TRAUMA TREATMENT

Our Holistic Approach to Address Trauma

In our trauma-focused practice, we employ a holistic approach that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to address the complex and multifaceted nature of trauma. Trauma can arise from specific events, such as accidents or assaults, as well as from chronic experiences of abuse or neglect in childhood, and even from intergenerational factors like epigenetics. CBT serves as a foundational component of our treatment approach, offering clients tools to identify and challenge maladaptive beliefs and behaviors stemming from their traumatic experiences. Through techniques such as cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy, clients learn to reframe their perceptions of the traumatic event(s) and develop effective coping strategies to manage distressing symptoms.

ACT complements CBT by emphasizing mindfulness, acceptance, and values-driven action in the process of trauma recovery. Clients are encouraged to cultivate present-moment awareness and acceptance of their internal experiences, including difficult emotions and bodily sensations associated with trauma. By clarifying their values and committing to actions aligned with those values, clients can gradually reclaim a sense of agency and purpose in their lives, despite the lingering effects of trauma. ACT also fosters psychological flexibility, helping clients develop resilience in the face of adversity and navigate the challenges of trauma recovery with greater grace and equanimity.

Moreover, we incorporate Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy into our trauma treatment model to explore the internal dynamics of the psyche and address the fragmentation and disconnection often experienced by trauma survivors. Through IFS, clients learn to identify and work with different parts of themselves, including protective parts that may have formed in response to trauma, as well as wounded inner child parts that carry the emotional residue of past experiences. By fostering a compassionate and curious relationship with these parts, clients can begin to integrate fragmented aspects of their identity and heal the underlying wounds of trauma. IFS also offers techniques for reparenting and nurturing wounded parts, helping clients develop a more coherent and resilient sense of self as they progress along their healing journey. By addressing trauma from multiple angles—specific events, childhood experiences, and epigenetic influences—we aim to provide clients with a comprehensive framework for healing and transformation.