Heather Burroughs, LCSW, CCTP-II
In Person Therapy in Winter Springs Florida
Online Therapy in FL, CA, AL, AZ, IL, IA, MS, MO, KS, SC, UT, NC, and TN
Trauma can be described as an experience that is deeply disturbing or distressing, jolts our central nervous system and results in a sense of lack of safety.
This can include but is not limited to an array of experiences, including car accidents, natural disasters, abuse, adverse childhood experiences, violence, and serious illnesses.
Trauma can grip our souls in ways that others could not fathom. Our mind, body and spirt are impacted equally.
The memories may not be fore front in our minds but our bodies know what happened. Our thoughts, feelings and behaviors can be reactions to the past trauma but we may not even be aware of this at the time.
We can, however, repair and heal.
Therapy Can Help To:
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Become aware of how traumatic memories impact our bodies can help us get in touch with its effects on our minds
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Recognize triggers and bodily sensations to assist in being “here” now as opposed to “there”
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Raise our awareness of and learn to have better control of our thoughts, feelings and behaviors
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Reduce shame and find self compassion
Our Work Together Could Entail:
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Work is done at your pace. You will never be asked to discuss something beyond your comfort level. And, you will not be pushed to delve deeper into the memories or experiences you’ve had while you can feel free to discuss what you choose. Reprocessing the memories repeatedly is not needed for healing to take place.
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You will have a safe, non-threatening, non-judgmental and confidential environment.
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Clients often tend to identify triggers (things that might remind you of the trauma) and I, as the clinician, can help you process these discoveries and the possible impact they are having on your thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
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​Emotional regulation techniques can be discussed and tried. I see these as experiments and work with you to find one that might resonate with you.
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Techniques are used to help clients recognize and work with bodily sensations associated with trauma.
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Trauma responses (fight, flight, submit, freeze) are discussed in the context of your situation and discovery of how these might have become adaptive responses often takes place.
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Self compassion and guided imagery exercises can be offered.
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Psychoeducation on the neurobiology of trauma is provided.
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Evidence based theories used include: Client Centered, Somatic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, Guided Imagery, Mindfulness, Use of concepts from training to become a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2 (CCTP-II, #246594)
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