Painful experiences, especially those that involved a real or anticipated threat to your safety or the safety of others, leave an imprint. They impact your nervous system and, left unwitnessed and unprocessed, they can influence present-day feelings, beliefs, and behaviors. Trauma has been described as an experience of “reliving.” The pain of the past continues on, eroding your sense of safety and ease. Your body remains stressed, distressed, and even vigilant in response. Trauma therapy focuses on witnessing and healing traumatic memories, so you can experience peace and joy.

The initial focus of trauma work is on preparation — strengthening your ability to be present with distressing emotion and learning practices to use between sessions. Pacing is patient, respecting the need to avoid overwhelm.