Trauma
Trauma occurs when somebody experiences a scary life threatening event that leaves them feeling overwhelmed, confused, or fearing for their lives.
Common trauma symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Negative beliefs about the self, other people, or the world
- Intrusive, unwanted memories
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty with sex and intimacy
- Difficulty driving
- Internal and external distress when exposed to trauma reminders
- Avoidance (working too much, exercissing too much, regressing to childlike state).
At Lumen, we specialize in the treatment and recovery of trauma. We understand that the number one priority when treating trauma survivors is developing and establishing safety. Trauma recovery happens in three phases:
Phase 1 - Establishing Safety
People that have experienced trauma have difficulty feeling safe in their body, and identify nonthreatening situations as threatening. Phase 1 involves teaching the client mindfulness practices to reduce anxiety, and increase the members sense of safety in their body. This is done in a slow and careful way as to not retrigger the client. Phase 1 also includes education to help the client increase self awareness so that they can better identify their emotions and better understand trauma. This phase may also require life changes such as setting boundaries with family, friends, leaving a toxic work environment, or replacing unhealthy coping with healthy coping skills. This process may take several months to a year.
Phase 2 - Remembrance and Mourning
During Phase 2 the focus is on processing the trauma by telling the story. This can be done through talk therapy, EMDR, or Prolonged Exposure Therapy. At Lumen, we begin this process by organizing the mind with a timeline, and then with a trauma book. The trauma book is used to describe the details of the trauma. After the book is completed the client then reads the story out loud. People often find a new perspective when reading their story out loud. This process is done with care and at the clients pace all while using the coping skills the client learned in Phase 1. This process takes a couple of months.
Phase 3 - Reconnection and Integration
In this final phase, the client has integrated their trauma into their story but is not defined by it. During Phase 3 the focused on developing the clients sense of self, and finding new purpose and meaning in their life. Activities on developing new belief systems, values, and life goals are implemented. The client learns ways to maintain their progress and continue growing. This final stage leaves the client feeling empowered and able to connect with others again.
