Approach

We are often told that time heals all wounds, but this is not the case when it comes to childhood trauma. So what exactly is childhood trauma? The word “trauma” seems to invoke a different image for each person. However, the trauma-informed therapist sees childhood (or developmental) trauma as not only “that which happened which should not have happened,” but also “that which was necessary, but which did not happen.”

Research on the infant brain has shown that newborn babies come into the world wired for connection. However, when the primary caregiver is unable to adequately provide this, or when there are periods of time when the environment feels unsafe, the infant or child may become dysregulated. Some of these children are fortunate enough to learn healthy and effective coping styles and become fairly resilient as adults. However, some of the early distressing experiences may lie dormant and even inaccessible to the memory, only to resurface as anxiety, depression, anger, addiction, and even physical health challenges later on. This can manifest at any age.

An important side note here is that blaming primary caregivers is generally not the path to healing. And, while compassion for self and others can do wonders, this is often a very delicate undertaking, as issues with trust, vulnerability, and boundaries need to be navigated as well. The process can be messy, like digging in the garden to pull up weeds by their roots. In fact, there are many similarities between psychotherapy and gardening, or whatever is your favorite pastime… you may explore the analogies as you wish!

My approach includes getting to know and understand you, which I consider a sacred honor. Over time, together, we will be learning about you, and increasing in awareness as to how your past has and continues to influence your present. We will practice mindfulness and grounding techniques, learning to pay attention to heart, soul, mind, and body. We will explore your strengths and unique resiliency factors as we incorporate EMDR and/or other empirically-based protocols. This is only the beginning of an empowering and life-changing journey because while you cannot change your past, your story has energy and value. It is still being written, and you are the author. My role in this journey is to hold up the light and point out features in the landscape, so to speak. Some of these features you may wish to avoid, and some you may wish to incorporate. Either way, I am here merely as a guide to help you discover and integrate your authentic self.