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Healing Trauma: A Comprehensive Path to Recovery

Trauma can leave deep and lasting imprints on both the mind and body, affecting every facet of a person’s life. Whether it results from a single traumatic event or prolonged exposure to distress, the effects of trauma can persist long after the initial experience, manifesting as anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and a pervasive sense of disconnection. At Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, we understand that true healing from trauma goes beyond simply managing symptoms—it requires addressing the root causes and fostering genuine recovery.

Our trauma counseling services are grounded in cutting-edge research and evidence-based therapies that offer real hope for healing. We utilize powerful approaches such as Brainspotting, EMDR, Neurofeedback, and mind-body techniques to help clients process and release trauma stored in both the mind and body. Our approach is further informed by the insights of leading experts, including David Grand, Bessel van der Kolk, and Sebern Fisher. Additionally, we incorporate Shannon Thomas’s method for healing from psychological abuse, as outlined in her book Healing from Hidden Abuse, providing a structured path to recovery for those who have experienced psychological abuse.

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At Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, we believe that recovery from trauma is not only possible—it’s transformative. We are committed to guiding you on your journey to healing, helping you reclaim your life, restore your sense of self, and find peace once more.

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What is Trauma Counseling?

Trauma counseling is a specialized form of therapy designed to help individuals heal from the emotional, psychological, and physical impacts of traumatic experiences. Trauma can result from a wide range of events, such as accidents, abuse, natural disasters, or prolonged exposure to stress and violence. These experiences can leave lasting imprints on the brain and body, often leading to symptoms like anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, flashbacks, and a deep sense of unease or disconnection.

Effective trauma counseling focuses on addressing the root causes of these symptoms, rather than just managing them. The goal is to help clients process their traumatic memories, release the emotional and physical tension stored in the body, and restore a sense of safety and well-being. By targeting the underlying trauma, counseling can lead to profound and lasting healing, allowing individuals to reclaim their lives and move forward with confidence and peace.

At Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, our trauma counseling services are informed by cutting-edge research and proven therapeutic techniques. We use a variety of approaches, including Brainspotting, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Neurofeedback, and mind-body therapies, to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to each client’s unique needs. These methods help clients access and process traumatic memories, re-regulate the nervous system, and rebuild their emotional resilience.

Trauma counseling is not about revisiting the past for the sake of reliving pain—it’s about finding a way to integrate those experiences into a narrative that no longer controls your life. With the right support and therapeutic interventions, healing from trauma is not only possible; it’s within reach. At Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, we are here to guide you on this journey, helping you move from surviving to thriving.

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The Science Behind Trauma

Trauma doesn’t just affect the mind—it impacts the entire body, particularly the central nervous system. Understanding the science behind trauma is crucial for effective healing. Trauma can overwhelm the body’s natural ability to cope, leaving the nervous system in a state of dysregulation. This persistent state of fight, flight, or freeze can lead to a wide range of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms that may feel inescapable.

The Central Nervous System and Trauma

The central nervous system (CNS) plays a vital role in how we respond to trauma. When we experience a traumatic event, our CNS is activated to protect us, triggering a survival response. In a healthy recovery, the CNS returns to a state of balance once the threat has passed. However, when trauma is unresolved, the CNS can remain stuck in a heightened state of alertness, leading to chronic anxiety, hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms commonly associated with trauma. This ongoing dysregulation prevents the brain and body from fully processing the traumatic experience, trapping individuals in a cycle of distress.

The Psychology of the 1st and 2nd Systems

In understanding trauma, it’s essential to consider the brain’s first and second systems. The first system includes our primal, automatic responses to danger—fight, flight, or freeze—governed by the amygdala and other lower brain structures. The second system involves our higher cognitive functions, such as reasoning, planning, and emotional regulation, managed by the prefrontal cortex. In cases of trauma, the first system often overrides the second, leading to responses that feel out of control and irrational. Effective trauma therapy works to reintegrate these systems, helping clients regain control over their responses and reestablish a sense of safety.

