The effects of trauma can have a long-lasting impact on a person's mental health, disrupting their daily functioning and relationships. The true impact of trauma is often seen in how individuals react to present situations. The key to successful treatment lies in receiving therapeutic support, practicing stabilization, and then processing their trauma.

While stabilization can take time, there are various strategies available to assist in this process.

From yoga to mindfulness practices, DBT, there are multiple ways to manage the ups and downs of our nervous system. Fidgets, warmies, and hammock swings offer alternative methods for neurodivergent individuals. Physical exercise, spending time with animals, and stimming can also help calm the nervous system when faced with challenging situations. These techniques require daily practice, but once learned, they can be extremely beneficial.  Everyone's nervous system is different so finding the technique that works takes curiosity, patience, and practice.  

In today's fast-paced world, the concept of stabilization is often misconstrued. Many people mistakenly believe that stabilization implies the absence of any stressors. However, the truth is quite the opposite. Stabilization entails facing challenging situations. Our lives will never be devoid of stressors, as they are an inherent part of the human experience. Each person is uniquely affected by various stressors, and stabilization involves acknowledging and understanding these factors. It's about discovering the approach for individuals to adjust to the obstacles that come their way. 

We cannot continuously take, without addressing what truly bothers us. It is important to find ways to bounce back from challenges, rather than allowing ourselves to be overwhelmed and shut down in order to simply get by.

While stabilization is crucial, there are also deeper trauma processing techniques available for those ready to take the next step.

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)

DBR delves deep into the heart of trauma, which is SHOCK, unlocking the metaphorical door to release its lingering effects.

Image Transformation Therapy (ImTT)

ImTT is an innovative trauma process that harnesses the power of imagination to liberate suppressed emotions. This technique serves as an excellent starting point, equipping individuals with invaluable tools to manage their distress even outside the therapeutic setting. 

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) 

EMDR is a widely recognized and extensively studied trauma therapy technique that has shown positive results for numerous individuals. This innovative protocol enables individuals to address their trauma without necessarily having to verbally recount the distressing event. By utilizing bilateral stimulation, EMDR guides the brain in relocating the unsettling memory to a different area where it can be processed as a past experience. This, in turn, helps to alleviate present-day symptoms and promote healing.

However, it's important to consider individual needs and preferences. Some therapies may not be suitable for those with high levels of dissociation. Deep Brain Reorienting can be an accessible option for individuals who struggle with dissociation. While EMDR requires individuals to confront avoided memories, ImTT offers a gentler approach.

Trauma therapy offers a path to healing by helping individuals navigate repressed emotions and memories. By clearing the nervous system of distress, symptoms can be lessened or even eradicated. While it may seem impossible, many people have found success through these treatments. Ultimately, the choice to pursue trauma work lies with each individual.

If you have a trauma history and experience mental health symptoms, it may be worth considering Trauma-Informed Therapy.

By addressing the root causes of these symptoms, you can gain a new perspective on your past, present, and future. The journey may not be easy, but the potential for healing is real. Experience the life-changing power of trauma therapy and embark on a path towards emotional healing.

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