TRAUMA

About Trauma

Have you ever experienced an event that has affected you so profoundly that you feel disconnected from yourself and others? Do you have recurring memories and thoughts related to the event and can't let them go? Are you feeling anxious and stuck?

If so, you likely could be experiencing symptoms of trauma, which may result from shocking unexpected events (such as accidents, natural disasters, etc.) or repeated distressing events (such as sexual, physical, and/or emotional abuse, etc.). Do you want to make effective changes regarding trauma?

Trauma and the Body

To deal with an emergency, our nervous system activates a wide range of energy resources that if not released will remain lodged in our bodies and  disrupt our system, leaving us vulnerable to depression, anxiety, negative behavioral changes and psychosomatic symptoms. To effectively treat trauma, it is essential to address its impact on all aspects of our being including our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being and how we relate to others as well as to ourselves.

My Approach to Treatment

I employ an integrative approach to therapy that addresses the main areas affected by trauma. In this regard, I utilize a body-based practice that facilitates the release and re-organization of energy discharged at the time of the event. This includes psychotherapy to address the re-integration of memories and other thoughts that were disrupted as a result of the event. In addition, I utilize art therapy to promotes the expression of thoughts, feelings and sensations that we are unable to express verbally, thus providing a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment in which to explore traumatic events (Herrero, 2018).

Body-based Art Psychotherapy: A Case Study Addressing Trauma in a Mexican Immigrant

Somatic Therapy

Consists of a breathing practice to address the bodily aspect of trauma, including to facilitate the release and re-organization of energy in the body as a way of helping us to calm, develop self-awareness and increase our connection with ourselves and others.

Psychotherapy

Is essential in helping us re-structure and organize thoughts, feelings, and memories related to trauma, including recurrent negative memories, inaccurate beliefs about ourselves and others, as well as behaviors that may have developed due to trauma. 

Art Therapy

Allows us to express feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations related to the traumatic and/or painful event, in a non-verbal manner.