Complex, compound trauma occurs as a result of adverse experiences as a child. It's not just what happens to you, it's also the needs that aren't met. Abuse, neglect, homelessness, divorce, a parent being incarcerated, and a multitude of other experiences may have long lasting impacts on the way you function and see your world.
Domestic violence and sexual assault/abuse are an unspoken, hidden epidemic in our communities. Incest survivors live with stigma and shame, and the invisible scars that have life long influences. Often, survivors say "but I never got hit" -- domestic violence goes well beyond physical abuse, and can include verbal, emotional, financial, and spiritual abuse. These can have the same negative effects on mental health as physical abuse does. Sexual assault is devastating, and whether it is recent or happened years ago, there are long term mental health consequences. You don't have to do this alone and you don't have to relive the trauma. EMDR therapy is effective for victims and survivors at any stage in the healing process.
We rely on our first responders to answer the call and run towards danger when we are at our most vulnerable. They are not immune to trauma and secondary trauma, and there is growing awareness for first responder mental health needs and the rising rate of suicides. EMDR is one of the most effective therapeutic interventions available, with a minimum amount of talking and re-experiencing of the event. This allows them to reprocess the traumatic events and gives them the resolution needed to continue being healthy on the front lines. First responder wellness is community wellness.
Trauma creates a need to cope in the quickest, most effective ways possible. Sometimes, that looks like using alcohol and other substances, food, technology, or self harm to meet the need for self soothing. There is no shame in the brain and body finding ways to survive - and those don't have to be your norm. You are more than what happened to you, and when you're ready those things that no longer serve you can be changed.
COVID has given us access to mental health resources in a more widely accessible venue. Many clients are hesitant and may even be skeptical that teletherapy works. Rest assured, teletherapy is just as effective through a virtual office format as it is in the physical office, and provides space to develop the same cooperative relationship that would occur in office. It is secure and delivered over HIPAA compliant platforms.
Want more information before scheduling? Please email with questions!
Copyright © 2022 Perspectives Consulting LLC - All Rights Reserved.