This tree captures my attention. One of the first things I notice is that it has suffered some trauma to its branches. Even so, what is true for this tree is that it is stretching, reaching for the sky and the sunlight which infuses it with energy and life. It’s truest essence, its “treeness”, is not compromised by its broken places. This tree is noble and beautiful. Like this tree, individuals who have suffered trauma have been impacted in tangible and real ways. They feel the trauma stored deep in their body, mind, spirit, and emotions.
Trauma registers as a soul emptiness. It impacts enjoyment, resilience, and the ability to engage joyfully in the present moment. Symptoms of trauma may manifest as emotional upheaval including anger, irritability, shock, guilt, shame, sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, and fear. It can impact our relationships causing us to withdraw from connection, feel numb, and tuned out. Trauma also impacts our physical well-being leading to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, body aches and pains, a racing heartbeat, and nightmares. Trauma, whether a single event or a life-time of stressful/traumatic events, can be shattering.
What is also true of individuals who have suffered trauma (a single incident or a life-time of trauma) is that their essence and unique beauty is not compromised or changed. They have a longing and desire to stretch their arms up and capture “light and life”, find hope and a re-connection to their truest self, to others, and to joy.
Counseling offers a pathway to engage in this “reaching for life” process. The trusting, safe and caring relationship with a counselor opens the heart to find the courage for this journey, and the ups, downs, and pain that may be a part of it. Safety is essential. I believe in a trauma informed approach to treating trauma. This approach draws on a deep respect for my clients and an honoring of their own voice, wisdom, and choices. It values a spirit of collaboration and mutuality in the counseling relationship. I believe in a holistic approach to treating trauma which recognizes the necessity of incorporating an individual’s body (where trauma can be stored), mind, spirit, relationships, and emotions in effectively releasing and healing trauma.
It takes courage to take the first step – to reach up and out for help. Please call for a free 50 minute consultation.