Embodied Integrations Psychotherapy and Coaching
Dennis Guyvan, MA, LPCC. Individual Therapy and Coaching in Denver, CO and Online
Trauma Therapy
Trauma is not "just a story in your head"! Let's free it from your nervous system for true relief!
I Understand Your Struggle
I've been there too. I understand how challenging it can be to navigate through each day when trauma holds you back. Trauma can manifest in various symptoms, including anxiety, flashbacks, panic attacks, depression, emotional numbness, and more. Different types of trauma, from childhood traumas (emotional, physical, sexual) to combat experiences, can deeply affect your daily life.
It's Not Just A Story In Your Head
Trauma is not just a story in your head—it lives in your nervous system! Trauma is stored in your heart, head, stomach, arms, and legs. It shows up as an overreactive response to stress today, causing symptoms like shallow breathing, nausea, racing heart, indigestion, trembling hands, and more. This means that trauma is not just an issue of negative memories but a physical experience that affects your entire body!
The Real Reason
The real reason behind trauma symptoms is that your nervous system is stuck in and oscillates between fight/flight and freeze responses.
Our nervous system has three primary states:
-
freeze
-
fight and flight
-
safety and connection
When you are stuck in the fight/flight or freeze states, your body is constantly on high alert, leading to chronic trauma symptoms. This inability to shift into the safety and connection state keeps your body in a constant state of stress and reactivity.
The Solution: Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy helps you "shift your nervous system gear" into the "safety and connection" state. Unlike cognitive approaches that focus solely on changing thoughts, somatic therapy works directly with your nervous system to bring about lasting change. Somatic therapy addresses the root cause of trauma at a physiological level, offering a holistic and natural way to work through trauma.
How Somatic Therapy Might Look Like In Session
My approach to therapy is down-to-earth and involves three key elements:
1. Awareness Of Sensations: Recognizing the physical sensations of trauma, such as tension, discomfort, or pain. By becoming aware of these sensations, you can begin to understand how trauma manifests in your body and start to take control.
2. Nervous System Shift: Processing trauma and the underlying emotions to transition your nervous system into a state of calm and connection. This involves working through the emotions and experiences that are associated with your trauma, allowing you to release pent-up stress and tension.
3. Mind And Body Integration: Integrating your thoughts and feelings after the release, leading to a harmonious balance between your mind and body. This step is crucial for maintaining the changes you've made and ensuring that you can handle future stressors with greater ease.
Your Future Without Trauma
Imagine a life without the weight of trauma—a life where you feel calm, confident, and connected. You can pursue your passions, build meaningful relationships, and enjoy your life without the constant shadow of past trauma. Picture waking up each day with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that you have the tools and resilience to handle whatever comes your way.
Take The First Step!
Take the first step towards a future free from trauma! Schedule a free consultation today and discover how somatic therapy can transform your life! Together, we can unlock your potential and help you thrive in ways you never thought possible.
I am here to support you on this journey! I offer a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for your healing process. Are you ready to take the first step? Schedule your free 30-minute consultation today to begin your journey to lasting relief from trauma!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are some common symptoms and types of trauma? COMMON SYMPTOMS OF TRAUMA Trauma's effects can be widespread, touching every aspect of your life, from your sense of safety and trust to your emotional well-being. Common symptoms of trauma may include: FLASHBACKS: Vivid and distressing memories of the traumatic event that feel as if they are happening again. ANXIETY AND PANIC ATTACKS: Overwhelming feelings of fear and dread, often accompanied by physical sensations like a racing heart. EMOTIONAL NUMBNESS: Feeling disconnected from your emotions or others, as if you're operating on autopilot. HYPERVIGILANCE: Being in a constant state of alertness, anticipating danger, and finding it difficult to relax. AVOIDANCE: Steering clear of situations, people, or places that remind you of the traumatic event. INSOMNIA AND SLEEP DISTURBANCES: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing nightmares related to the trauma. UNMASKING THE MANY FACES OF TRAUMA Trauma is an intricate and multifaceted experience. It can emerge from various sources, including: PHYSICAL TRAUMA: These traumas often involve accidents, injuries, or physical assaults. They can leave a profound impact on your body, mind, and emotions. EMOTIONAL TRAUMA: Emotional trauma can result from experiences like childhood neglect, emotional abuse, or the loss of a loved one. These experiences can create lasting emotional scars. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA: This type of trauma typically includes experiences like combat, witnessing a violent event, or surviving a natural disaster. Psychological trauma can affect your mental well-being and daily functioning. SEXUAL TRAUMA: Experiences such as sexual assault or harassment can lead to sexual trauma. The aftermath of sexual trauma often involves complex emotional and psychological challenges. DEVELOPMENTAL TRAUMA: Trauma experienced during crucial developmental stages can influence your sense of self and relationships throughout your life. COMPLEX TRAUMA: Complex trauma is a result of exposure to multiple traumatic events over a prolonged period. It can lead to a range of emotional and psychological symptoms. SOMATIC THERAPY: YOUR PATH TO ROOT CAUSE RESOLUTION Somatic therapy is a highly effective approach designed to address the root causes of trauma, rather than merely managing its symptoms. It recognizes the profound connection between your body and mind, understanding that emotional experiences are not limited to your thoughts and feelings; they are held within your body. In your journey to trauma therapy in Denver, somatic therapy offers a holistic approach. It empowers you to explore the intricate connection between your body, mind, and emotions. By doing so, you can access the root causes of your trauma and pave the way for deep healing and lasting relief. UNDERSTANDING THE DEPTH OF UNPROCESSED TRAUMA Trauma often leaves unprocessed emotions and experiences within your body. These unresolved feelings can create emotional tension, discomfort, and distress. Your body responds to these unprocessed emotions by triggering various symptoms, acting as a signal that unresolved issues require your attention. These symptoms are not merely surface-level reactions; they are your body's way of saying, "Please pay attention, something needs your care." Somatic therapy provides a safe and supportive space for you to explore and release these unprocessed emotions in a natural and easy way through your body. It enables your body to let go of the emotional baggage it has been carrying. This therapeutic process goes beyond symptom management; it focuses on getting to the root causes of your trauma, fostering authentic healing, and helping you regain control over your life. HEALING THE IMPACT OF UNRESOLVED TRAUMA Unresolved trauma can leave profound imprints on your nervous system, influencing your emotional and physical well-being. It can lead to a heightened state of alertness, emotional distress, and a range of symptoms that affect your daily life. Somatic therapy recognizes that trauma is not merely a narrative; it's an experience that resides within your body! Through somatic techniques, you can access and release the stored trauma, allowing your nervous system to return to a state of balance and regulation. This profound healing process transcends symptom management and offers you the opportunity to reclaim your life.
