Living with trauma is a difficult reality faced by countless people every day. Trauma counseling is a way to help people overcome the overwhelming thoughts and emotions associated with the trauma they experienced. If you have experienced any level of trauma and its lasting effects are negatively impacting your life, consider seeking help from a trauma therapist in Boca Raton.
Trauma therapists help people by providing them the support they need to manage symptoms related to their trauma. There are many useful psychotherapy techniques available to equip trauma survivors with the tools they need to live a more peaceful, fulfilling life. One of the strongest methods for managing and overcoming trauma is grounding.
Grounding, also referred to as mindfulness, is the process of remaining in the present. The following article will explore some common grounding techniques used for breaking free from the weight of trauma. If you’re living with trauma and are ready to begin working with an experienced trauma therapist in Boca Raton, please reach out to us for help.
Understanding Dissociation and Mindfulness
The symptoms of living with trauma are different for everyone. We all experience trauma differently and manifest associated triggers that are highly personal. However, one common trait shared by most trauma survivors is a regular desire to dissociate from certain thoughts, feelings, or emotions.
Dissociation is a characteristic tied to self-preservation. When the mind feels threatened, it naturally tries to protect itself from what it perceives to be the danger in order to avoid becoming re-traumatized. Unfortunately, this can create a tendency to try and shut down or avoid specific thoughts or emotions when experiencing triggers associated with traumatic experiences.
The most significant problem dissociation presents is the inability to cope with triggering moments, which can lead to increased distress. Trauma counseling gives people the chance to learn coping skills in order to manage their stressors. Mindfulness, in particular, is a useful way to find safety and peace by remaining in the here and now.
Grounding Techniques in Trauma Counseling
There are various grounding techniques that can be learned to help manage trauma-related emotions. The purpose of grounding techniques in trauma counseling is to promote comfort and relaxation, especially while processing trauma-related experiences. These mindfulness techniques include:
Sensory Exercises – Focusing on a specific anchor, such as a scent, texture, or sound, as a reminder to remain in the present. A trauma therapist might ask you to describe sensory sensations regularly while processing trauma.
Breathing Exercises – Focusing on diaphragmatic or deep breathing to promote relaxation and remain grounded in the present. Slowing your breathing can help to relieve anxiety and keep you in the moment when feeling distressing thoughts or emotions.
Guided Imagery – Being guided using specific imagery to gain personal insight. This technique is often used in hypnotherapy and can help to reveal connections contributing to trauma-related triggers.
Speak With a Trauma Therapist in Boca Raton
Trauma counseling can be helpful for people of all kinds to manage the effects of living with trauma, big or small. If you’re considering speaking with a trauma therapist in Boca Raton, we would be happy to provide you the support you deserve.
Morgan Center for Counseling and Wellbeing specializes in trauma counseling to promote growth and healing. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), we utilize a variety of proven modalities that can help lead to lasting, positive change, including EMDR and Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy.
To request an appointment with our Boca Raton trauma counselor, please fill out our contact form or call 561-717-2900 for direct assistance.
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