The Possibility of Healing

Scientific research has shown that trauma is not a life sentence. Through targeted therapeutic interventions, the brain and body can be guided back to a state of balance, allowing for true healing rather than just symptom management. Approaches like Brainspotting, EMDR, and Neurofeedback have been proven to help rewire the brain, release stored trauma from the body, and restore the nervous system to a healthy state. These therapies work by tapping into the brain’s natural capacity for healing, promoting neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

At Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, we use these evidence-based methods to help clients address the root causes of their trauma, enabling them to move beyond survival mode and begin thriving again. By understanding the science behind trauma, we can offer therapies that not only alleviate symptoms but also foster deep, lasting recovery.

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Our Approach to Trauma Counseling

At Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, we believe that true healing from trauma is not only possible—it’s transformative. Our approach to trauma counseling is rooted in the latest scientific research and combines a range of evidence-based therapies that address the root causes of trauma, offering more than just symptom management. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care that empowers our clients to move beyond their past experiences and reclaim a life of peace, fulfillment, and well-being.

Brainspotting

Brainspotting, developed by Dr. David Grand, is a powerful therapeutic tool that helps clients access and process deeply stored trauma in the brain and body. By identifying specific “brainspots” in the client’s visual field that are linked to traumatic memories, Brainspotting allows us to target the precise areas where trauma is held. This method facilitates profound emotional release and healing, enabling clients to move forward without the weight of past experiences holding them back.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

EMDR is an extensively researched therapy that has proven highly effective in helping clients reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and impact. During EMDR sessions, clients engage in guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, which help the brain integrate traumatic memories into their broader life narrative. This process allows clients to view their traumatic experiences with greater clarity and less distress, ultimately helping them regain control over their lives.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is an innovative, non-invasive therapy that trains the brain to self-regulate, helping to reduce symptoms of trauma and promote overall mental health. Drawing on the work of Sebern Fisher, who has highlighted its effectiveness in treating developmental trauma, neurofeedback works by helping clients retrain their brain’s activity patterns. This therapy is particularly beneficial for those who have experienced prolonged or early-life trauma, as it helps to calm the nervous system and establish new, healthier neural pathways.

Mind-Body Medicine

We recognize the deep connection between the mind and body in the experience of trauma. Our mind-body approach includes techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and somatic therapy to help clients reconnect with their bodies and release the physical tension that often accompanies trauma. By fostering somatic awareness, these practices support the healing process, helping clients build a stronger sense of self and bodily integrity, which is crucial for lasting recovery.

Integrating Insights from “The Body Keeps the Score”

Our approach is informed by the pioneering work of Bessel van der Kolk, particularly his book The Body Keeps the Score, which explores how trauma is stored in the body. We incorporate these insights into our treatment plans, focusing on the importance of addressing both the mind and body in trauma recovery. This holistic approach ensures that clients receive comprehensive care that addresses the full scope of their trauma.

Healing from Psychological Abuse

In cases of psychological abuse, which is often hidden and overlooked, we utilize Shannon Thomas’s method from her book Healing from Hidden Abuse. This structured, step-by-step approach is designed to help clients recognize, understand, and recover from the effects of psychological abuse, empowering them to rebuild their lives and regain their sense of self.

Personalized Treatment Plans

We understand that each person’s experience of trauma is unique, which is why we create personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs and goals of each client. Our therapists collaborate closely with clients to develop a comprehensive approach that may include one or more of the therapies mentioned above, ensuring that each client receives the most effective treatment for their situation.

A Holistic Path to Healing

At Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, our holistic approach to trauma counseling treats the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Whether through Brainspotting, EMDR, Neurofeedback, or mind-body techniques, our goal is to help clients move beyond merely managing symptoms to achieving deep, lasting recovery. We are committed to guiding our clients every step of the way on their journey to healing, helping them embrace a future filled with hope, peace, and fulfillment.

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Services Provided

At Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, we offer a comprehensive range of trauma counseling services designed to help clients heal from the deep and lasting effects of trauma. Our approach goes beyond symptom management, focusing on addressing the root causes of trauma to facilitate true recovery and long-term well-being. Each service is tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients, providing them with the tools and support they need to regain control of their lives and achieve lasting healing.

