Therapy for Trauma & Abuse
Experiences of trauma can produce many intense emotions, including fear, anxiety, hopelessness, panic, and depression - but recovery is possible. Recovery from traumatic experiences is a process that is unique to every individual, depending on the particular trauma a person has experienced. There are various types of trauma and forms of abuse that an individual can experience in their lifetime, and no one experience is the same.
Many times, trauma and experiences of abuse go hand in hand and may be treated simultaneously. However, not all trauma is necessarily related to abuse, and what is most important during this process is recognizing that your pain and the reality of your experience is valid no matter the cause. Individuals who have survived abuse or trauma alike may struggle to discern how to deal with emotional pain in a way that honors their emotional, psychological, and physical health.
As a practicing licensed clinical social worker, I am available to treat patients as a trauma informed counselor. Based in Richmond, Virginia, if you are looking for an abuse therapist near me, you can learn more about my background and credentials by visiting my about me page.
My treatment approach in helping individuals who have experienced trauma or abuse involves an integrated approach, which allows me to tailor my therapeutic practices based on the needs of the individual. The evidence-based practices integrated within my practice generally include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
However, most important for clients who have experienced trauma is my central focus on providing Trauma-Informed Care.
What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Based on my experience in helping clients within both individual and group therapy settings, I use a trauma-informed approach in treating individuals that have experienced trauma, abuse, as well as any other issue someone may be seeking counseling for.
This generally means that I conduct my practice in a way that honors the safety, identity, and autonomy of my clients, while providing care that is collaborative and values transparency. Many survivors of trauma struggle to trust others, or may have had unpleasant experiences with past mental health practitioners.
My philosophy in providing trauma-informed care means that I work to ensure you feel safe in my presence and comfortable speaking about your struggles with me. Learning to trust professionals can be a process, however, and I am able to acknowledge whatever patience you may need from me as I learn more about you and your experiences.
While some may already be able to label their life experiences as traumatic or abusive, there are many survivors that do not yet feel comfortable using that label. A person can unconsciously live in a state of trauma, particularly if they struggle to connect to others in their lives for reasons they do not fully understand, or are unable to recall memories of childhood or certain periods of their life.
This can occur as a result of childhood trauma, sexual abuse (in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood), domestic violence, the loss of a loved one, growing up in a household where addiction was an added family member, and any other experience that has resulted in significant psychological or emotional pain.
All forms of abuse, whether physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional are valid experiences and deserve to be treated with compassionate, informed care.
Recovering from Trauma - Counseling Services
Impactful experiences of abuse can lead to the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) through no fault of your own. In fact, an estimated 8% of Americans - over 24 million individuals - struggle with or develop PTSD. Inability to cope with emotional or psychological pain is not in any shape or form a personal deficiency, but deserves to be treated with compassion and informed expertise.
You may feel any number of emotions - from confusion to sadness to guilt or anger - and all of these emotional responses are within the realm of understanding no matter what type of trauma or abuse you have experienced. You may struggle to separate yourself from your trauma, or you may struggle to face it at all, and that is an experience I am more than willing to process with any individual who seeks my care.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Call or submit a request online to schedule an appointment with a licensed trauma and abuse counselor today.
