Understanding Trauma

Part of trauma’s character is concealment. When we experience a trauma, that experience burrows into our thoughts and feelings to find a place to hide. By hiding trauma we assure a form of safety for ourselves. When the world comes too close to our history of fearful experience, our bodies naturally protect themselves with a variety of strategies: isolation, addiction, anger, loud voice, soft voice, confusion. Our individual counseling sessions provide a safe space for you to explore these experiences and begin the process of healing. 

With peace and pain taking turns, we are challenged to distinguish between real, in the moment life, and remembered life which feels threatening, just as real as the moment it happened. When life is pleasant, no problem. When life is painful, all the hiding traumas are by design ready and willing to take over this moment in time. When this happens those around us are unlikely to understand unless and until we challenge ourselves to illuminate and share our ongoing difficulties. Our group counseling sessions offer a supportive community where you can share your experiences and learn from others who are on a similar journey.