Trauma Therapy in Austin, Texas

What is trauma?

Trauma is the emotional response to a distressing experience or event. Trauma can be psychological, physical, or spiritual. It can be one singular event, like a car accident, or an ongoing experience like prolonged stress in childhood due to neglect. Trauma is not only the event or experience but an individual’s reaction to it. Trauma can change the way we act, feel, and think long after a traumatic event. That’s right – trauma can change our brains. In reaction to stress, our brain goes into “fight-or-flight” mode in order to protect ourselves. Once the threat passes, our body gets the message that we are no longer in danger. However, sometimes when a traumatic event occurs, our brain gets stuck in that mode, leading to a constant state of hypervigilance and difficulty regulating our emotions or feeling safe.  

Traumatic events may include but are not limited to the following:

• Physical violence or abuse

• Combat situations

• Sexual violence or abuse

• Natural disasters

• Childhood abuse and neglect

• Witnessing violence or death

• Poverty

• Homelessness

• Job loss

• Discrimination

• Life-threatening accidents

• Illness or injury of self or loved one

• Racism and social injustice

• Generational trauma

• Death of a loved one

• Betrayal in an intimate relationship

Everyone reacts to trauma differently, but common symptoms of Trauma include the following:

• Hypervigilance

• Exaggerated startle response

• Insomnia

• Avoidance of people, places, or things that bring up memories of trauma

• Social withdrawal

• Numbing through substances or behaviors

• Nightmares or flashbacks

• Intrusive memories

• Shame

• Irritability

• Hopelessness

• Mood swings

• Chronic pain

• Anxiety or panic

• Depression

• Dissociation

• Difficulty concentrating

• Memory issues

Trauma can often lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and eating disorders.

“We have learned that trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body. This imprint has ongoing consequences for how the human organism manages to survive in the present. Trauma results in a fundamental reorganization of the way the mind and brain manage perceptions. It changes not only how we think and what we think about, but also our very capacity to think.”

― Bessel A. van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Our Approach to Trauma Therapy in Austin, TX

Our therapists use trauma-informed care. We aim to create a safe therapeutic space to heal from trauma through transparency about treatment, building rapport and trust, and prioritizing your autonomy and voice in your healing journey. We use a collaborative approach in which you decide when and what you feel comfortable sharing. Our trauma therapists also consider how the unique pieces of your identity shape your story and work not to make assumptions about your experience. We understand trauma is something that happened to you and not who you are.  

Some of our therapists are also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Often described as “magic,” EMDR is a form of therapy that allows individuals to safely reconnect with images, body sensations, emotions, and thoughts associated with trauma. Under the care of a trained therapist, clients reprocess traumatic information within the safe environment of the therapist’s office until the thoughts no longer have a disruptive impact on their life.

In trauma therapy, you will work with your therapist to explore helpful coping tools and challenge unhelpful beliefs stemming from trauma. Therapy can provide a validating space to build trust in others and feel safe again. Holding trauma can be an isolating experience, and through trauma therapy, you can work to reconnect with others and with yourself.   

“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.”

― Bessel A. van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma