can schedule a time to connect and talk about what you’re looking for and we can answer any questions you might have. Starting treatment can feel like a big step, so we want to make sure you feel comfortable with us.