Trauma is the result of how your mind and body respond to an event that you perceived as threatening.

Trauma

We all respond to traumatic events differently, and two people can experience the same event and have very different perceptions, feelings and reactions to it.

Traumas can be caused through a single incident, such as a car accident, natural disaster, sexual assault, or invasive medical procedure. Traumas can also be developmental, created over years of neglect and/or abuse. Trauma symptoms present on a wide spectrum, and can include eating and sleep issues, hyper-vigilance, disassociation, anxiety, depression, difficulties with concentration and isolation to name a few. Following a trauma, some individuals develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) characterized by experiencing flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares and changes in mood.

While traumas are common and occur everyday, there are many traumas and related symptoms that will not go away without help. If you feel isolated, struggle to regulate your emotions and/or are ready to finally process your trauma and regain your life, we can help.

“Trauma creates change you don’t choose. Healing is about creating change you do choose. ”

Michelle Rosenthal

Sexual Assault

Dealing with the after-effects of sexual assault or harassment can be an isolating, exhausting and frightening experience. Sexual assault and sexual harassment are extremely stressful, terrifying events that can severely disrupt a person’s life and wellbeing. It is common to blame yourself or have doubts about the reality of what occurred. This self-doubt, in combination with the stigma around sexual assault, often prevents survivors from getting the help that they need.  Following a sexual assault or experience of sexual harassment, you may feel guarded and on edge, suffer from insomnia and/or nightmares, struggle to stay focused at work and feel disconnected from others. You may avoid people and situations that remind you of the assault, fearing anything that might trigger painful memories and feelings. You might also vacillate between feeling emotionally heightened and feeling nothing at all. And, you may turn to alcohol, drugs, sex, food or other potentially harmful vices to numb out or cope with the pain.

Thankfully, there are many effective approaches to treating sexual assault and trauma. One of our skilled and compassionate therapists can offer you guidance, support and effective strategies needed to process your trauma and gain control of your life. Regardless of where you are in your healing process, we are here to provide the space and tools to help you move forward from reliving the past and reclaim your life.

Therapists who work with trauma