Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Understanding Trauma and PTSD

Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that often overwhelms an individual's ability to cope, causing feelings of helplessness, and diminishing their sense of self and their ability to feel the full range of emotions and experiences in a healthy way. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can cause a range of symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. For many, trauma and PTSD can significantly impact their daily lives, relationships, and overall well-being.

 

Our Approach to Trauma and PTSD

Addressing trauma takes immense courage, and we understand how emotionally challenging it can be to revisit painful experiences. Our approach is centered on creating a strong rapport and a safe, therapeutic relationship where you feel comfortable and supported. We believe that healing happens in the context of a trusting relationship, and we are dedicated to providing a space where you can explore your experiences without fear or judgment.

 

At Mountain Heart Counseling, we recognize the benefits of online trauma therapy, especially when it comes to creating a safe environment. You can engage in therapy from a place where you feel secure, without the need to travel to an office. This flexibility allows you to set the stage for your healing journey in a way that feels right for you.

 

Tailored Trauma Therapy

We understand that each person’s experience with trauma is unique, and so is the path to healing. Our trauma therapy is tailored to your individual needs and progresses at your own pace. You will not be required to disclose all of your traumatic experiences when starting therapy. With therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), you don’t need to provide a detailed narrative of your experiences. Instead, we focus on processing the memories and emotions associated with the trauma in a way that feels manageable for you.

 

What to Expect in Trauma Therapy

In our work together, we will explore your symptoms and help you achieve stabilization through the use of coping skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and resourcing through EMDR. These tools can help you manage the overwhelming emotions that often accompany trauma and PTSD. We take special care in addressing dissociative symptoms and complex dissociation, which can result from trauma. By working through these experiences in a structured and supportive way, you can begin to regain control over your life.

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Our goal is to help you navigate your trauma with compassion and understanding, providing you with the resources and support you need to heal. You are not alone in this journey, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
 

Understanding Complex Trauma (CPTSD)

Complex Trauma, also known as Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), differs significantly from single-incident trauma. While single-incident trauma typically stems from a one-time event, Complex Trauma develops over time due to prolonged exposure to traumatic situations, often involving close relationships. This can include relational trauma, which occurs within the context of significant relationships, and attachment trauma, which disrupts the bond between a child and their caregiver. These types of trauma can deeply affect a person's sense of self, their ability to form trusting relationships, and their overall emotional well-being.

 

Our Approach to Complex Trauma

Addressing Complex Trauma requires a nuanced and compassionate approach. We place a strong emphasis on creating a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship where you feel heard, understood, and respected. This relationship is the foundation for effective therapy, allowing us to work together in a way that honors your pace and comfort level.

 

Stabilization is a key component of our approach, particularly when dealing with the intense and overwhelming emotions that can accompany Complex Trauma. We often utilize coping skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you manage these emotions and build resilience.

 

Tailored EMDR for Complex Trauma

If EMDR is a preferred approach, we tailor the therapy specifically for Complex Trauma using specialized protocols. Unlike the standard EMDR protocol, which may focus on a single traumatic event, our approach may incorporate techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization (EMD) and the Constant Installation of Present Orientation and Safety (CIPOS) procedure.

 

• EMD (Eye Movement Desensitization): A focused form of EMDR that targets specific distressing memories, helping to reduce their emotional charge.

 

• CIPOS Procedure: This protocol is designed to help clients maintain a sense of safety and orientation in the present moment, especially during the processing of traumatic memories. It is particularly useful for those with Complex Trauma who may experience dissociation.

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In addition to these protocols, we use dissociation-informed interventions to address the fragmented parts of the self that often emerge from Complex Trauma. We also integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) and parts work, which involve understanding and healing the various "parts" or aspects of the self that may hold different memories, emotions, or beliefs related to the trauma.

 

A Safe Space for Healing

Just as with trauma and PTSD treatment, we do not expect you to disclose all your past traumas in the initial sessions. Therapy is a journey, and we are committed to ensuring that you feel safe and supported every step of the way. We take special care to treat dissociated parts of the self, understanding that these parts have developed as a way to protect and cope with overwhelming experiences.

 

Mountain Heart Counseling provides online therapy, providing you the flexibility to engage in therapy from the comfort of your own home. This allows you to avoid the stress of travel and create a safe, familiar environment in which to do the challenging work of healing.

 

We are here to guide you through the process of healing from Complex Trauma, with an approach that is tailored to your unique experiences and needs. You are not alone on this journey, and we are here to support you in reclaiming your life.