Trauma Therapy Services

Finding Relief from Overwhelming Trauma

Do you find yourself constantly on edge, experiencing flashbacks or nightmares? Are intense emotions overwhelming you, or do you feel disconnected from those around you? If these experiences sound familiar, you may be dealing with the effects of trauma. At Integrative MindBody Therapy Centre, we understand how deeply trauma can impact your life, and we’re here to support your healing journey.

Trauma therapy provides a safe, compassionate space where you can begin to process and make sense of your experiences. Our specialized trauma-informed approaches are designed to help you regain control, reconnect with yourself, and rebuild the relationships that matter most. Whether you’re dealing with recent trauma or something that has been affecting you for years, our therapists are here to guide you with understanding and care.

Healing from trauma is a journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With the right support, it’s possible to move beyond survival and toward a life where you feel more connected, at peace, and empowered. At Integrative MindBody Therapy Centre, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

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What is Trauma Therapy?

Trauma therapy is a form of psychotherapy specifically designed to help individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences. Trauma can stem from various sources, including accidents, natural disasters, abuse, or the loss of a loved one. The aim of trauma therapy is to help individuals integrate their traumatic experiences into their lives in a way that makes sense to them, reducing the emotional and psychological impact of these events (American Psychological Association, 2013).

How to Release Trauma from the Body

Trauma is often more than just the events that have happened to you. It can become a collection of reactions and perspectives on life that feel difficult to break free from. Though the traumatic experiences may have ended, they leave lasting marks that ripple into every area of your life—body, mind, soul, and relationships. You may find your body reacting to a seemingly "normal" situation, leaving you feeling totally disoriented and confused, betrayed by your body, as it responds in a way that does not feel congruent with the situation. This is because trauma is stored in the body, manifesting in physical symptoms and stress responses long after the traumatic event has passed.

Releasing trauma from the body involves addressing these physical sensations and stress responses directly. Effective methods include:

  • Somatic Experiencing: This approach focuses on body awareness and sensations to release stored trauma. It helps individuals process trauma by paying attention to physical sensations and gradually discharging the energy associated with traumatic events (Levine, 2010).
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): This method involves stimulating both sides of the brain through eye movements to process and integrate traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge (Shapiro, 2017).
  • Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices help individuals become more aware of their body's reactions, promoting relaxation and reducing stress (Kabat-Zinn, 1990).

 

What is the Difference Between Trauma and PTSD?

While trauma refers to the emotional and psychological response to a distressing event, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a specific condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing trauma. PTSD is characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the traumatic event. Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, but those who do often require specialized treatment to manage their symptoms effectively (National Institute of Mental Health, 2019).

 "For real change to take place, the body needs to learn that the danger has passed and to live in the reality of the present."

— Bessel van der Kolk

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What Happens in Trauma Therapy Sessions?

Trauma therapy sessions are designed to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their traumatic experiences and begin the healing process. Here’s what you can expect:

Initial Assessment: The therapy process begins with a thorough assessment to understand your history, symptoms, and specific needs. This helps the therapist develop a personalized treatment plan.

Establishing Safety: Building a sense of safety and trust is crucial in trauma therapy. The therapist will work with you to establish a secure therapeutic environment and develop coping strategies to manage distressing emotions.

Processing Trauma: Various techniques may be used to help you process and integrate traumatic memories. This could include talking about the trauma, using EMDR to reprocess memories, or engaging in somatic experiencing to release bodily tension.

Skill Building: Learning new skills to manage anxiety, stress, and emotional regulation is an essential part of trauma therapy. These skills can help you navigate everyday challenges and reduce the impact of trauma on your life.

Ongoing Support: Trauma therapy is a gradual process. Regular sessions provide ongoing support and adjustments to the treatment plan as needed, ensuring continuous progress toward healing.

Our Therapeutic Approach

At Integrative MindBody Therapy Centre, we use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities to help you heal from trauma:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with trauma (Beck, 2011).
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Effective for processing and reducing the emotional impact of traumatic memories (Shapiro, 2017).
  • Somatic Experiencing: Focuses on body awareness to release stored trauma (Levine, 2010).
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Combines mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress and promote healing (Kabat-Zinn, 1990).

Take the First Step Towards Healing

Healing from trauma is possible, and you don't have to do it alone. Our experienced therapists are here to guide you through your journey, providing the support and tools you need to reclaim your life.

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 References:

  • American Psychological Association. (2013). Recognizing trauma and getting help. Retrieved from APA
  • Beck, A. T. (2011). Cognitive therapy of depression. Guilford Press.
  • Emerson, D. (2015). Trauma-Sensitive Yoga in Therapy: Bringing the Body into Treatment. W.W. Norton & Company.
  • Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. Delta.
  • Levine, P. A. (2010). In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness. North Atlantic Books.
  • National Institute of Mental Health. (2019). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Retrieved from NIMH
  • Shapiro, F. (2017). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Third Edition: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Press.

For more information on the benefits of these therapies, please visit:

Verywell Mind - Trauma Therapy
National Institute of Mental Health - PTSD