Individual Trauma Counseling

Our individual trauma counseling sessions provide a safe, confidential space for clients to explore and process their traumatic experiences. Using a combination of evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as Brainspotting, EMDR, and Neurofeedback, our therapists work closely with clients to develop personalized treatment plans that address the specific areas of trauma affecting their lives. These sessions are designed to help clients release emotional and physical tension, restore balance to their nervous system, and achieve deep, lasting healing.

Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a specialized therapy that helps clients access and process deeply stored trauma within the brain and body. By identifying specific “brainspots” linked to traumatic memories, our therapists can target the exact areas where trauma is held. This approach facilitates profound emotional release and healing, enabling clients to move forward without the weight of past experiences.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

EMDR is a highly effective therapy for reprocessing traumatic memories and reducing their emotional impact. During EMDR sessions, clients engage in guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, which help integrate traumatic memories into their broader life narrative. This therapy is particularly beneficial for treating PTSD and other trauma-related conditions, helping clients regain control over their emotional responses and move toward a more peaceful state of mind.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is a cutting-edge, non-invasive therapy that trains the brain to self-regulate, reducing symptoms of trauma and promoting overall mental health. This approach helps clients retrain their brain’s activity patterns, calming the nervous system and creating new, healthier neural pathways. Neurofeedback is especially beneficial for clients who have experienced prolonged or developmental trauma, as it helps restore balance and stability to both the mind and body.

Mind-Body Medicine

Our mind-body medicine approach recognizes the deep connection between the mind and body in the experience of trauma. We incorporate techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and somatic therapy to help clients reconnect with their bodies and release the physical tension associated with trauma. These practices support the healing process, helping clients build a stronger sense of self and bodily integrity, which is essential for lasting recovery.

Healing from Psychological Abuse

Psychological abuse can be particularly insidious, often leaving hidden scars that are difficult to address. At Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, we utilize Shannon Thomas’s method from her book Healing from Hidden Abuse to provide a structured, step-by-step approach to recovering from psychological abuse. This method helps clients recognize and heal from the emotional and mental harm they have experienced, empowering them to rebuild their lives and regain their sense of self.

Family Counseling

Trauma doesn’t just affect individuals—it can impact entire families. Our family counseling services are designed to address the ways in which trauma can strain relationships and disrupt family dynamics. By working together in a supportive therapeutic environment, families can rebuild trust, improve communication, and create a stronger, more connected family unit. Family counseling is particularly valuable for addressing intergenerational trauma and helping all family members heal together.

Integrative Therapy Plans

We understand that each client’s experience of trauma is unique, which is why we create integrative therapy plans tailored to the specific needs and goals of each individual. Our therapists collaborate with clients to develop a comprehensive approach that may include one or more of the therapies mentioned above. This personalized care ensures that each client receives the most effective treatment for their situation, promoting true healing and long-term recovery.

Get Started Today

At Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, our trauma counseling services are designed to provide compassionate, expert care that empowers clients to heal deeply and fully. We are committed to helping you move beyond the effects of trauma and reclaim a life of peace, fulfillment, and well-being.

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Benefits of Trauma Counseling

Trauma counseling at Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, offers numerous benefits for individuals seeking to heal from the profound impacts of traumatic experiences. Our approach is designed to go beyond simply managing symptoms, providing clients with the tools and support they need to achieve true recovery and lasting well-being. Here are some of the key benefits of our trauma counseling services:

Deep Emotional Healing

Our trauma counseling services focus on addressing the root causes of trauma, allowing clients to process and release deeply stored emotions. This deep emotional healing helps clients move beyond the pain and distress associated with their traumatic experiences, enabling them to live more fulfilling lives.

Restoration of Balance in the Nervous System

Trauma can leave the nervous system in a state of constant dysregulation, leading to symptoms like anxiety, hypervigilance, and sleep disturbances. Through therapies like Neurofeedback and mind-body techniques, we help clients restore balance to their nervous system, promoting a sense of calm and stability.

