Are You Struggling To Process A Traumatic Event From Your Past?

Are you or re-experiencing trauma from the past that feels like it is still in the present? Do you continually return to the traumatic incident or instances, asking yourself how it happened, why it happened or even when it happened, and can’t find an end to the ongoing rumination? Perhaps heavy feelings associated with the event are becoming increasingly overwhelming, and you’re worried this instability may lead to termination from your job or irrational behavior toward your friends or family. As challenging emotions become more intense, you may become angrier, hyper vigilant, dissociated or experience pain in your jaw, neck, joints, chest and stomach. Do you wish you could find relief from uncomfortable feelings and live the kind of life that you want to live? 

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a highly misunderstood condition that disrupts your ability to function and feel safe and stable. When one experiences trauma, the body has a survival instinct reaction, often known as fight, flight or (often in cases of PTSD) freeze. If that survival energy never fully discharges from the body, it can overwhelm your nervous system and even cause it to shut down. Pent up survival energy in the body can cause physical problems, like migraines, stomach and digestive issues, back pain and chest tightness, as well as emotional, interpersonal relationship, self-esteem, trust and behavioral issues. People struggling with PTSD may have difficulty leaving the house and often feel challenged to maintain balance and control in their lives. They, too, often struggle with the knowledge that they need to move forward, but are unable to shake a dangerous and/or deeply frightening and disempowering experience. 

Trauma is Very Common In Our Culture 

If you are struggling to process traumatic experiences of the past, you are not alone. According to PTSD United, 70 percent of adults in the U.S. will experience at least one traumatic event during their lifetime. Of that, 20 percent will develop symptoms associated with PTSD. At any given time, an estimated eight percent of Americans − 24.4 million people, the population of Texas − have PTSD. 

Any situation that causes extreme fear for the safety of yourself or others or a feeling of near-death can illicit ongoing physical discomforts, such as a migraines or insomnia, as well as psychological discomforts, such as anxiety and depression. It’s also common for people with high stress levels, like many people who work here in Silicon Valley, to develop symptoms of PTSD. The good news is that there are many highly effective forms of trauma therapy. Somatic Therapy, specifically, is often designed to release pent-up stress and unprocessed trauma from the body. Piece by piece, with the help of an experienced, compassionate trauma therapist, you can release negative energy, effectively process trauma, and start living with peace, safety and ease. 

Therapy For PTSD Can Help You Process And Release Trauma

Somatic Experiencing®, a body-based form of trauma therapy, can be an incredibly effective treatment for PTSD. When trauma occurs, your body goes into survival mode, and in some instances, the body can’t fully process shock during the event itself. When the automatic survival reaction remains in your body, PTSD can develop, causing you to continue to be re-traumatized. Somatic Experiencing®works to rid this excess energy build-up in your system and restore your mind and body back to balance. 

The majority of our PTSD treatment work will focus on stabilizing your nervous system. At a pace that is comfortable and safe, we will work to fully restore your system to a state that feels grounded, safe, resilient and able to move forward. In order to accomplish this, one of the things we work with first is your kidneys/adrenals. The kidneys/adrenals are central to the system in your body that deals with and perpetuates trauma. We want the muscles surrounding the kidneys to relax, allowing the fight or flight sensation to release and your body to return to its natural relaxed state. This body-based work can alleviate a myriad of symptoms—from digestion problems all the way to helping to foster healthy relationships. Most people find this work very relaxing.

In addition to working somatically, in PTSD therapy sessions, we can explore how your trauma has influenced your relationships, behavior and physical and mental health. You can learn coping techniques that you can use when you’re feeling triggered or experiencing intense physical discomforts. Over time, you can balance your nervous system, build your resiliency and process trauma in your mind and body so that you can start feeling like yourself again.

Over time, your mind and body become more stable and resilient. Establishing safety, moving at a pace that doesn’t overwhelm your nervous system and breaking treatment down into manageable segments are the cornerstone of a successful healing from trauma. I’ve been working with clients with complex PTSD and trauma for over 25 years. I know that relief is possible. With the guidance and support of an experienced somatic therapist, you can heal from trauma and move forward. 

Although you want to experience relief, you may still have questions or concerns about trauma and recovery… 

I doubt my trauma can be resolved. 

Somatic Experiencing® is one of the most effective approaches to treating PTSD. It is designed to get at the heart of the trauma—to rid the pain that has overwhelmed both your mind and body and restore them back to functioning order. Many people have used this approach to successfully heal trauma and return to feeling like themselves. 

How long does PTSD treatment take? I need to be healed now. 

Treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder can take some time. We work with the nervous system in increments. Tackling the entire problem all at once will likely be ineffective and overwhelm your nervous system. I can’t tell you exactly how long it will take, but I can tell you that It usually works best if you commit to weekly sessions for at least six months. During this time, most people see changes that are worth this commitment to themselves.

I’m afraid that sessions will be overwhelming and that I’ll re-experience the trauma. 

During our time together, your sense of comfort and safety will always be at the forefront of our work. I take the time to carefully learn your system so that it doesn’t accidentally become overwhelmed during session. The goal is to work through your pent-up energy in small, measured pieces so that that you can experience profound balance and relief. 

You Can Heal From Trauma And Live An Empowered, Balanced Life 

If you are a survivor of trauma in the South Bay Area or the Peninsula, I invite you to call 408-357-3736 for a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss how somatic therapy can help you heal. My office is located in Los Gatos, CA, across from El Camino hospital.

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