Trauma Therapy
Changing Tides Counseling offers trauma counseling to all ages. We are trained in a wide array of methods to help anyone overcome their trauma. Trauma can be deeply debilitating and can affect all aspects of your life, but you don’t have to live that way any longer…it is time to break free!
Some of the symptoms of traumatic stress that may benefit from trauma counseling are:
• Lack of energy
• Change in eating habits
• Sleep disturbances
• Sexual dysfunction
• Chronic, unexplained pain
• Anxiety
• Fearfulness
• Panic attacks
• Hopelessness
• Inability to concentrate
• Memory loss
• Difficulty making decisions
• Compulsive and obsessive behaviors
• Irritability and hostility
• Emotional numbness
• Overreactions, including sudden outbursts of anger
• Hyper-vigilance and jumpiness
• Social withdrawal
• Substance abuse
• Violent behavior
• Suicidal thoughts
• Re-experiencing the trauma with intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares
EMDR
We provide services for EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which is a highly specialized form of therapy geared towards trauma. EMDR is a form of psychotherapy developed by Francine Shapiro which uses eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to assist trauma victims in processing distressing memories and beliefs. It is commonly used for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The theory behind the treatment assumes that when a traumatic or distressing experience occurs, it may overwhelm normal coping mechanisms, with the memory and associated stimuli being inadequately processed and stored in an isolated memory network.
If you have dealt with any trauma, EMDR has proven extremely beneficial in efficiently and effectively working through that trauma and overcoming it.
Internal Family Systems
Internal Family Systems was created by Richard Schwartz and is gaining popularity as one of the most beneficial and effective methods to heal trauma. All of our therapists at Changing Tides Counseling are trained in IFS.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a powerful, neurobiological tool that works by identifying, processing, and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, disassociation and a variety of other challenging symptoms. There is increasing evidence that trauma is “stored” in the body and that it can alter the way the brain works. Trauma doesn’t have to be something catastrophic, it can be parents divorcing, physical injury, difficulty in school, etc . For example, trauma can have an effect on emotions, memory, and physical health. Brainspotting seems to activate the body’s innate ability to heal itself from trauma. Psychological issues – such as anger, procrastination, and difficulty concentrating, among others – can be caused by trauma.
Brainspotting is a psychotherapeutic approach that uses the field of vision to locate “relevant eye positions” (or Brainspots) which are correlated one’s internal physical/emotional experience. The client is then guided to observe their internal process (focused mindfulness) until the client arrives at a state of resolution. It is not uncommon for clients to find relief after just one session. Because it can work quickly and without much talking, it is ideal for children and adolescents.
Who can benefit from Brainspotting? It can be effective for just about anything including: all forms of Trauma, Anxiety, Attention Issues (ADD/ADHD), Anger Issues, Phobias, Substance Abuse, Chronic Fatigue and Chronic Pain, Impulse Control Issues and Sports Performance Issues.