Improved Emotional Regulation

Many individuals struggling with trauma find it difficult to regulate their emotions, leading to intense mood swings, anger, or numbness. Our trauma counseling services, including Neurofeedback and Brainspotting, help clients regain control over their emotional responses, leading to more consistent and manageable emotions.

Enhanced Self-Esteem
and Self-Worth

Trauma can severely impact a person’s sense of self, leading to feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem. Our counseling services, particularly in addressing psychological abuse, empower clients to rebuild their self-worth and develop a stronger, more positive self-image.

Strengthened Relationships and Family Bonds

Trauma often affects not just the individual, but their relationships with others, particularly within families. Our family counseling services help repair and strengthen these relationships, fostering better communication, trust, and understanding among family members.

Relief from PTSD and Trauma-Related Symptoms

Trauma counseling is particularly effective in alleviating the symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts. Therapies like EMDR and Brainspotting help reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact and helping clients find relief from these distressing symptoms.

Recovery from Psychological Abuse

For those who have experienced psychological abuse, our counseling services offer a structured path to recovery. By using Shannon Thomas’s method from Healing from Hidden Abuse, we help clients recognize and heal from the hidden scars of psychological abuse, empowering them to reclaim their lives and their sense of self.

Greater Resilience and Coping Skills

Through trauma counseling, clients develop stronger coping skills and resilience, enabling them to better handle future challenges and stressors. These skills are essential for maintaining mental and emotional health long after therapy has ended.

Increased Mind-Body Connection

Our mind-body approach to trauma counseling helps clients reconnect with their bodies, fostering greater somatic awareness and physical well-being. This increased mind-body connection is crucial for healing the physical manifestations of trauma and achieving overall health.

True Healing and Transformation

Ultimately, the goal of our trauma counseling services is to provide clients with the opportunity for true healing and transformation. By addressing the root causes of trauma and supporting clients through their recovery, we help them move from merely surviving to truly thriving, enabling them to live fuller, more peaceful lives.

Get Started Today

At Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, we are committed to helping you achieve these benefits through our comprehensive and compassionate trauma counseling services. We believe in the possibility of healing and are here to support you every step of the way.

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Our Commitment to Your Healing

At Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, we are deeply committed to supporting you on your journey to healing from trauma. We understand that trauma can profoundly impact every aspect of your life, and we believe that true recovery requires more than just managing symptoms—it requires addressing the root causes of your pain and providing a path to lasting peace and fulfillment.

Our approach to trauma counseling is built on a foundation of compassion, expertise, and individualized care. We recognize that each person’s experience of trauma is unique, and we are dedicated to tailoring our services to meet your specific needs and goals. Whether you are struggling with the effects of a single traumatic event or the cumulative impact of prolonged distress, we are here to guide you toward healing at a pace that feels right for you.

We utilize a variety of evidence-based therapies, including Brainspotting, EMDR, Neurofeedback, and mind-body techniques, to help you process and release the emotional and physical burdens of trauma. Our therapists are not only skilled in these modalities but also deeply empathetic, providing a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your experiences and work toward recovery without fear of judgment.

At Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, we are dedicated to helping you achieve true and lasting healing. Together, we will work to restore balance, reclaim your sense of self, and create a life filled with hope, resilience, and fulfillment. Your healing is our priority, and we are committed to being with you every step of the way.

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FAQ’s

Trauma counseling is a specialized form of therapy designed to help individuals heal from the emotional, psychological, and physical impacts of traumatic experiences. It goes beyond symptom management to address the root causes of trauma, enabling true recovery. Through evidence-based therapies like Brainspotting, EMDR, and Neurofeedback, trauma counseling can help you process and release deeply stored trauma, restore balance to your nervous system, and regain control over your life.

If you’ve experienced a traumatic event or prolonged exposure to distress and are struggling with symptoms like anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, or a sense of disconnection, trauma counseling may be beneficial. It’s especially helpful if you feel stuck in patterns of fear, anger, or sadness that you can’t seem to overcome on your own. An intake session with one of our therapists can help determine if trauma counseling is right for you.

