East Richardson, Richardson, TX 75081 972-898-1318
Call or text 972-898-1318 to set an appointment for mental health counseling and to discuss any client health records or consumer complaints in Texas.
Trauma- big T or little t, it can still hurt
What is trauma?
Trauma refers to the emotional, psychological, and physical response to deeply distressing or disturbing events that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope. Whether stemming from accidents, natural disasters, violence, abuse, or witnessing shocking events, trauma can significantly impact a person's life. This impact can manifest in both short-term and long-lasting ways, affecting mental, emotional, and physical well-being. To address these challenges, individuals may seek trauma counseling, trauma therapy, or even PTSD counseling, as the effects can arise from major abuse issues or seemingly minor incidents like past bullying. Ultimately, trauma is in the eye of the beholder.
the effects of trauma
Trauma can manifest in various ways, and seeking trauma counseling can be essential for recovery. Common manifestations include:
Emotional Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, anger, fear, guilt, and emotional numbness.
Cognitive Effects: Difficulty concentrating, intrusive thoughts, memory problems, and flashbacks.
Physical Symptoms: Headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and physical tension.
Behavioral Responses: Avoidance of triggers, isolation, difficulty trusting others, and changes in mood or behavior.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Some individuals may develop PTSD, a condition characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional distress related to the traumatic event.
Depression can make it difficult to enjoy life and engage in activities you once loved. Our trauma therapy and PTSD counseling are designed to help you overcome depression and develop a more positive outlook on life. We offer evidence-based treatments that have been proven effective for both depression and trauma-related issues.
Trauma Counseling
If you've experienced trauma, it's crucial to seek help from a qualified therapist. I specialize in trauma counseling and PTSD counseling, helping clients navigate their experiences and develop healthy coping strategies. I offer a variety of trauma therapy options tailored to meet your unique needs. See below:
the flash technique
The Flash Technique (FT) is a recently developed evidence-based therapeutic intervention specifically designed for reducing the disturbance associated with traumatic or other distressing memories, making it a valuable option in PTSD counseling and trauma therapy. Unlike many conventional trauma counseling approaches, FT is a minimally intrusive option that does not require clients to consciously engage with their traumatic memories. Research has shown that FT can effectively diminish the disturbance level linked to severely painful memories, often in as little as ten to fifteen minutes. Similar to EMDR, FT employs eye movements or alternating tapping and aims to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories within the brain.
Image Transformation Therapy (IMTT)
This is a type of trauma therapy that provides a gentle and thorough release of past hurts, fears, and the lingering effects of trauma. Through our God-given imagination and breath, we can release unpleasant emotions that reside in the body and mind. This process is essential in PTSD counseling, as it allows us to deconstruct images of past traumas so that their memories no longer exert such a stranglehold over us.
Additionally, trauma counseling can guide us in a similar manner to release attractions towards unwanted behaviors such as pornography, excessive drinking, unhealthy eating, compulsive shopping, screen time, and social media.
"Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..."- Romans 12:2
acceptance committment therapy (ACT)
This is a counseling approach that aids clients in recognizing challenging thought patterns, particularly in the context of PTSD counseling and trauma therapy. It encourages acceptance of these thoughts and emotions, allowing individuals to take healthy actions aligned with their values. By learning not to struggle with our emotions, we begin to diminish their power over us. While our thoughts and feelings may be uncomfortable, we can strive to engage in virtuous actions for ourselves, which is a critical aspect of effective trauma counseling.
"Be a little comfortable with uncomfortable" - David Mora
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is a widely-used, evidence-based form of counseling that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. This approach is particularly beneficial in PTSD counseling and trauma counseling, where individuals work to address the interconnectedness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By altering irrational or harmful thoughts and behaviors, individuals can enhance their emotional well-being and manage their mental health conditions, including the effects of trauma, more effectively through trauma therapy.