Every day, I have the privilege of helping clients work through past traumatic experiences. Having specialized in the treatment of the effects of trauma, I have worked with countless clients suffering from depression and/or anxiety that often ties back to the trauma. And the good news is that there are highly effective methods for treatment, allowing clients to live a happier life.
“BIG” AND “SMALL” TRAUMA
Typically, when we think of trauma, we visualize life-threatening events such as combat, natural disasters, car accidents, and physical or sexual abuse. These are sometimes referred to as “big T” traumas which are easily identified. Other events that are referred to as “small t” traumas are often minimized or overlooked and those impacted are sometimes unaware of how that experience is affecting them. These “small t” traumas are often highly distressing events such as divorce, infidelity, bullying, emotional abuse, complicated grief, sudden life changes, etc. Both can result in lasting anxiety, depression, anger, insomnia, disconnection, and other negative impacts.
HOW TRAUMA MANIFESTS
Left untreated, trauma can negatively impact most aspects of life. “Big T” traumas are those most often associated with the development of PTSD symptoms. People with PTSD experience overwhelming and distressing symptoms that include flashbacks of the event that make the past a present experience. Trauma sufferers may engage in self-destructive or reckless behaviors, such as addiction, in their attempt to cope.
ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND LOW SELF-ESTEEM
Not everyone develops PTSD, but everyone can experience trauma symptoms. “Small t” traumas tend to have a cumulative effect. We may experience a lingering feeling of depression that we cannot snap out of, increased stress and anxiety, a negative view of ourselves and a feeling of being stuck. These symptoms often have roots in adverse life experiences and create core beliefs that limit our ability to heal. Examples of these core beliefs are “I’m not good enough”, “I’m weak”, “I am powerless”, “I’m a failure”, “I am inadequate”, and others. These beliefs limit our ability to connect with our own resilience and inner resources that provide a path to healing.
TREATING TRAUMA
While I use many modes of treating trauma, I have found that both Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Heart Centered Hypnotherapy provide potential for deep healing with a relatively small number of sessions. Though everyone is different, both approaches allow the client to overcome the devastating effects of trauma and have a positive shift in the way they view themselves.
EMDR is a specialized form of psychotherapy used to reduce negative feelings caused by memories linked to a traumatic event. First discovered in the late 1980’s, this method is now utilized by specially trained EMDR therapists throughout the world. The guiding principle behind its applications is that problems arise when an experience is inadequately processed and becomes frozen in time leading to maladaptive responses. Positive change happens when these memories are processed and adaptive emotions are added to the neural network.
Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy allows the client to access their own inner guidance and go to the root of their issue. A guided session leads the client to a more relaxed place where they can resolve trauma and relieve symptoms.
BREAKING FREE
With these highly effective treatment modalities, I have found that even those suffering from the most serious traumas can experience relief and begin living a happier life. Schedule an appointment to learn the best approach for your situation.
“I have found that even those suffering from the most serious traumas can experience relief and begin living a happier life.”
ABOUT THE THERAPIST
Jody Morgan is the founder of Morgan Center for Counseling and Wellbeing in Boca Raton. He is an experienced, compassionate psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of the effects of trauma, including anxiety, depression and grief. Jody is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, is EMDR Certified, and is trained in Heart-Centered Clinical Hypnotherapy. With these powerful tools and extensive training, he provides private psychotherapy services that result in lasting relief to those suffering the effects of trauma.