We treat a wide range of traumas, including those resulting from accidents, abuse (physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual), loss, natural disasters, and prolonged exposure to stressful environments. We also specialize in treating developmental trauma, PTSD, and the effects of psychological abuse using Shannon Thomas’s method from Healing from Hidden Abuse.

The duration of trauma counseling varies depending on the individual’s needs, the severity of the trauma, and the progress made during therapy. Some clients may benefit from short-term counseling, while others may require ongoing support over several months or longer. Our therapists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that outlines the expected duration and goals of therapy.

The duration of trauma counseling varies depending on the individual’s needs, the severity of the trauma, and the progress made during therapy. Some clients may benefit from short-term counseling, while others may require ongoing support over several months or longer. Our therapists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that outlines the expected duration and goals of therapy.

During a trauma counseling session, you will work with your therapist to explore and process your traumatic experiences in a safe, supportive environment. Depending on your treatment plan, sessions may involve Brainspotting, EMDR, Neurofeedback, mind-body techniques, or a combination of these therapies. The focus will be on helping you release the emotional and physical tension associated with trauma and regain a sense of safety and control.

Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of our practice. What you discuss in trauma counseling is protected by privacy laws, and our therapists are committed to maintaining your confidentiality. The only exceptions to this rule are situations where there is a legal obligation to report concerns, such as in cases of suspected abuse or threats of harm to yourself or others.

Trauma can be truly healed, not just managed. Through targeted therapeutic interventions like those offered at Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, the brain and body can be guided back to a state of balance, allowing for deep, lasting recovery. Our approach is designed to address the root causes of trauma, helping you move beyond survival mode and into a life of greater peace and fulfillment.

Family involvement in trauma counseling can be beneficial, especially if the trauma has affected your relationships or family dynamics. We offer family counseling sessions to help address these issues and foster better communication and understanding. However, the level of family involvement is ultimately up to you and will be discussed with your therapist as part of your treatment plan.

It’s completely normal to feel apprehensive about discussing your trauma. At Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, we work at your pace, ensuring that you feel safe and supported throughout the process. Therapies like Brainspotting and EMDR can help you process trauma without needing to verbally recount every detail, making the healing process more accessible and less overwhelming.

Getting started is easy. Simply contact us to schedule an intake session with one of our therapists. During this meeting, we’ll discuss your needs, answer any questions you may have, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific situation. We are here to support you every step of the way on your journey to healing.

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Additional Resources

The National Center for PTSD (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

  • A comprehensive resource offering information on PTSD, trauma treatment options, and coping strategies for both veterans and civilians.
  • Website: www.ptsd.va.gov

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)

  • Provides a wealth of information on trauma and PTSD, including research, treatment guidelines, and resources for both survivors and professionals.
  • Website: www.istss.org

The Trauma Recovery Institute

  • An organization dedicated to providing education and resources for trauma survivors, with a focus on holistic healing approaches and community support.
  • Website: www.traumarecoveryinstitute.org

Brainspotting International

  • Learn more about Brainspotting therapy, including how it works and how it can help in trauma recovery. Includes resources for finding certified practitioners.
  • Website: www.brainspotting.com

EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)

  • Offers detailed information on EMDR therapy, including its effectiveness in treating trauma, as well as resources for finding certified EMDR therapists.
  • Website: www.emdria.org

The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

  • A groundbreaking book that explores how trauma is stored in the body and how various therapeutic approaches can help in the healing process. Available in bookstores and online retailers.

Healing from Hidden Abuse by Shannon Thomas, LCSW

  • A book that provides a structured, step-by-step approach to recovering from psychological abuse, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for healing.

Sidran Institute

  • A non-profit organization that provides resources and support for people dealing with trauma and dissociation, as well as their loved ones and care providers.
  • Website: www.sidran.org

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

  • A resource offering extensive information on trauma in children and adolescents, including guides for parents and caregivers on how to support young trauma survivors.
  • Website: www.nctsn.org
A woman smiles as she speaks with her therapist, having healed from trauma