Trauma Therapy in Bucks County, PA
What is trauma?
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Trauma is defined as an emotional response to a physically- and/or emotionally-threatening, overwhelming, or harmful event that exceeds a person’s ability to cope. Traumatic events can stem from a single incident, such as an accident, sexual assault, the sudden loss of a loved one, or a natural disaster. However, trauma can also result from prolonged exposure to harmful experiences, including abuse, neglect, or chronic stress. Often, trauma originates from interpersonal relationships, particularly in the form of long-term abusive dynamics. Childhood experiences, including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, as well as neglect, can also leave lasting emotional wounds. Ultimately, trauma caused by people—especially those we trust or rely on—tends to be more difficult to process and can lead to deeper suffering.
Responses to traumatic events vary significantly among people.
Some of the common results include:
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PTSD
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Dissociative disorders
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Substance abuse problems
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Emotional outbursts
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Nightmares
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Insomnia
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Nausea
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Dizziness
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Altered sleep patterns
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Changes in appetite
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Headaches
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Gastrointestinal problems
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Feelings of sadness, anger, fear, and shame
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Hypervigilante
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Difficulty concentrating
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Trauma can affect the mind, body, and emotions, and while also deeply impacting relationships. It can make it difficult to trust others and often alters how a person perceives themselves, others, and the world. ​​Trauma often causes difficulties in relationships with others or your relationship with yourself. Trauma can evolve over time, manifesting as depression, anxiety, and/or low self-esteem. Unhealed trauma can look like codependency or a low sense of self-worth; alternatively, it may instigate feelings of shame, fear, or difficulty with setting boundaries. As a result, trauma can negatively influence self-worth, emotional well-being, and the ability to form and maintain healthy relationships.​​​
Effective Trauma Therapy in Bucks County​​
When facing this issue, you may feel as though you should have moved past your trauma simply because time has passed. However, it is crucial to recognize that time alone doesn’t heal traumatic wounds. Individuals experiencing trauma highly benefit from trauma therapy such as Brainspotting, or undergoing therapy that is trauma-focused or trauma-informed.
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Brainspotting therapy has been shown to be highly effective in reducing the effects of trauma. It is a therapeutic technique designed to help individuals access, process, and release trauma and emotional pain. Based on the principle that "where you look affects how you feel," Brainspotting uses eye positioning to locate and unlock stored emotional and physical pain. By guiding your gaze, it establishes a deep connection between the body and mind, allowing for the processing and release of deeply held emotions and memories. Because it enables individuals to access and work through emotions quickly, Brainspotting can be more rapid and effective than traditional talk therapy.
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Drawing upon my training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Relational Life Therapy (RLT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each client. I provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can share their stories and navigate their healing journey. My approach incorporates inner child work, grounding techniques, mindfulness, and psychoeducation, equipping clients with tools to reframe negative core beliefs, develop healthier coping skills, and transform destructive thought patterns.
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Get in touch today, and let's begin this journey together!