Helping People With PTSD and Complex Trauma to Discover Their Best Lives
Trauma is not an easy concept to embrace. It brings to mind a person paralyzed by a horrific event, unable to get their life back on track. In a word—doomed.
It’s true —single event, life-altering tragedies often set the stage for traumatic reactions, but triggers to PTSD can be varied and nuanced. The same can be said of the stock images of trauma survivors as victims lashing out against themselves and the world—hopeless to overcome their demons.
In the forty years since PTSD was first recognized, our understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of psychological trauma has expanded to include a variety of experiences. Reactions to trauma are now understood to involve far-ranging, often debilitating effects on both the body and the mind.
Those living in the aftermath of traumatic experiences are best characterized as survivors and adapters, not victims. People who have had to figure out things along the way—often, with little or no support.
The Gravitational Pull of Trauma and PTSD
Trauma acts like a gravitational force, impacting every aspect of life. Relationships suffer and your ability to feel connected to others can be gravely affected. You may feel constantly misunderstood. Feelings of rejection and isolation are endemic. Uncontrollable moods come and go. Anger, self-loathing, and memories of terrible experiences are stuck on repeat. It can be nearly impossible to focus on anything practical. You might feel jealous of people who seem to have it all together. While there is a sense of great urgency to get your life back on track, seeing the distance between where you are and where you want to be puts you in a pit of despair. Is it any wonder that many people self-medicate with drugs and alcohol to numb the pain?
Many people considering therapy for the first time feel uncomfortable with the idea of talking about their thoughts and feelings with a therapist. They anticipate judgment and embarrassment. I offer an opportunity to look at your concerns and go at your own pace. In my twenty years of helping people, I’ve seen and heard a lot. I will approach your problems without criticism or judgment. If you’ve tried therapy in the past and didn’t feel helped or understood, you might find some differences in my approach. Most importantly, you and I will forge a collaborative connection and set goals we can meet together.
Whether you are looking for help with PTSD, Childhood Trauma, Complex Trauma, Borderline Personality Disorder, or Attachment Issues, I’d like to help. Let’s talk about how I can assist in reconnecting you with the life you've always wanted.
Contact me now for a free 15-minute phone consultation. It’s completely confidential. During our conversation, we’ll talk about what’s bothering you and address any questions you have about my practice. Call/text me now at 415-350-9611. If you feel more comfortable with email, please contact me by clicking here.
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pTSD and Trauma-Focused Therapy
People often seek me out because they’re having trouble managing some combination of stress, depression, and relationship issues. Sometimes, after a little digging, I discover that many of my patients have quietly endured trauma—life-altering tragedies like child abuse, emotional neglect, or sexual coercion. Many of these same people also believe that they’ve long-since come to terms with these experiences.
An Inclusive Vision of Trauma
When you are feeling fearful that you won’t be protected, when our leaders abuse the vulnerable without consequence, and when large segments of society—even members of our own inner circle—endorse and encourage this behavior, our shock can turn to numbness.
The Many Faces of Trauma
Are you confused by all the different terms and diagnoses associated with trauma. Let me help you untangle concepts like Complex Trauma, Borderline Personality Disorder and Attachment Disorder.