trauma-therapy

Trauma Therapy

Has A Painful Experience Prevented You From Living The Life You Want?

Have you suffered a traumatic event that has changed the way you live or engage with others? Do you have nightmares, flashbacks, or negative and intrusive thoughts that keep you on guard or prevent you from relaxing? Is a constant sense of fear and isolation beginning to wear at your relationships, your career, or your overall well-being? Perhaps you experience unexplained headaches, muscle tension, persistent anxiety, or trouble sleeping. Or you may avoid triggering conversations, people, or situations so much you can’t even imagine what it would be like to function “normally.”

Trauma can be the result of a singular event or many complex factors, and it can affect everyone differently. For instance, exposure to toxic relationships, neglect, or abuse as a child may be affecting the way you trust and form relationships as an adult. Or maybe a life-changing experience in the past, such as a violent accident, sexual assault, or war-related trauma has diminished how safe and secure you feel in the world now. As a result, you may be turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms or withdrawing to numb the pain—but nothing seems to really work.

If you are quietly living in pain, you may be wondering if you can ever change your circumstances. I’m here to assure you that, with my help and your commitment, you can liberate yourself from the past and begin living the life you want.

Suffering Is An Unfortunate Part Of The Human Experience

Nearly everyone will endure some sort of traumatic incident in their life—whether from the loss of a loved one, a difficult life transition, or an adverse personal experience. The US Department of Veteran Affairs estimates that 60 percent of men and 50 percent of women in the US will experience a traumatic event during their lifetime. And approximately seven to eight percent of the population will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point.

Researchers aren’t quite sure why certain experiences affect individuals differently or to a greater degree, but some factors can make processing a traumatic event even more difficult. For instance, adverse childhood experiences, exposure to previous trauma, a lack of stability or life balance, or simply a genetic predisposition can make anyone more vulnerable to the effects of trauma.

And just because you may not have fully developed PTSD after a traumatic incident, you could still have symptoms of post-traumatic stress that are holding you back. Low self-worth, self-esteem issues, and inner guilt or shame can all limit your ability to live life to its fullest. Trauma also has a sneaky way of letting other health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse, take root in those seemingly small issues. So, even if you are functioning at a higher level, understanding where your pain is coming from is crucial for heading off potential problems before they become larger.

I know from professional experience that, given the proper guidance, the human mind has the amazing ability to heal itself and develop new ways of thinking. With my help, you can overcome long-standing mental and emotional barriers to live with greater freedom and peace of mind.

Therapy offers you a safe environment where you will be met with respect and validation—a place in which you can tell your story, process your experiences, and find a way forward.

Trauma Therapy Provides A Way Through The Pain

I want to help you disarm any emotionally charged memories, experiences, or situations in your life that may be creating distress so that you can live without fear or suffering. By talking about your pain and giving it a narrative, you can eventually integrate the experience into your life in a way that doesn’t define you or your potential for happiness, love, and success.

In a space of compassion and acceptance, we’ll begin with a clinical interview. This will help uncover any critical information about important milestones, relationships, and experiences in your life that have contributed to who you are today. Because some events may be more difficult to talk about than others, I respect your authority to ultimately control what we discuss as well as the pace at which we proceed.

Through our exploration, we’ll identify how trauma is manifesting in or disrupting your life while looking for ways to minimize its impact. I’ll also help you learn to recognize and minimize the impact of any emotional signals, bodily sensations, or negative self-talk that may be exacerbating your symptoms on a conscious or unconscious level.

I don’t regard the people who come to see me as clients or patients; rather, I see you as a person—an individual with your own unique experiences. I’ll always strive to meet you where you are and help you develop healthy coping mechanisms and a treatment strategy that speaks to you.

One of the research-driven methods I use for treating trauma and PTSD is EMDR. EMDR uses guided eye movements, relaxation techniques, and structured talk therapy to create a distance between you and the event that allows you to process memories and emotions without being overwhelmed by them. Additionally, I use various approaches to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for identifying and changing adopted or distorted beliefs about yourself that may be complicating the healing process.

I also specialize in clinical hypnotherapy—a combination of deep relaxation and guided visualization that allows you to process your experience without the emotional charge. Like watching a movie from another room through frosted glass, clinical hypnotherapy lets you confront your pain without it being able to touch you.

I’ve been working to help victims of trauma from all walks of life overcome their pain and resume a fulfilling lifestyle. Giving voice to your story, acknowledging how trauma is affecting your life, and reaching out for help are the first steps in the healing process. By working with a therapist, believing in yourself, and committing to the process, you can enjoy a transformation that empowers you to live with confidence, peace, and hope.

Perhaps you are considering trauma therapy but still have some questions and concerns…
WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT FOR ME TO MAKE THE CALL?

Learning how to trust again or lower your guard after a traumatic experience is understandable. However, that’s why so many people try to avoid or mask their pain rather than confront it. But working with a therapist has the innate power to diffuse emotionally charged memories or experiences so that you can get to the core of the issue.

And there’s no shame in asking for help either. We live in a world that often overemphasizes self-reliance to a fault, but you don’t have to face your “demons” alone. Let me help you start your journey to recovery and find a new perspective on life.

Let Me Help You Find
A More Peaceful Tomorrow

If you would like to know more about my practice or approach to counseling for trauma and PTSD, please contact me at 305-981-6434 (Miami Office) or at 561-376-9699 (Boca Raton Office).  I understand that some issues may be sensitive, so I answer and return all calls to my office personally. That way I can get an idea of your situation, offer some initial support, answer any billing questions, and set an appointment to get you started on the way to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

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    Your treatment plan is designed for steady progress, with every phase promptly implemented.